Title: Family Ties
Chapter 12 – A Real Reason to Panic
"Ohhhh…damn…" Chase grumbles as his brain slowly starts to force his body to reawaken.
'Can you help me…'
Chase's mind hears the voice…there was something oddly familiar but the face was different. He followed. Heading for the laundry room.
'The machine is stuck…wife will kill me…kill me…' the voice echoes in his head as his eyes blink and he sees flashes of himself enter the laundry room. A noise. A low mocking laugh.
'Hello Dr. Chase…' the voice whispers as his eyes widen. But it was only mere seconds before a small needle was shoved into his stomach and his lips could only utter a surprised gasp. He looked down just as his body temperature started to warm.
'In a few seconds you'll be in real danger…'
"Who…are you…" Chase had asked as his vision started to blur.
'The grim reaper…' the man sneered as Chase felt his heart starting to ache.
"What…did you give…me…"
'A taste of things to come. Goodnight Dr. Chase.'
Chase finally gets his eyes to focus, his mind telling him that not all was right. He quickly surmises that he's still in the laundry room, the lights off…but his left wrist…"ah damn it…" Chase growls as he tries to pull his captive wrist free. He squints at the plastic tubing binding his wrist to the door handle of one of the machines and races to find a way to free himself and get back upstairs before his delay causes any trouble.
"Move….ahh damn!" Chase huffs as his head continues to lightly spin. His free right hand does a quick body search to the best of it's ability; thankfully determining that he wasn't injured in any other way. What the hell was that all about? That man…was he the same man that attacked me at work? In the parking garage…the stairwell?...but why? What's his game? More to come? When! Why? WHO ARE YOU!
But Chase's mind knows he doesn't have time to dwell on that right now – freedom was his first priority. He tugs on his wrist and then slumps back against the cold machine with an angry huff. As much as he tries to concentrate on finding something to set himself free with, he can't help but try to put a name to the angry face that had offered the surprise attack – his brain of course not knowing that Wayne was in full disguise and no amount of searching could put together the correct identity.
"Who the hell….is it?" Chase grumbles as he pulls on his wrist once more. He frantically looks around as he tries to jiggle the metal handle keeping him captive. "Move…ah damn it!" Chase curses in frustration as he pulls on his wrist once more and then slumps back in angry frustration.
But not wanting to just wait for someone to happen by, Chase tries to twist his body, slowly bringing his knees to his chest and reaching for one of his shoes; hoping to use the heel to dislodge the handle and pull the plastic tubing free. He pulls his left wrist down as best he can and then bangs at the handle; hitting the top of his hand and forcing his lips to grumble in contempt.
You can't give up…you have to beat House home so that he doesn't get p…ah damn I have to tell him…Chase's mind spirals as he hits the handle once more and then waits for the stinging in his hand to subside before a third attempt is made.
He finally remembers his has his keys and so tries to get his left hip to cooperate with his right hand – a task that wasn't very comfortable or successful at first. Chase hears shuffling in the distance and stops his movements; wondering if he should call out or if perhaps it was his captor – lingering. Why would he still be here? His mind scolds.
"HELLO!" Chase calls out as he halts his actions to listen. Nothing. The shuffling is muffled by the sound of elevator doors closing and then silence. "Come on!" Chase growls as he tries to get his keys to cooperate. Finally he's able to get them onto his hip, his right hand to yank them upward and then finally free. Cut the tubing! His mind yells as Chase flings his right arm over, his hand starting to frantically saw at the tubing keeping him captive.
A few minutes later, a brief but sharp pain forces his lungs to hiss and his actions to stop; his eyes closing momentarily as he tries to get his heart rate to lower. Deep breath…concentrate…deep breath…focus…okay try again…. Chase instructs himself as he hears the key's progress as it cuts through the thick tubing. Small beads of sweat start to gain strength and soon his back is damp and his right hand has to pause to wipe a few stubborn beads before the escape the damp hairline and slide into his eyes.
"House…is gonna be…mad," Chase whispers to himself as he starts to make real progress. The tubing finally snaps free and Chase quickly pulls his left arm to his side and rests his weary frame a few seconds before chancing to get upright. He slowly sits up, telling himself that fast actions could hinder his progress; takes a deep breath, grips the side of the nearby machine and pulls himself up.
"Ahhhh," Chase grumbles as he rubs the back of his head before his right and rest s on his stomach, his left hand keeping fast hold of his keys in case they were needed for something more than a cutting agent. He hurries toward the dimly lit hallway, cursing the fact that the lights were only partially on and then enters the main foyer area. His eyes quickly scan the entranceway – nothing. Quiet, empty and devoid of life. The plants didn't count as they just stood as ominous but mute witnesses – having seen everything but to testify to it.
