DISCLAIMER: Rating - PG13 (it's a murder mystery after all), for a little cussing & swearing and a body count. and Simon & Simon are not owned by me, they are owned by USA Network and CBS. This is just a stupid fan fiction and I won't make any money off of it.






At around 2:00 pm on Sunday, Rick, A.J., Sharona, and Monk sat in Captain Brown's office, waiting for him to return from a call. A.J. had plopped down in the chair behind Town's desk and started casually browsing through the drawers, and Rick had leaned back in his chair, tipped his hat down over his eyes, and propped up his feet. Adrian had placed a section of newspaper under Rick's boots so they would not dirty Town's desktop, then noticed some fingerprints on the large office window next to the desk, and went to clean them with a wipe.

Sharona spied the freshly brewed pot of coffee next to the Captain's desk and sauntered over to fix herself a cup. She had not slept well that night because she had to check on Adrian every three hours due to his concussion. She also knew that A.J. had not slept at all, as he stayed up on watch the whole night so Rick could rest, and she decided to fix a cup for him as well. Sharona ambled over to Town's desk and set the cup in front of A.J. Here, you look like you could use this.

A.J.'s face brightened. Thanks! I do need it. He gratefully took a sip, then leaned back in Town's cushy office chair, reading through some papers he found in the bottom right drawer. Hey Rick, looks like Town is trying to requisition some night vision goggles for the S.W.A.T. team. Ooh, their supplier is overcharging them, too.

Rick pulled his hat back. Bet I can get him a great deal from Surplus Sammy's.

Rick, with all the crap you've bought from Surplus Sammy's over the years, you could outfit the entire team yourself. A.J. gave his brother a disdainful look. Crap that is taking up space in my closets by the way! Rick just smiled and pulled his hat back down over his eyes.

Sharona sat down on the bench seat at the back of the office and sipped her coffee. She noticed that Adrian had finished cleaning the window, and was now moving about the office, rearranging everything he came across, straightening the pictures hanging on the walls, and generally making a pest of himself. A.J. was still engrossed by the forbidden riches found in Town's desk, but Rick was staring at Monk from beneath his hat, apparently amused by his actions. she scolded him. Monk ignored her and moved to the wall behind A.J., fiddling with the framed caricature of the Captain he found there. Adrian, cut it out!

Adrian looked at her, and pointed to the picture. But it's crooked.

So let it be crooked! Leave the pictures alone and come sit down. Adrian looked back at the drawing, tilted the frame so it was perfectly straight, and obediently moved back across the room to sit with Sharona. He shifted uncomfortably in the cumbersome protective vest beneath his clothes, then began fiddling with the bandages covering the palms of his hands.

Hey Monk. Rick said from underneath his hat. Mind if I ask you a question?

Adrian shrugged his shoulders.

Rick pushed his hat back and asked, You're afraid of germs, crowds, milk, my boat, and the bridge next to A.J.'s house..........why the hell aren't you terrified of a guy that's tried to kill you five times? Rick looked over his shoulder at Monk. I mean, you jumped a vicious killer last night without a second thought in your weird little head -

A.J. scolded him.

Rick continued, you picked a fight with a serial killer, but you're deathly afraid of the flu? It doesn't make any damn sense!

Two questions. Adrian blurted out.



That's two questions, you said you only wanted to ask one.

Rick pondered this for a few seconds, then countered, It's the same question phrased differently. Technically I asked you one question, I just stated it twice. Rick smirked at Monk. So......you gonna answer me or what?

Sharona raised her eyebrows, clearly impressed that Rick had just outsmarted her boss. He's got you there, Adrian!

Monk sat in silence for a moment, searching for an answer. I don't know. I guess it's because I'm.....you know.......me.

Oh great answer! Rick replied sarcastically. That really clears things up.

Captain Brown finally returned to the station and entered his office. Oh, good! You're all here. Mr. Monk, did Nixon give you the.............get the hell out of my desk! Brown glared at A.J. as he casually moved from behind the desk, still drinking his coffee and reading some papers he had swiped, and took the chair next to Rick. Town snatched the papers from A.J.'s hand and tossed them back in the drawer as he sat down in his office chair. He gathered what little patience he had left and turned to address Adrian. Mr. Monk, did sergeant Nixon give you the case file from last night's homicide?

Monk answered while picking at the bandages on his hands. Um, no......

Sharona grabbed Adrian's hand. Stop that! she hissed at him.

Adrian gave her a wounded look, then looked up at the Captain. We're still waiting for the photographs from the crime scene to be developed. Sergeant Nixon said the photography department is really backed up.

