Author: Milady Dragon
Disclaimer: I don't own anything really…
Author's notes: Another thank you to everyone reading and reviewing. You make this so much fun…
Chapter Eleven
A rather loud – and fake – throat clearing interrupted their conversation.
Both Cameron and Paul turned; it was House leaning against the wall, looking somewhat annoyed. "If you two are quite finished…"
"We are now," she snapped back.
"Then I need you, Cameron. If you wouldn't mind…?"
She didn't take the comment the way he'd made it sound. After all, House could make asking for a cup of coffee sound like a sexual come-on. She simply touched Paul on the arm, telling him telepathically that she'd be back in a bit, then allowed the older doctor to usher her out of the John's room.
Cameron opened her mouth to ask him what he wanted, but House beat her to it. "If we could somehow get access to one of the computers at Intellex, could Tim then hack into their system?"
Okay, that wasn't at all what she'd been expecting. "What do you have in mind?" she demanded.
He used the tip of his cane to push the elevator call button. "Just ask him, Cameron."
Mystified, she did as he asked, then relayed the answer as the elevator doors opened. "He says yes, he has something that would work. The only reason he and John never used it was because John couldn't gain access long enough to install it."
"Then my cunning plan just might work." He rubbed his hands together like one of the old-time movie villains.
Cameron was exasperated with him. "Just what is this 'cunning plan' you have in mind?"
House didn't answer; he just tapped his temple meaningfully.
The rest of the elevator trip was made in complete silence.
Cameron knew just how twisted House's mind was; she'd seen it working almost every day now for quite a while. It could come up with the most bizarre diagnoses with just a runny nose and bloodshot eyes. So there was no telling just where it had gone this time.
She found herself almost afraid to find out…
The elevator came to a halt, and House bowed her out first although she had no idea where they were going. She waited for him to take the lead, then followed him down the hallway.
And into Dr. Cuddy's office.
Of course, he didn't wait to be invited inside. He just pushed the door open, practically thrusting Cameron inside, then entered himself. House limped toward the desk, commenting, "Is that a new bra, or are your breasts just happy to see me?"
Cuddy glanced up tiredly, removing her glasses as she did so. "What do you want, House? I have a lot of paperwork to do…not that you'd know what that was, judging from your case files…"
Cameron decided she wanted nothing more than to be out of the line of fire between them.
"Is that any way to treat your favorite doctor?"
"Look, I don't have time for this. Just tell me what you want. Oh, God…you haven't killed a patient, have you?"
"Not for lack of trying." He leaned over the desk. "Who do we know on the board at Intellex?"
"I don't know who you know," she answered sarcastically, "but I know a couple of people. They've given very generously to the hospital on more than one occasion. Why do you ask?"
"Well, Cameron's friend here wants to sue, and I thought I'd help him out by giving him some names."
"Last time I checked, Mr. Valentine was still unconscious."
"He woke up a little bit ago," Cameron answered her.
Cuddy smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. Have any preliminary tests been run yet?"
"He's responsive to external stimuli and – "
"And we can discuss this later," House interrupted. "Can you get me an appointment with one of them?"
"You mean someone from Intellex?" Cuddy was incredulous. "What on Earth do you want to do that for? And don't give me any more shit about them being sued."
House just stared at her, in what was his version of a withering look. Cuddy was usually impervious to it, but Cameron could tell the dean just wasn't in the mood for it at that moment. Cuddy sighed, then referred to her address list. "You do realize there's no guarantee that these people might very well have been injured – or killed – themselves, right?"
"Keeps them from being named in the lawsuit, doesn't it?"
She just rolled her eyes, then picked up the phone.
Cameron was impressed, despite herself.
"Tim, you'd better get that equipment ready…"
"Mr. Greer will see you now."
Cameron thanked the secretary, then followed House into the spacious office of Intellex's Chief Financial Officer. Since she'd been to the complex previously – at night, though – she hadn't been surprised that the office block had mostly survived the explosion. The outside of the building was banged up, and would need a new coat of paint and several windows, but Intellex was still functioning…in a way.
Dr. Cuddy had managed to get them an appointment that same day, using a combination of feminine wiles and business savvy to talk their way in to see Andrew Greer, the CFO. Apparently, they'd once met at a fundraiser, and had hit it off somewhat, although from listening to only one side of the conversation Cameron gathered that Greer remembered Cuddy a lot more fondly than Cuddy remembered him.
But they were in, and Cameron was now more worried about what House had planned than what had happened between Cuddy and Greer.
The office was one that had lost its window; a large piece of plywood covered the hole and blocked out the sunlight. Beyond that, everything looked almost normal, except for the books stacked in one corner; judging from the wreckage, one of the bookshelves had also suffered damage when the glass had shattered.