Chase hurries toward the elevators, praying that House was still delayed at work and he'd be able to get back upstairs, start dinner and then…act like nothing happened? His brain inwardly groans as he leans against the cool walls of the slowly moving steel box. They had made such progress when it came to being open and honest with each other and Chase had promised that he would tell House he would keep it up. But at the same time he….he said this was a taste of things to come! You have to tell House! His brain shouts as the elevator comes to a stop. The doors open and Chase heads for their apartment with apprehension starting to blossom.
He hears House's angry voice inside and visibly cringes. Just get it over with…his mind urges as he pushes the key into the lock, frowning as the door opens with ease.
"I gotta go Wilson…Robert?" House's voice calls out. "Is that you?"
"Yes…it's me," Chase gently groans as he closes the door and then turns to see House watching him. "You're home early."
"My ducky senses were tingling. Where were you?"
"Out," Chase tosses back in sarcasm.
"I have been calling and calling…" House starts in a somewhat angry tone as he slowly hobbles toward his duckling; his expression tight and his hand waving Chase's phone in the air as Chase stands silent a few meters away. "I thought I told you…" House's voice trails off as Chase comes into full light.
"It wasn't…" Chase starts as he holds up the piece of chewed up plastic, "intentional."
"What the hell is that?" House asks as he stands a few feet from Chase, inspecting him in concern.
"It wasn't…"
"Don't you dare say it wasn't a big deal," House lightly warns as he gently guides Chase toward the bathroom.
"I was going to say it wasn't my fault."
"Who did this? What happened?" House asks in haste.
"I don't know. I was up here…the buzzer started to ring. At first I thought it was you. It rang again…and again…and I just…"
"Left without taking your phone?" House lightly growls as Chase nods in resignation.
"It was just down to the entranceway and I wanted to see who it was. There were no kids but there was a man in the entranceway. He mentioned about the kids playing with the buzzers and I…."
"Believed him?"
"Well I had no reason not to."
"You do now," House retorts as Chase slightly narrows his eyes and slaps House's hand away before he can fully remove his sweater.
"Ok-ay so that was uncalled for," House huffs as he looks at Chase with a heavy frown. "Did you see his face?"
"Yes. He wore a baseball cap. He had black hair and a black mustache and he…I didn't know him House. I didn't know his face."
"What happened?"
"He asked me for help with the washers and…"
"What? And you believed him?"
"Can I finish!" Chase growls as House puts up his hands in surrender and nods. "Good. He told me about his wife and I had no reason to suspect anything so I went. We made small talk about nothing until we reached the laundry room and then I stopped. When I turned around he stuck a needle into my stomach and within seconds I was out. When I came to my left wrist was zip-tied to a dryer door handle and I just…got myself free. End of story."
"Not end of story," House grumbles as he notices the faint bruise on Chase's cheek and frowns. "What else did he hurt?"
"My pride, okay? I feel foolish for trusting him but like I said…I had no reason not to. Does he sound like someone you've seen around here?"
"No," House admits with a sigh. "But that doesn't mean anything. Come you need to rest."
"I'm okay and I won't break."
"You nearly die…"
"Really? How long will you be holding that over my head? Chase watch that hangnail you nearly died two days ago!" Chase grumbles as he pushes past House and stomps toward his bedroom, his mind angry at his own frustration of being targeted but not really knowing why. House waits a few minutes and then slowly makes his way toward Chase's bedroom, slowly pushing the door open and gazing at the healing cut on Chase's back.
"Your back looks better."
"Feels better," Chase mumbles softly as he pulls a clean sweater of his head and turns to face House with a heavy frown. "I don't know why this man wants to hurt me."
"The mere fact than he wants to hurt you and apparently succeeds is what makes me angry," House qualifies in a softer tone. "I'm not mad at you. I'm feeling helpless and you know how much fun I have when I am feeling helpless."
"About as much fun as me waking up, handcuffed to a dryer."
"Was it at least turned off?" House lightly quips as Chase's face softens. "How are you feeling?"
"Anxious," Chase comments as House eases himself down on the bed beside him. "Angry, frustrated…why the damn games?"
"Describe his build," House requests as he takes Chase's left hand in his to examine the cuts from the tight plastic.
"He was just a bit taller than me but not as tall as you. Bigger built but not as big as Bruno. White. No accent."
"Canadian?" House lightly quips as Chase shrugs. "Maybe he didn't like paying for his high medical bill."
"I don't know. The voice…it could have been the same as the man in the parking lot or stairwell but…"
"But what?" House presses impatiently.
