This wasn't the first time Billy had called you in the middle of the night. But this was the first time he called you asking for your dad, the Chief of Police.

You'd raced downstairs as soon as the landline rang, a familiar routine when Billy would suddenly call when you were supposed to be asleep. As soon as you picked up, you were met with your boyfriend's sobbing voice.

"Hey, darlin'... I need help. Your old man there?"

Hopper got out of bed when you called, grumbling about stupid boys and stupider boyfriends. But his attitude changed when Billy told him what happened. It was hard to make out through his hoarse sobs, but it sounded like Neil had gotten physical with Max. Billy stepped in, Neil turned on Billy, and Billy finally lost it after years of putting up with Neil's shit.

El insisted on coming along, as Max was her best friend. The two girls sat on the porch, El doing her best to bandage the redhead up. Billy was sitting on the couch, staring blankly at the wall. His face was just as busted up as Max's and his knuckles were a bloody mess. His stepmom, Max's real mom, was pacing anxiously.

"Neil.." she started, trying not to break down. "I moved the body to the garage. Please, Chief, call it self-defense or whatever the charge. Or tell everyone I did it and arrest me, just..."

Hopper sighed, pinching his nose. He was Chief of Police, but he was also a father. And he didn't think he could charge Billy in good conscience, knowing what went on in this house daily. There were of domestic dispute calls to the address that he could probably get him off, or cover up and Susan just tell everyone Neil abandoned them. It was believable enough, and Hawkins wouldn't miss him.