Chapter 17: Another Day Wasted

Victoria Cicciliano walked into the conference room with a stack of House's files and took up her usual place at the table. Shortly after her Taub arrived and took up his usual place before standing and starting to pace again. Not long after this Forman and
Chase entered after their clinic duty was over and they too took up their usual places at the table.

House had been discreetly watching and listening as each of his doctors went about their usual business and banter. The day was coming to an end and with no real change in the status of the patient; House was prepared to finally send his entire team home for the evening, but first he was interested in making one final observation of Chase and Cicciliano.

"Someone better be able to tell me something." House's voice boomed as he walked into the room that was directly joined to his office.

The other doctors were aware of his lurking, it was what he usually did, if anything House was predictable in that he lurked and he stewed over the issues he believed were important. He was like the phantom of PPTH, always around causing trouble, stalking the diva's (Cuddy) and blaring music at the most inopportune times from the stereo in his office.

"MTV is broadcasting a live Stones concert tonight at 8pm," Chase stated in response to House.

"I'll be watching that, good job Chase, gold star!" House stated sarcastically.

"The patient is stable, her tests have all be clear, Wilson has ruled out cancer and the nurses are monitoring her. Aside for that we've got about a million symptoms but no answers." Taub sighed as he paced.

"Also, I've finished working on your files. They need signatures and then you're done." Cicciliano smiled and placed the files before him.

"And we covered all of your clinic hours, so you're free for the evening," Chase added.

"Do you have a contribution Forman?" House asked.

"I did a whole lot of nothing all day," Forman answered sarcastically.

"Well, if that is the case you all may as well leave." House stated and returned to his office with the stack of files.

"Run before he changes his mind." Chase said as he reached out, grabbed Victoria by the hand and bolted, making sure House saw the gesture.

"There is definitely something going on there." Taub whispered as soon as the youngsters were out of ear shot.

"I think it's all an act. I think they're onto House." Forman confided as he too stood and headed for the door. "As long as House doesn't win the bet, I'll be happy."

"House will catch on if it is an act." Taub sighed. "And then he'll change all the rules and he'll still win."

"Very true, but it may keep him on his game. When he's bored he makes shit up, if we can keep him occupied he'll have an epiphany and he'll save the patient's life." Forman said as he and Taub got into the elevator together.

"So I've got tickets to the university basketball game for tonight, you in?" Taub asked.

"Sure, I'll buy the pizza before the game." Forman agreed and they left the building before House could change his mind.

"So much for keeping House busy," Taub laughed.

"That's only my job when I'm on the clock, he just told us to leave, and therefore we're off the clock." Forman reasoned.

"I'm not arguing," Taub smiled as the elevator stopped and they headed for the locker room and then left the hospital all together.