"But it was lower…softer…angrier…I don't know okay?" Chase huffs as he jerks his hand back. "I wish he would just tell me instead of playing these stupid games. What?"
"You have…stuff…stuck to your hair," House tells Chase as he plucks a piece of debris that he had picked up while laying on the floor and flicks it away. "What else did he say to you?"
"Same crap as before. I deserve this or something like it…look I don't…" Chase's voice trails off as a small grumble is heard.
"Supper time."
"I wanted to make super," Chase states with a heavy frown as he slowly stands up and heads for the door, House watching him in concern. "As a surprise," he adds before he disappears into the hallway and out of view. House hurries after Chase and catches up to him in the kitchen, Chase busy putting things away – silently.
"You can talk about this."
"About what? It's not like I was assaulted or anything," Chase frowns. "Some guy with…"
"This guy went through a lot of trouble to follow you, put on a what I'm assuming is a disguise, lure to him by pretending some kids were hassling you, lie to you and then attack. It's not minor no matter how much you try to pretend it'll just sweep itself under the rug."
"I'd call the police but if he was wearing a disguise then what good would it do? The building doesn't have cameras in the lobby or the laundry room…so much for a good night's sleep," Chase grumbles as he grabs the package of cured meat and puts it into the fridge. He turns back to see House holding up a box, handing it to him.
"I was hoping it would help with tonight."
"Thank you," Chase utters in an undertone as he looks at the box in his grasp and then up at House with a frown.
"Trust me, a pill wouldn't have kept tonight's thoughts at bay; it would have only made them worse. Supper time."
Chase nods as he lets House prepare the fresh meat that he had bought earlier, the meat he was thankfully able to get into the fridge before his attack. He asks about the project and what medical mysteries House solved today…or rather bullied his team into solving; making small comments when appropriate.
But dinner is quieter than normal and the conversation somewhat strained; Chase trying to push everything aside like it was no big deal and House trying to push back his desire to wrap Chase in an indestructible bubble – trying to find a balance between over protective and appropriately concerned was proving to be an uphill battle.
"Can you pass the knife please?"
"Knife?" Chase wonders as he looks down at his plate and then what's left on the table. "To cut what?"
"The thick tension," House retorts. "You can't blame me can you? And yes I'm going to throw back at you that you did nearly die and before that you were attacked – twice with the same results as now – nothing on who it could be or their motive."
"What else am I supposed to do? I can't exactly hand out flyers asking people to see if they remember a man who probably removed his phony hair and mustache as soon as I was out, entering the building as one person and leaving as someone else," Chase gently complains. "Yeah how far would that get me?"
"Peace of mind?" House suggests with a small shrug as Chase offers him a small smile for his efforts. "I'll do the dishes."
"I don't mind…I need to keep busy."
"Wanna talk it?" House gently urges.
"No…" Chase pauses with a heavy sigh, "I just want to keep busy. I don't know what he wants but I don't want to sit and dwell on it either. Please…just let me help."
Despite the fact that he can see fatigue wearing on Chase's pale skin, he understands his reasoning for wanting to keep busy as opposed to going into the living room where he'd sit and dwell on the events of the day. However his mind was now racing as to the motive and another possible attack. The man had waited for Chase…waited…did he know about Chase being sidelined for a few days? He had been at the hospital twice. Did he know he was injured and then sought him out further – coming to his private home to lurk and then pounce? House feels his hand tighten around one of the washing utensils and then eases back before he can do the helpless instrument damage. As much as he wants to keep Chase safe from harm, finding a balance now would almost be impossible, especially when he lets his eyes linger on the distinct circular cut atop Chase's left hand; and knowing that when Chase was out, his attacker could have done so much more to hurt him.
After the kitchen was cleaned, it was too late for some TV so Chase takes his new portable CD player and relaxation CD and heads for his bedroom to get it set up. He had moved the picture of him and House by the beach in Melbourne so it was now resting beside the CD player, hoping the happy memory would help get him through the night with less agitation.
"Need some warm milk?" House asks lightly as he hovers in the doorway to Chase's bedroom.
"I need a pill," Chase replies flatly as House frowns.
"How about…some Jello?"
"Jello?"
"Yellow Jello."
"Yellow Jello?" Chase asks weakly. "That will make me sleepy?"
"No but I have some leftover," House retorts as Chase offers him a grin.
"I'll be okay. And…" Chase pauses as he looks up at House. "I'm coming to work tomorrow."
