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Chapter 42

House had been passing by Cuddy's office, when he saw two men talking to Cuddy and Cameron. This definitely intrigued him and being the curious person he was, he decided to do what he always did and make it his business. He headed in the direction of Cuddy's office and just as he entered the door, he saw Cameron stumble and begin to fall backwards. He quickly discarded his cane and caught her before she landed on the floor.

House looked down at an unconscious Cameron. "What the hell." He said and looked at Cuddy, who was rushing to his side to help.

House gently lifted Cameron into his arms and laid her on the sofa that was only a couple of feet away.

"Is she alright?" The detective asked.

House looked at the older man. "Who the hell are you?"

"I'm Detective Hodges."

House glanced at Cuddy with a questioning look.

Lisa saw the look in House's eyes. "Something has happened to Christy. How is she?" She asked turning her attention to Cameron.

House no sooner laid Cameron down when she opened her eyes, still gasping for air.

"I..need..to..sit..up." Cameron said as she pushed herself up.

House wrapped his arm around her shoulder so he could help her to sit up.

Lisa was kneeling beside her. "Breath Cameron." She said softly.

Cameron struggled for a minute before her breathing slowed and she could feel the air fill her lungs. She looked up to see that all eyes were upon her. It was then she realized it was House she was leaning against.

"Someone mind telling me what is going on." House asked with urgency.

"First, who are you?" The older detective asked.

"I'm God." House snapped loudly.

Lisa stood and gave the older detective an apologetic look. "This is Dr. House. He is a doctor here at Plainsboro and a friend of Dr. Cameron's." She explained to Hodges.

House felt Cameron place her hand on his leg, pushing herself away slightly.

"I'm okay." She said timidly.

He looked at her with concern but allowed her to move over slightly without saying anything.

The detective waited until Dr. Cuddy and House were satisfied that Dr. Cameron was alright before he continued "I'm Detective Hodges and this is my partner, Detective Waters. Dr. Cuddy's assistant was found dead earlier today and it would appear that the same person may be stocking Dr. Cameron."

House looked at Cuddy then back at the detectives trying to comprehend what had been said. "Someone killed Christy?"

"Yes." The detective confirmed.

"And the reason you think the same person is stocking Cameron is because of the letters?" House was trying to make the connection. He glanced at Cameron who was still very pale.

"What letters?" The detectives asked in a serious tone.

Cameron leaned forward and explained to both detectives about the letters she had received and the phone calls with no one talking on the other end.

House listened as Cameron spoke and realized for the first time, how scared she was.

"We will need to see the letters Dr. Cameron."

"They are in my desk."

"There is still the issue of the note left with Miss Sumner's body and also what you received today." Detective Waters added.

House looked at Cameron, questioning her with his eyes.

Cameron saw the look. "I received flowers and a card today."

Detective Hodges handed House the note that had been left on Christy's body and the card that was found with the flowers. It was obvious to Hodges that Cameron trusted House and felt it would be alright to show him the items. He watched House's reaction closely.

House read the note and looked at the card with Cameron's pictures all over it. "Where did you find the note?"

"It was left with the deceased's body." Waters answered. "It appears that Miss Sumner was killed for Dr. Cameron." He added.

Cameron placed her head in her hands. "This is crazy." She said under her breath.

"This person is crazy." House stated with disgust.

"I'm afraid that would be true." Hodges agreed.

Detective Waters pulled out his note pad and began to ask Cameron some questions. "Do you have any idea who would want to do this to you? A disgruntled boyfriend or a patient? Has there been anyone who has been acting unusual towards you?"

"I can't think of anyone." Cameron told the two detectives.

"We will need you to come down to the station and make a formal complaint." Waters said.

"Does it have to be today?" She asked.

"No. Tomorrow would be fine." Detective Hodges answered kindly.

Cameron stood slowly. House immediately stood beside her, making sure she was steady on her feet.

Cameron looked at House letting him know silently that she was okay.

The older detective watched how Cameron and House looked at one another.

"Cameron." Lisa said. "I don't want you to work in the ER tonight. You're done there. I will have someone come in to cover for you."

"Thanks Lisa but I can cover my shift. It's my last night."

Detective Waters butted in. "She's right Dr. Cameron. You should skip your shift tonight to be on the safe side."

Cameron glanced away from all the eyes that were upon her and sighed. "Fine."

"What now?" Lisa asked.

"Well, we will need to take a look at the security tapes from the parking lot. Do you have cameras in the lobby?"

"Yes." She answered.

"I will need to look at those tapes too. I also need the three of you to understand that everything we have discussed today is to remain completely confidential. Once the news leaks out about your assistant there will be questions asked. I suggest you keep answers to a minimal and refer them to me or my partner and notify either one of us if you think of anything else. Sometimes the smallest thing can mean something. We will also be talking to some of the staff."

Lisa nodded her head.

"What about Cameron?" House asked.

Detective Hodges studied House for a minute before he answered. "I suggest that she not be alone. We are obviously dealing with a very sick individual here. At this point, we don't know anything about this person. We don't know if they were associated with Ms. Sumner and Dr. Cameron or only Dr. Cameron. So from here on out, you should be extremely cautious, Dr. Cameron."

"This is insane. I can't be watched until you find him." Cameron said more steadily than she felt.

"Let us do our job Dr. Cameron. We might find a lead and this could be over with before you know it." Hodges said. "I would like those letters before we leave." "I will get them for you." Cameron answered. "Is there anything else?" She asked.

"Here's my card. Call if anything else happens or if you think of something. And Dr. Cameron."

"Yes?"

"I'm serious about not being alone."

She nodded her head again and left the office.

House waited until Cameron was gone. "Do you think this guy will try to hurt Cameron?"

"It's possible. It's always a guessing game with these guys. However, it seems like he's trying to get a message to her. Hopefully we will get to him before he makes contact with her." Hodges said.

"Do you think he will do that… make contact with her?" House asked.

Hodges stared hard at House. "We have to believe he will. To underestimate him, could have devastating results."

House looked at Cuddy who had a concerned look on her face. "I'll be on my cell if you need me." He said to her and left to follow Cameron.

Hodges watched House leave, wondering what the real story was between him and Dr. Cameron. He looked at Lisa. "Are you sure Dr. House and Dr. Cameron are just friends?" He asked.

Lisa was somewhat taken back with the detective's question. "Why do you ask that?" She asked.

"I'm usually pretty good at reading people and there is definitely something between those two."

Lisa looked past the detective, wondering if she had been ignoring the signs that may have been in front of her the whole time.

**********

A few minutes later, House found Cameron going through her desk. "He's right."

Cameron looked up at House. "Who's right?"

"You shouldn't be alone."

"I don't need a babysitter." She said stubbornly and walked towards the door with the letters in her hand.

House stuck his arm out and stopped her. "This is serious Cameron."

"Who is going to watch over me? You?" She asked looking into his blue eyes.

"That's not a bad idea." He answered.

"Really and I suppose you're up for that? There would be no sex involved."

A cocky grin crossed House's face. "I can deal with that."

"Well, in that case, I hope you want a drink because I plan on drinking tonight." She said and pushed past him and stepped into the hallway.

"Sounds like fun." He answered quietly as he watched her walk away.

**********

House and Cameron walked threw the lobby together, unaware of the dark pair of eyes watching them. Steven Mayer was not happy about the turn of events. He had hoped his gifts would have made her happy, he thought in his delusional way of thinking. But it would seem it had done the opposite of what he wanted and chased her right into the arms of the one person he definitely didn't want her with.

He continued watching them until they both pulled out of the parking lot with Cameron following close behind the speedy bike.