Where's Jim? (Trollhunters)

Attack

At the request of the police detective, who had identified herself as officer Saundra, Claire and Toby were now both sitting in the police station. It was chaos there as officers ran around, strapping on weapons and any last minute items they may have forgotten. It was nice to see they were actually taking a case seriously for once.

Barbara hurried into the police department, her eyes locking on the two children quickly. She took a seat next to them. "They have a lead! It was you two, wasn't it? You told them something they could follow."

Toby nodded. "I just remembered hearing Strickland talk a lot about how much time he's been spending in the museum lately. Plus, with how much of it's been under construction lately, it's entirely possible someone is keeping him there. At least, that's what detective Saundra said."

"They're going to investigate now. Thank you both for being there. I realize that I shut down in a time I should've been most proactive. I guess being faced with the reality that I'd lose the two most important people in my life was too much to bear. I'm grateful to both of you." Barbara smiled at them.

"It's no problem at all. Jim's always been there for us when we need him, so it was only right to do the same. He's a really good person."

"I know, but it makes me happy to hear the same sentiment coming from his friends. I'm glad he's turned out to be such a good kid."

The station cleared out quickly, turning into just a few people short of a ghost town. Now the worst part: the waiting.

--

Detective Saundra slowly opened the back door to the museum, leading her partner in silently. Sure, maybe it was just a long shot that the kid was here. After all, Strickler was a teacher, and those types always seemed to love going to museums an absurd amount. But there weren't really any other leads to follow, not when cameras and phone records had all failed and when witnesses had not been present. The museum director Nomura had been more than willing to let them in anyway, appearing extremely concerned that a missing child may be on her property.

"This place is creepy." Childers, Saundra's partner, whispered.

"Well, it is a museum filled with ancient artifacts that many consider haunted. Besides, how would you feel if you were the kid and you were in here? Man up and let's find him." Saundra rolled her eyes. 

"He'd have to be in the area that's closed, right? No way they could keep him out here, and too many people would go to the basement to keep him there. Only one option left."

"Well, if that's where your detective work is leading you, then let's go. Kid's probably scared out of his mind right now."

Jim is starting to forget what it's like not waking up without a headache, This face is also prickling uncomfortably, stinging from where he'd been slapped repeatedly. But something woke him up this time. Not like the last few, where the drug had worn off. He'd...heard something? Footsteps yet again, stalking across the marble floor, but completely different from Strickler's. Maybe...maybe help had finally arrived! But it could also be backup for Strickler. He needs to wait and learn more.

"There he is! I told you they'd be keeping him here." A man's voice whispers excitedly.

"Good detective work. Let's get him out of here, pronto." A woman's voice this time. The footsteps grow closer.

Something cold and metal is pressed against his neck. "I'm afraid he's not going anywhere anytime soon. I still have use for him." Strickler's voice says, sending a shiver down Jim's back. This wasn't good.