I'm sorry this took so long. I was completely uninspired for a few days. However, recent spoilers have perked me up again. Thanks so much for reviewing. It what makes me want to continue.
I promise to have the next chapter up tomorrow night (if you guys want me to…)
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Cuddy continued to knock as the gunman headed for the door grinning. "Ah…look Dr. House, just as I expected… our guest of honor has arrived in a valiant effort to save her precious hospital."
House cringed as he watched the man approach her. Cuddy why the hell didn't you get out of here with everybody else?
"Dr. Cuddy so nice of you to join us"
Taken aback at the familiarity in the man's tone, Cuddy stuttered, "How…how do you know who I am?"
Once again the gunman's laugh reverberated through the silence of the empty hospital. He looked at Cuddy, his face turning stone cold.
"BITCH!"
Suddenly, and without warning, he lifted his hand and smacked Cuddy sharply across her cheek.
Cuddy fell to the floor gasping, desperately holding back tears. House dropped his cane and ran as best he could. Forcing himself into an awkward sitting position beside Cuddy, he lifted his hand to her cheek assessing any damage.
Smiling once again, the gunman allowed the scene to unfold before him, curious about House's concern over a slap in the face when he hadn't so much as lifted a finger to help the gunshot victim.
"Cuddy, Jesus!" House whispered, "So you figured out where I was – you didn't have to come in here and gloat."
Cuddy's lips curled into a small smile. "House my hospital is on the line. Not everything has to do with you."
"Maybe not. But this does. You should be out there being an administrator, doing this the right way with hostage negotiators. Instead you're in here getting beat up by a madman." Turning to the gunman, house added, "No offense nutcase."
The gunman moved closer to House and Cuddy who sat huddled together on the floor of the clinic. "Oh…she's going to get more than beat up." When I'm through with her, I'll have a shiny new diagnosis, and you Dr. House, will have a brand new Dean of Medicine."
House grabbed Cuddy's waist as she leaped toward the man, "You bastard! Why are you doing this?!" Cuddy screamed.
"I, Dr. Cuddy, am doing this because of you! Don't you remember our little chats over the past three years? I pleaded with you to let me meet with Dr. House over and over again." his voice grew soft, "I was sick Dr. Cuddy, and you denied me help again and again!"
Looking closer as the man continued, Cuddy remembered. He was much weaker now, his skin was jaundiced and the rings under his eyes were deeper. His illness had obviously taken its toll. He had called many times looking for House and had come in begging for an appointment. Cuddy had tried to get House to take the case, but House, being House, didn't find it interesting enough.
"Sam Daniels.", Cuddy whispered.
"So you do remember? Excellent. Now you'll know the name of the man that takes your life" He snarled. "My body has deteriorated since we last spoke. I've been given only six months to live. Even when Dr. House diagnoses me – it will be too late. So you see Dr. Cuddy, An eye for an eye. A life for a life."
Taking a few steps toward a hospital bed, he continued, his evil grin once again plastered on his face, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have your wonderful staff here assist me in getting some equipment ready so that you, House and I can play doctor."
Cuddy began to tremble, her breaths were uneven, and a tiny whimper escaped her mouth.
House swept his arms around her small frame and brought her in close. "Shhhh…" he whispered, "I'm not going to let him touch you. Do you hear me Cuddy? He will not touch you." House softly stroked Cuddy's bruised cheek as she looked up at him frozen with fear. Her bruise was dark crimson and slightly swollen. Her eyes were puffy, and remnants of tears rested on her lower lids.
"C'mon Cuddy… breathe." House continued, "I told you I won't let that lunatic near you and you know I always get my way." He forced a smile
Sliding his fingers down her cheekbone, House gently cradled her face in his hand. Lifting her chin he allowed his thumb to wash over her bottom lip. Unexpectedly overcome with emotion, torn apart with gratitude for her presence and fear for her life, House bent down and brought his lips to hers.
