CHAPTER 10: TESTIMONY-GATHERING, PART ONE
The moment had come. The inquiry was beginning, upon the result of which depended House's and Dominika's future. Weinmann was sitting behind his office, Tritter pacing over the room. House and his wife were sitting on the couch, next to each other, Weinmann having clarified that they were to remain silent throughout the entire process. The first of the witnesses, Dr. Robert Chase, had just been invited to testify. "State your full name, please", Weinmann began the examination. "Dr. Robert Chase", the surgeon introduced himself. "Dr. Chase, we've called you here to listen to your perspective on the circumstances surrounding the marriage of Dr. Gregory House to Dominika House, nee Petrova. What would you have to say concerning the accusation that the marriage in question is a fraud?", the INS official asked. "First and foremost, I'd like to remind you that Dr. House is a very private person. While he appeared to be updated on our lives, we seldom knew what he was doing behind closed doors. Returning to the topic in question, however, I have to say that I first became acquainted with Mrs. House, back then still unmarried, shortly before their marriage. Dr. House introduced her to us as his fiancée. His precise words were 'Meet the new permanent member of Team House', before explaining that they were about to get married", Chase began his testimony. "And there was no mention of Miss Petrova being an immigrant in need of a green card?", Weinmann asked. "We were not aware of her precise origins, although it was evident she was an immigrant. From her accent, her surname, you know. But, I never paid much attention to those things", he answered. "And how would you describe the nature of her interactions with Dr. House that you were a witness of?", the official asked his next question. "Dr. House seemed very fond of the lady. He engaged in a number of activities in plain sight. Don't get the wrong things in your mind, however, I mean activities like playing tennis, conversations, and such. They both seemed to genuinely cherish each other's company", the surgeon responded. "And, from what I see here, you officiated the ceremony, which was held in his apartment", Weinmann remarked. "That's true. Dr. House initially wished for it to be held in the chapel near the hospital, but Dr. Cuddy, the Dean of Medicine, barred him from using the chapel. The ceremony was enacted in the manner according to the law and there is more than enough pictorial documentation", Chase clarified. "And how do you explain Dr. House being absent from his home for the next three days, while his wife was left behind?", Weinmann asked his next question. "He didn't appear at his workplace, either. The precise reason for his absence I can't say I am aware of", Chase answered diplomatically. "You have a record of lying to save your boss' skin", Tritter interjected. "The court judged Dr. House innocent back then, Detective Tritter, and none of my statements was a lie", the Australian doctor shot back. "Detective Tritter, that case is not the topic of this investigation", Weinmann reminded him. Turning to Chase again, he said, "So, to sum it up, Dr. Chase, you have no reasons to believe that there was any fraud involved in that marriage". "None at all. It has to be an entirely baseless accusation, levelled by someone with a personal grudge against Dr. House or based entirely on a misassessment of his personality", he replied. "Thank you very much for your perspective, Dr. Chase", Weinmann stated and exchanged a handshake with the surgeon.
The second witness walked in. "State your full name, please", the examination began in the same manner as before. "Dr. Eric Foreman", the neurologist introduced himself, with an aura of confidence. "Dr. Foreman, we've invited you to listen to your perspective on the circumstances surrounding the marriage of Dr. House to Dominika House, nee Petrova. How would you respond to accusations that the marriage in question is a fraud?", the INS official asked. "I would strongly recommend no heed is paid to the accusations. Dr. House is not an overly emotional person, but, at the times he got emotionally attached to a person, there could be no question concerning the veracity of his feelings. Like most of my colleagues, I first met Mrs. House before the wedding, when he introduced her to us as his bride-to-be. We were all surprised, yes, because Dr. House had not spoken positively of marriage as an institution before", Foreman said. "And to what extent were you familiar with the background of Mrs. House?", Weinmann enquired. "I knew that she is a professional pastry chef and a qualified aesthetician. Actually, I had the good fortune of employing her services as a massage therapist. Dr. House was aware of it and nothing improper occurred between me and Mrs. House. I also had surmised that she must be a foreigner, but I have no prejudice against anyone because of their origins", he answered, adjusting his tie. "You say that because you are an African-American?", Tritter said, trying to intimidate Foreman. "That's your game, Dr. Foreman, appeal to our liberal minds?", he added. "My ancestry is not of importance here, Detective Tritter. And I have to remind you we are not in your office to be questioned in this outrageous manner", Foreman objected. "Detective Tritter, I think you should apologize to Dr. Foreman", Weinmann chided. Tritter mumbled an apology, which he clearly didn't believe. "My apologies, too, Dr. Foreman. Now, let us return to the subject of our investigation. From what I see here, you were the best man during the ceremony", Weinmann mused. "Indeed. Dr. House asked me to serve in this capacity. And it was an honour for me", he clarified. "And how would you describe the interactions between Dr. House and his wife that you personally witnessed?", came the next question. "I think there was much and genuine sentiment between them. Dr. House seemed always fond of her and invited her to several activities, it seems to their mutual enjoyment. It crossed my mind that he actually could feel happy when with her", Foreman replied with a sigh. "How would you explain his sudden absence from home and workplace immediately after the wedding, then?", the official enquired again. "It was surely unrelated to their marriage. I'm afraid I'm not the most suitable witness to speak of that, however", he responded. "So, to sum it up, you too share Dr. Chase's opinion that there is no intention of deceiving the authorities", Weinmann concluded. "Absolutely none. The entire accusation has no basis on the facts", the neurologist pressed his point. "Thank you for your perspective, Dr. Foreman", replied the official, shaking hands with the doctor.
