(Untitled)

[ineedavicodin]

He's in the bar nursing a chocolate milkshake and onion rings, a sudoku puzzle on the table in front of him, a dog on the floor at his feet. The dog occassionally rolls over, and snorfles in sleep. He rubs her belly with his foot when she does. And occassionally grumbles at his puzzle, or bites his pencil. The milkshake is half melted, the onion

Comments

[shesaidthanks]

There's something about him that feels like she's seen him before.

And she has, in a photograph, but at this point, Kate has no idea.

"Beautiful dog. Looks just like a friend of mine," she says sociably.

[ineedavicodin]

"Thanks. Name's Triumph." And on cue, Triumph rolls over and opens one eye, her nose twitching to sniff at the newcomer.

[shesaidthanks]

Kate smiles, and makes a fist with her left hand, holding it out toward Triumph's snout.

"You look a lot like Judge, you know," she says. (Even dogs have a family resemblence!)

[ineedavicodin]

Jusge. He knew that kname. It took a moment to spark recognition in him. He nodded. "You know Campbell? Judge is her father."

[shesaidthanks]

"Oh, that's it then!" Kate laughs. "Do I ever know Campbell. My employer, a close friend, and my personal travel agent when it comes to going halfway across the country for things that feel pointless. I'm Kate Fitzgerald." She offers a hand, politely.

[ineedavicodin]

"Kate," House nods. "He's mentioned you. All good, of course," he added with a little smile.

Triumph was on her haunches now, her tail wagging, pushing her nose against Kate's hand.

[shesaidthanks]

Triumph, for her efforts, gets a scratching-behind-the-ears. Kate knows that Judge shouldn't be pampered unless he's off duty (which is almost never), but other dogs can have all her love.

"Great. Really? Or has he been complaining about trips to the Mayo Clinic that don't have anything to do with him?"

She doesn't trust Campbell.

[ineedavicodin]

"I've no clue what you're talking about." House bat his eyes at her.