"Course you are," House nods firmly. "I'm going to keep a close eye on my boy from now on." House offers a whispered goodnight before he heads back into the hallway with a heavy heart; Chase turning off his bedroom light, the sound of the relaxation CD filling the space around them. House leaves his door open, knowing that if Chase did have nightmares then he'd be ready to lend some assistance if necessary.
Chase rolls onto his side and closes his eyes, hoping the soothing music filling the room cavity around him will be strong enough to erase the memories from earlier in the day. He mentally lambasts himself for falling for his attackers trap so easily but in reality he wasn't expecting him to be that devious and had no reason to suspect. He feels his fists tighten around his pillow and his jaw clench as he sees flashes of himself turning around and feeling the needle of drugs being pushed into his stomach, his heart rate increasing and then dark circles forming.
"I need that pill," Chase whispers as he rolls onto his back and stares up at the ceiling with heavy eyes; his brain trying to push the strangers face out of his mind in favor of his happy memories. The task isn't as easy as it sounds and Chase is soon up and quietly entering the hallway. He spies House's open door and frowns, telling himself that if he was to watch TV he'd wake House and that wasn't fair to the older man.
He turns back and closes the door, almost all the way and then flips on his bedside light. His mind thinks back to his first nightmare as a boy; his father gruffly telling him to go back to bed and his mother telling him he was big enough to work through nightmares on his own.
"I was only eight," Chase huffs as he reaches for the nearest book. He starts to read, forcing his mind to concentrate on the words while the comforting music continues to play in the background. Finally, between the two sources and his brain unable to keep his eyes open any longer, the book folds onto his chest, his head lolls to the right and his eyes close.
XXXXXXXX
House looks at Chase still slumped over in his bed with the book askew on his chest, the light on but his frame still asleep. He offers a frown but holds himself in place, telling himself that Chase might have only gotten a few hours and waking him wouldn't be fair. Foreman can wait, House's mind reasons as he slowly heads back toward the kitchen and starts to make lunches, waiting another half hour before he starts the coffee; knowing the temping aroma would wake Chase instantly. And he'd be right.
"Morning," Chase mumbles as he stumbles toward the nearest chair and slumps down into it. "Thanks," he takes the steaming mug of coffee from House and stares at the dark swirling contents in his hands.
"Read anything interesting last night?" House asks lightly as Chase's lips purse into a soft smirk. "You were a tempting sight behold but I didn't want to wake you."
"Doubt it would have made a difference. I thought the music would help but…"
"You were attacked earlier in the day. You need to give yourself and the CD a break," House quickly interjects as Chase's face frowns. "But you look tired. If you want…you can stay home and re…"
"Rest? No…I'm done resting," Chase insists with a headshake. "If I get tired I'll just find a couch in the staff lounge and…what?"
"You're no longer fond of my futon?" House arches his brows in wonder.
"Might set a bad example for the team."
"Right because I never do that," House retorts in sarcasm as Chase gently chuckles. "Don't worry about the team. I think you know I know how to handle them. And they do know what happened to you remember?"
"And now they'll all treat me like I'm fine china."
"A little bit of extra attention won't kill you," House offers in haste before he looks up just as the color drains from Chase's face. "Eggs?"
"Sure," Chase answers with a small frown. "I want answers but I don't know how to go about getting them," Chase admits as he pushes himself away from the counter and heads back down the hallway to go and get dressed for the day.
House knows he can't push Chase too much either way but it wouldn't be easy. The first two times it was something physical and that could be healed with a few days' rest. But an attack involving being drugged and then dealt with in such a way that Chase unable to do anything but wake up and feel the consequences was even worse. With Chase drugged like that he could have done anything he wanted – and gotten away with it. I have to find out who he is, House's mind growls as he tells himself that after the team disperses for the day; his first stop will be security.
As agitated and anxious as Chase feels from the attack and restless sleep the night before, the feeling continues to build as he feels House's watchful eye on him constantly. It had started with the early morning team briefing; everyone of course asking how he was after his second near death experience. He had expected that and was able to face the barrage of questions in stride. But after that it wasn't so much House asking how he was as House always there…in the patients room, the staff room, his office, and the cafeteria. Finally he escapes to the basement to see a friend.
"Hey man, what brings you down here at this time?" Bruno asks with a smile as he looks up from his paperwork. "Please don't tell me you want to workout."
"Am I even allowed?" Chase retorts sourly as Bruno looks up in shock. "It's House…he's…he's over-concerned."
"Well you did nearly just die…again," Bruno reminds him with a small frown.
"I know but now it seems he's treating me like I'm made of glass…or something," Chase lightly laments before he offers Bruno a small smile. "I'm just not used to it. It's…it's hard because I appreciate it but I'm almost afraid to…"
"To what?"
