"HOUSE!"
Said doctor and diagnostician looked up at the sound of his name. "What did I do this time?"
"You know perfectly damn well what!" Cuddy growled, her stomping footsteps matching her fury perfectly. "Who is this new nurse you hired!? She's a joke!"
"My thoughts exactly. I think she's a lovely person," House replied conversationally, giving his boss a dubious look. "Have you even met her?"
"I've heard enough to know she has no place in a hospital like this." Cuddy attempted unsuccessfully to glare him down.
"Well, we have to change that!" With some difficulty, House grabbed her wrist and limp-dragged her down the hallway.
It didn't take long to find his new employee. He found her at the entrance of the ICU, rubbing her hands with hand sanitizer. Her auburn curls prevented Cuddy from getting a good look initially.
"Matilda, have you met Dr. Cuddy? We work together."
'Matilda' looked up, and Cuddy saw her face was exactly as the Ducklings had described it. White face make-up, black around the eyes, and a horribly painted smile.
"No, I don't believe I have," she answered, her tongue wrapping around a flat Midwestern accent. "Evening, doctor," she greeted, extending a masculine hand.
Cuddy declined, opting for a polite "nice to meet you" before quickly walking away.
Matilda raised an eyebrow. "What's her problem?"
"Noooo idea," House sighed, before turning to the nurse. "Would you awfully mind checking on Mr. Dent? Make sure he hasn't died, or whatever."
"With pleasure." An even wider grin spread over her painted face as she set off to complete her task.