Andrew Greer sat at the wooden desk; as they moved closer, Cameron could see that it hadn't escaped, either, because there were large gouges in the lacquered top. They were just covered by some files and papers…and a computer that sat humming quietly to itself on one corner.
He was somewhere on the high side of fifty, balding with a grayish fringe. He had an athletic build – he obviously took good care of himself – and hawk-like brown eyes. He had the air of a man who knew he was attractive, and not afraid to strut his stuff in front of any available woman.
The moment he noticed one of his visitors was female, Greer stood, puffing out his chest. His suit would have cost Cameron her salary for at least six months. "I'm Andrew Greer," he introduced, sticking out his hand to her.
Which House took first, much to Greer's dismay. "Dr. Gregory House," he returned the introduction. "This is my associate, Dr. Allison Cameron."
Was it Cameron's imagination, or did House sound like he was gushing? "Please, have a seat." Greer himself sat down.
As they did so, the man continued. "Sorry about the mess, but I'm sure you've heard the news."
"We sure have," House continued. Now Cameron was sure he was gushing. "Actually, we've treated some of the injured at PPTH. It wasn't pretty, believe me."
"I do, Dr. House." Greer steepled his fingers, resting his elbows on the arms of his chair. "So, what can I do for you today? Unfortunately, we won't be able to donate anything to the hospital for a while…"
"That's not why we're here. Actually, we were hoping to hear more about this breakthrough you'd made. I hope it wasn't destroyed in the explosion?"
Greer sighed. "Unfortunately, all information and prototypes were indeed lost in the destruction of our research and development complex."
"That's too bad. I understand from the press release that it would have been quite a boon. I'd guessed it must be something medical, from the wording. Is there any chance you might be able to reconstruct your research?"
Cameron resisted the urge to check under House's chair, sure there was a pod there. It just had to be a pod-person sitting there, sounding so very…friendly. She hadn't known House could even sound like that, let alone act nice…
"Maybe," Greer answered, " but right now we're concentrating on getting things back up and running, and taking care of the families of the employees who were injured or killed in the explosion. There are also the reporters and other non-employees who were caught up the unfortunate events…"
"Is there any word on what caused the explosion?"
"No, Dr. House. The FBI, FEMA, and ATF are all investigating, but so far there hasn't been anything conclusive. After all this time, I very much doubt they'll find anything now."
Cameron had to admire House for actually having the balls to be talking to one of the people who might have been responsible for so much death and destruction. And for the presence of a possible alien threat on Earth… Tim had said that none of the reporters – John impersonating one, of course – had been allowed personal interviews with the heads of the company. The elder Tomorrow Person had been unable to gain access to attempt what they, themselves, were planning.
Thank you, Dr. Lisa Cuddy…
"My associate, here," House indicated Cameron, "had a friend who was injured."
Greer looked at her sympathetically. "I am sorry, Dr. Cameron. I hope your friend will fully recover."
"Thank you, Mr. Greer – "
"Andrew, please."
Yes, this was definitely a ladies' man. Cuddy had warned them about him. "Andrew, then. He's in a coma, and we don't know if he'll ever wake up…" She promptly covered her face in her hands, to cover the fact that her sobbing was as false as her comment about John's condition.
God, this was so embarrassing…why had House's plan entailed her making a complete fool of herself?
It did appear to be working, though. While she couldn't see with her hands over her eyes, she could hear Greer getting up and coming around the desk. Cameron pretended to cry harder.
"Why did I agree to this?" she 'pathed in Tim's general direction.
He heard her. "Was that a rhetorical question, Allison?"
"Unfortunately, yes…"
"Then I shall await your signal."
Cameron left her mind open, the better for the computer to hear her calling. She focused on her acting, and how well it was being accepted.
Pretty well, if judging from the friendly, meant to be comforting, pats on her shoulder from Andrew Greer.
"She's been pretty upset," House was saying.
"Who can blame her?" the CFO answered. "I'd know how I'd feel if someone I cared for had been hurt like that. I'll be glad to help with anything I can."
"Thank you," Cameron managed to blubber.
"Do you have any tissues?"
"Of course, Dr. House. Just here, on my desk…" One was pressed into her hand, and she used it to wipe at her nonexistent tears. She was never going to live this down.
"Can I have a glass of water?" she asked, deliberately hitching her breath. If she kept this up, she'd hyperventilate.
"I am sorry, Dr. Cameron!" Greer exclaimed, sounding distressed. "I'll have my assistant get you one at once."
Well, that wouldn't work…they had to get Greer himself out of the office long enough for Tim to gain access to their mainframe. Once there, the artificial intelligence could stay hidden for quite a while, and dig up the information they needed that would hopefully put this entire puzzle together.
