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Chapter 61

House pressed his forehead against the cold glass of his office window and stared out across the city. The glow of twinkling lights were beginning to fill the evening sky and all he could think about at that moment was how everything appeared so normal on the outside but was so cold and empty on the inside.

It had been five days since Cameron had disappeared and there was still no word or clues to where she could be. House was trying to be patient but to him, the world seemed to be moving in slow motion and he desperately needed to hear some news, any news, that would renew his hope.

By now, news of Cameron's disappearance had spread throughout the hospital and naturally, it was the topic of everyones conversation. House ignored the whispers and the hidden stares from the people around him. He was used to being the source of rumors. He lived to cause havoc throughout the hospital but this was different… this was real and it felt like an open wound that wouldn't heal.

He knew he needed to pull himself away from the pain and do something constructive. His team was having problems diagnosing the case Cuddy had given them a few days ago and they needed his help but he just couldn't find the energy to make his brain work.

He stepped back and rubbed his tired face and turned his attention to the blue file on his desk. He reluctantly picked it up and started studying the contents. He ruffled through the pages, looking at the treatments and drugs that had been given so far, only to have the patient fall into a coma. He knew he had to step in or they would lose their patient. With the file in hand, he limped into the empty adjoining room and stood in front of the white board full of information. He began to erase everything that hadn't worked. He became so involved with the file, he didn't notice when his entire team had walked in. He was startled when he turned to find them sitting behind him.

"You guys are as quiet as church mice."

The four ducklings had been surprised, to say the least, to see their boss writing on the board when they walked in. However, no one wanted to interrupt because all four members were relieved, even though no one would ever admit it, to have help from House.

House stepped back and stared at the board. "Okay. Let's play."

It wasn't long before the room was filled with arguments and new ideas. House stood back and listened. After an hour or so, new tests and procedures was agreed upon once again. The team left with a heavy weight lifted off of their shoulders and a more positive outlook on the situation.

The room grew quiet again. House laid down the marker and stepped over to pour a cup of coffee that was no doubt thick and stale. As he took a sip of the black liquid, he had to admit, it felt good to think of something other than Cameron. Suddenly his phone went off and he flipped it open to see that it was Bryan who was calling.

"What." He answered in a quick voice.

"Dr. House, this is Bryan Cameron."

House could careless about the formalities. He just wanted to know why Bryan was calling. "Did you hear something?"

"Not about Allison. It's my wife." Bryan answered in a distraught voice. "She has gone into labor."

House let out the breath he realized he was holding. "And you need to leave."

"Yes." Bryan answered painfully.

House understood Bryan's pain. "Allison would want you to go." He knew this to be true. Cameron would definitely want her brother to be with his wife during the birth of their child.

There was a long pause on the other end. Bryan was surprised to hear House call his sister by her first name. "I know." (pause) "You will call me as soon as you hear something."

"I will."

"I don't know when I will be able to return. Let's hope when I do it's because we have found her."

House remained silent.

Bryan continued. "Look, I wasn't sure what to expect when I first came here to meet you but I know now you're a good person. That is why Allison is so drawn to you. It gives me some peace to know you are here for her."

A small smile crossed House's lips. "Cameron sometimes sees things that aren't really there."

Bryan smiled. "That may be true but in your case, she's right. Thanks for everything House."*

House was at a loss for words. "Have a safe flight." He said awkwardly, not really knowing what else to say.

"I will. Talk to you soon."

House heard the phone go silent on the other end and a sinking feeling instantly came over him. As if Bryan leaving meant Cameron would never be found but he knew that it was foolish to think that. Nevertheless, he couldn't stop the feeling.

He pulled out the familiar orange vile from his pocket and popped a white pill into his mouth. He limped back into his office and sat down behind his desk. He found himself in the same predicament he was in an hour ago - thinking about Cameron. Maybe checking his emails would take his mind off of things. He turned to his computer when Wilson suddenly burst into his office.

"House!" Wilson said in a rushed tone. "I just thought of something."

Something in Wilson's voice made House stop what he was doing and look up. He leaned back in his chair and waited for Wilson to continue.

"About three weeks ago, I bumped into Cameron down stairs and she had an odd look on her face. I asked her if there was something wrong and she said she just had a strange conversation with that security guard, I don't remember his name but the one she sometimes talks to."

House leaned forward. "What was so strange about their conversation?"

"She said that he had asked her if she was involved with you again."

House continued to stare blankly at Wilson.

"Cameron thought it was odd that he asked her about you and something in the way he asked her, made her feel uncomfortable. I mean, think about it. Why would he ask her that? Doesn't that seem strange?"

House thought for a minute. "Maybe. Which security guard was it?"

Wilson blew out a long stream of air trying to make his brain remember. "I don't know. She has coffee with him in the cafeteria every now and then."

House rubbed his unshaven chin. "I know who he is." He stood and pulled out his phone and began punching in numbers.

Wilson looked on curiously. "Who are you calling?"

"Hodges."