"Ah nothing. So how are things at home?"
"Come on man, you can tell me."
"My father never showed me any affection so for me to…even offer a hug is almost…odd," Chase huffs. "It feels…strained. Stupid right?"
"Nah it's not stupid. My father…well we never hugged much in the past but there were times and it felt natural I guess. Never really thought about it like that before."
"It'll come," Chase states slowly. "So how is your mom?"
"She's okay. My dad called yesterday. Said it wasn't the same as coming over so he wasn't breaking the law of the restraining order. Stupid I know. But still," Bruno sighs. "My mom was pretty upset so…"
"So…what? Bruno…did you go over there?"
"Stupid right? I know it was wrong but she was cryin' and I was angry. I went and told him to back off."
"Think it worked?"
"Doubt it. If anything it'll just make him angrier," Bruno huffs as he slumps back into his chair. "She talked about movin' again. I want to but we have a pretty sweet setup right now with the rent and being so close to my aunt. As you know rent for a descent place is expensive. In our 'hood…well let's just say I could win the lottery ain't no one gonna bother me. I move to another area…yeah we'll work somethin' out."
"Sorry man," Chase lightly whispers as Bruno nods.
"Trade you fathers?"
"Mine's dead…ah right…" Chase gently chuckles as Noel's head pops in.
"Your four o'clock finally arrived."
"Hey Noel," Chase waves to Carl; the other physio tech that House calls Noel.
"Tell Dr. House that he has to stop leering in the window's. One of the clients asked if he's a peeping tom."
"Hope you said he was," Chase replies with a strained smile; knowing that House's paranoia over him being attacked at the hospital was feeding his actions. "See…"
"He's worried. Hey it's better than the alternative," Bruno reminds Chase who can only nod in agreement. "We still on for Saturday?"
"I might be wrapped in a giant bubble by then…you can use me as the ball," Chase deadpans as Bruno laughs. "Otherwise…I'm so down…"
"Oh damn that's bad," Bruno chuckles as Chase joins him for a laugh.
XXXXXXXX
"Okay what did you do to Foreman's mug?"
"That wasn't me."
"Crazy glue…on the handle?"
"It wasn't me," House insists as he closes the screen before Wilson could see what he was working on.
"You were that bored?"
"I thought it was someone else's," House huffs as he looks at his pager. "Why do you think I'm avoiding calls today."
"You always avoid calls," Wilson groans. "Even Chase seems on the run from you today. How is he?"
"He feels like I'm smothering him."
"Are you?" Wilson asks point blank.
"Yes, but for good reason," House offers in his defense.
"Your reason?"
"Same thing," House lightly growls as Wilson offers his friend a sympathetic glance.
"How is he?"
"He's…the wound on his back is almost fully healed. He's working past his drug addiction," House offers lightly, "but he had another setback with…"
"With what?"
"He was attacked again."
"What? Where? House…is he okay? What's going on?"
"I don't know. He's fine…he was a bit roughed up but he thinks the guy was wearing a disguise and the first two times he was masked. He won't call the police because there was nothing personal said."
"He was attacked."
"It's bad enough I shadow him, putting a security guard on him 24/7 will make him hate me."
"He'll be alive," Wilson remarks softly as House slowly removes his reading glasses and looks at Wilson thoughtfully.
"I know and I thought about just hiring someone without telling him but we…we've come so far that not telling him something like that, while I would be able to justify it to myself and maybe to him in the long run, I know it would force resentment to come to the fore and I just got him to his happy place. Well I did before last night," House groans as he rubs his face. "I got the security tapes."
"What you were looking at earlier," Wilson muses. "And?"
"And so far…nothing conclusive but then I'm not a detective am I?"
"No…but you are determined," Wilson retorts with a small smile. "Do you know what this guy even wants?"
"To hurt Robert," House looks at Wilson in dread. "And I won't let him."
XXXXXXXX
Wayne whistles to himself as he looks down at the clear bag in his hand; a slow smile starting to twist his lips into an evil sneer as he reaches for a small needle. He carefully inserts the end of the needle into the nozzle of the clear fluid bag and then pushes the contents all the way in and then waits.
"I hope you'll like your final resting place Dr. Chase," Wayne whispers as he watches the liquid turn as dark as the color of his eyes. "It's not a bad place to die."
A/N: uh oh! Wayne is putting the final touches on his plan…will he succeed? What will House find on the tapes if anything? And will Chase ever get a good nights sleep? Hope you are all still liking all the House/Chase moments as they work to overcome their own personal pasts to help build a solid future for their new family and the inclusion of Wilson and Bruno. Please do review before you go and thanks!