House must have had the same thought she had, because he said, "Look, I hate to ask, but maybe you could get it yourself? It would give Allison time to pull herself together. I don't want to kick you out of your own office…"
Cameron would never get used to him calling her "Allison…"
"I understand completely, Dr. House. I'll be back in a second."
She remained with her head down, until she heard the door click shut. Then she groaned, "Don't ever ask me to do that again."
"But you were so good at it…"
It was nice to have "snarky" House back.
"Send it now, Tim."
"It is coming now."
A CD appeared on the desk in front of her.
Cameron grabbed it, then headed around the desk to the computer. Once she downloaded the program written on it, Tim would have full access to whatever Intellex had hidden on its mainframe.
They hadn't wanted to risk bringing the disk in with them, not knowing if Intellex's remaining security would detect it on either one of them. It had been a good idea; they'd been thoroughly poked, prodded, and scanned on their way in. They'd even wanted House to leave his cane at the front desk, but the doctor had cried discrimination and that had been the end of that. The security guards had seemed so paranoid it had been truly frightening.
She punched the button to open the disk drive, inserting the CD. Luckily for her, Greer must have been using the computer before their arrival, because the screen saver hadn't activated yet; it would have been a dead giveaway that someone had been at the system if the monitor had been on standby.
The welcome screen displayed the "Intellex" logo for about two seconds before the disk started its work. "I don't have to do anything, Tim?"
"No, Allison. The program will run itself."
"How long do we have?"
"It should take approximately 3.5 minutes before the program is fully downloaded, then another 12.5 seconds before I have total access to the mainframe."
"And this is the program John wanted to use himself, right?"
"Indeed. This was one of his creations, of course."
"And you wouldn't take credit for helping even if I asked, would you?" she teased.
"I cannot take credit where there is none to take, Allison. John is quite intelligent on his own."
Cameron thought that was simplifying things a bit; she was well aware of just how much of a tech-head John was. Over half the gadgets and gizmos the Tomorrow People used came from the elder TP's fertile brain.
"How much longer?" House demanded. He'd taken up position at the door, as lookout.
"Not too long." Cameron's heart was starting to race. The closest she came to danger anymore was the odd infectious disease. This particular type of adrenaline rush wasn't something she was sure she wanted to get used to once more.
But then, she had to admit she was enjoying herself. It was a foregone conclusion that her life was never going to be the same again. It would be up to her to decide just how much of a change that would be.
"Um…Tim?""Yes, Allison?"
"Is the computer supposed to be making that loud, whining noise?"
There was no reply for a few seconds, then Tim said, "Do not be concerned. That is the connection being written onto the hard drive, in preparation to being transferred to the main computer. It should end shortly.
True to Tim's word, it did. The CD went back to its quiet whirring. But the monitor blacked out. Cameron was about to say something about it, but it came back up, a white bar flashing across the bottom of the screen. It was two thirds done.
"I hate to bring this up," House stage-whispered from the door, "but I think we're running out of time."
"It's nearly done."
"What does 'nearly' mean in this circumstance?"
"It means 'nearly,' House."
"I think I can hear Greer talking on the other side of the door!"
The bar was so close to being completely whitened out… "This was your idea, you know."
"Well, usually I send Foreman to do this sort of thing."
The bar disappeared, and fast on that happening the CD drive popped open. Cameron pulled the disk out, calling for Tim to transport it back to the Lab. The silver CD disappeared even as House and Cameron both planted themselves in their chairs.
Greer opened the door just as Cameron started her sniffling act up again.
"Are you feeling better?" the CFO asked politely, handing her the glass of water.
"Yes, thank you." She took it, being careful not to look up at him. If he realized she hadn't been crying…well, he wouldn't have known what they'd been up to, but chances are they'd be busted anyway. She took a careful sip.
"Maybe this was a bad time," House said, his voice dripping sympathy. Cameron could feel her blood sugar rising at the tone. "Perhaps we should reschedule for another time?"
"That…would be fine," Greer answered, although he sounded unsure. "Although I don't think there was anything I could do for you, especially if it's anything to do with our research…"
"And I was hoping…oh, well." House stood up, his hand on Cameron's elbow bringing her up with him. "Well, it was nice talking to you."
"And you. Please give my best to Dr. Cuddy…and I hope your friend makes a full recovery, Dr. Cameron…"
"Thank you, Mr. Greer – "
"Andrew, please."
"Andrew. You've been really kind." She took the proffered hand, still not looking up at him. She didn't dare, but now it was because she didn't want to laugh.
Cameron handed him the glass, then allowed House to pull her out of the office. Once they were out of the building, she called Tim to have him bring them both to the Lab.
Then they'd talk to Tim, and see what he could come up with.