It was now the time of Remy Hadley to testify. "State your full name, please", the procedure began. "Remy Beauregard Hadley", Thirteen introduced herself, in a manner indicating confidence. "Dr. Hadley, we've invited you to listen to your perspective on the circumstances surrounding the marriage of Dr. House to Dominika House, nee Petrova. What stance do you take concerning the accusations that this marriage is fraudulent?", he enquired. "I totally reject those accusations and advise everybody else to do just the same", answered Thirteen, not hesitating for a single moment. "How can you issue such a statement, Dr. Hadley, especially given that you were not physically present at the wedding?", Tritter intervened, and further enquired, "You were in prison for excessive prescribing and don't bother to deny it. Is it true that you still haven't got your license back?". "I'm not obliged to answer to you, Detective Tritter", Thirteen remained defiant. "You will answer to me, however, Dr. Hadley", added Weinmann. "Indeed, I was in prison for the accusation Detective Tritter mentioned. And, yes, my license hasn't been reinstated yet. Dr. House had the kindness of picking me up from prison on the day of my release and offered to hire me as an assistant. From what I gather, this happened immediately after his wedding day", the female doctor answered. "So, Dr. House's absence had to do with him picking you up from jail. Why did it take you so long to return to Princeton, however?", the official enquired. "Dr. House thought it would be good for my wellbeing to take me to an occasion. Nothing improper ever occurred between me and him", she clarified. "Let's return to our topic, Dr. Hadley. How did you become aware of your superior's marital status? Were you aware of his wife's background?", Weinmann issued his next query. "I saw his wedding ring. And, I asked him directly. I was honestly surprised to find out he got married. Dr. House is often cold, appears to be misanthropic, says mean things and behaves in ways normally deemed outrageous, he can at times be very caring, very supportive and help people with little to no hope of receiving help. For such a man to decide to get married, especially given his disdain for marriage as an institution, this shows how important this was for him. As for her status as an immigrant, I didn't know and didn't find it necessary to ask. All I knew about her before being called here was her name and the fact that she is married to Dr. House", Thirteen issued her response. "But, as you admit, Dr. Hadley, your time in prison meant you were not updated of recent events in his life. You couldn't possibly know about his relationship and eventual breakup with Dr. Cuddy. Is it possible for a man, any kind of man, in such a short time after a breakup, to enter into a new relationship, let alone a marriage?", Weinmann strategically chose the next question. "Each person has different coping mechanisms, I guess", the doctor deflected the question. "One more question, Dr. Hadley: would you trust the judgment of your coworkers that the accusations against Dr. House are the product of malicious intent or a complete misrepresentation of his personality?", the official enquired. "It's genuinely shocking that such accusations are being hurled against Dr. House. Since I'm not an acquaintance of his wife, I can't say anything about her, but, since Dr. House has elected to be with her, I believe that there no intention to deceive the authorities from her part, otherwise Dr. House wouldn't have consented to the marriage", Thirteen maintained her edge. "So, to sum it up, your assessment of the situation is that the allegations are completely false, a judgment congruent with that of your fellows", the man formed his conclusion. "Most definitely", said Thirteen, as if she'd just agreed that the Earth orbits the sun. "Thank you for your perspective, Dr. Hadley", Weinmann stated, shaking her hand.
As Thirteen was exiting the room, Weinmann cast a glance towards Tritter, who was sweating profusely. "If you excuse us", the INS official addressed House and Dominika, who were standing still and totally silent, "we are returning in five minutes", gesturing for the detective to follow him out of the room. "It appears you were wrong about the case", he said coldly. "Nonsense! You didn't try hard enough, Nate! They are liars, all of them! Despicable little liars! I was sure about Chase and Foreman, but I didn't suspect that this Hadley would be like them!", Tritter was almost shouting. "The thing, Mike, is that it's you who needs to prove that the marriage is a fake, not the opposite. I have worked so many years for the INS and I have investigated decades of fake marriages. This one doesn't look like a fraud to me. I've seen how they look at each other, I've noticed their expressions throughout the inquiry so far. Those two people are in love. It's only for your sake that I'm continuing the process", Weinmann answered. "Even you are taking their side now?", Tritter snorted. "I'm following the evidence. Let's see what the rest of our witnesses have to say", the other man replied. "At least one of them should be on the side of the truth", Tritter mused, following Weinmann back to the office. It was time for the next round of witnesses to give their own testimony.