Captain Brown became annoyed when he heard the file still was not complete. He picked up the phone and dialed the extension for the photography department. Hello, Henry? This is Captain Brown. Where are those photographs from last night? He paused to listen, then barked, I don't give a damn if Bob is on vacation! This is a priority! How fast can you have those crime scene photos ready............great! Sergeant Nixon will be up there in five minutes. Have them ready, or I'll have your butt! Got it? GOOD! He slammed the phone down, and informed Nixon over the intercom to pick up the photos immediately. Brown leaned back in his chair, thinking for a few moments, then looked at Monk. So why are you so damn eager to see the crime scene photos, Monk? You worked that scene yourself less than twenty-four hours ago.

Because I think there's something here, in this scene, that will definitely lead me to the killer this time. Something I must have missed last night. Adrian twitched his shoulder and rolled his head to the side. The killer is awfully desperate to take me off this case now, he knows I'll get him this time. That's why he tried to run me down less than a block away from the police station.

Captain Brown looked over at Rick. Speaking of which, I'm surprised to see you here today. You feeling all right? Because you look like hell, Rick.

Oh come on, Town. You know it takes a lot more than that to take me off a case. Rick replied as he shifted his boots on the desk. I felt like hammered shit this morning when I woke up, but a few Tylenol, and I'm good as new. Rick leaned back a little in his chair, obviously sore and stiff despite his claims. Even though he was in a good amount of pain that morning, he still managed to roll himself off of the couch, and stubbornly insist on going with them after downing five Tylenol. A.J. knew just how obstinate his brother could be, so he finally agreed to let Rick tag along.

Sergeant Nixon finally arrived with the crime scene photos from last night and handed them to Captain Brown. The Captain placed them in the folder containing the rest of the paperwork and gave it to Adrian. There you go, Monk. One complete file. What's on the agenda today?

Adrian rose from his seat. I need to talk to the coroner about all of these murders, especially the one last night.

Ok Monk, you've got it. We'll go right now.

Sharona and A.J. quickly finished their coffee as everyone rose from their seats and followed Captain Brown out of the office. As they made their way through the station, Sharona turned around to make sure Adrian was following her, and saw that he was still standing in the doorway of Captain Brown's office, staring down at the open case file in his hands. Hang on a second, guys! We've lost Adrian! Rick, A.J., and Captain Brown turned around to watch as she went to collect Monk.

Sharona moved to Adrian's side, and became a little concerned when he did not acknowledge her presence. Adrian? What's wrong?

He looked up at her with a confused expression upon his face. Sharona, where am I? Monk asked as he raised his right hand to his forehead. His brow furrowed in thought as his gaze returned to the case file.

Now Sharona was worried. She gently placed a hand on his arm and said, Adrian, I think you need to sit down.

Rick wandered over and peered over Sharona's shoulder, regarding Monk with concern. Is he ok?

I think Monk hit his head harder than we thought she murmured to Rick.

Adrian looked at her, obviously excited about something. No, no! Sharona.........where am I? Where am I? He exclaimed. As he pointed to the photos in his hand, a knowing smile crept across his face.

Sharona grinned as she finally understood what Adrian was saying. Ohhhh, I know that look! You did it, didn't you? Monk slowly nodded his head as his smile widened.

A.J. and Captain Brown joined Rick, and they all watched as Adrian and Sharona exchanged looks. What's going on? A.J. inquired.

Sharona turned around, and with a huge grin on her face, she declared He just solved the case!








Forty minutes later, Adrian, Sharona, Captain Brown, and the Simon brothers walked into the photography lab on the top floor of the San Diego Police Department. The photo lab shared it's back wall with the forensic unit's ballistics lab, and several technicians could be seen through the laboratory's large window, examining objects under comparison microscopes and going about their work. As the group entered the room, the Captain saw a janitor and pulled him aside. Where is Mr. Toole?

The janitor replied, He's right over there, sir, in the back. You're just in time, he came back from a short lunch about five minutes ago.

Ok, thanks. Now get out of here, and don't let anyone into the room unless I tell you to, ok?

Yes sir! The worker hurried out the door.

The group entered the laboratory and approached a man sitting on a stool in front of a drafting table, which was situated against the back wall of the photography lab, directly underneath the window of the adjoining ballistics room. He was six-foot two inches tall, about thirty-eight years of age, with short, well-kept dark brown hair. He wore a white lab coat, and sported a pair of very businesslike black frame glasses. This was Henry Toole, the lead crime scene photographer for the San Diego Police Department. When he heard the group approaching, Toole looked up from the negatives he was examining with a magnifying glass, and turned his seat around to face them. Captain! What can I do for you? He greeted Brown with a warm and friendly smile. Didn't Nixon deliver those prints? I gave them to him about -

This isn't about the prints, Toole. Captain Brown coldly informed him.

Henry's smile faded. Damn.....another job, then? All right, I'll grab my camera. He stood up and reached into the black camera bag sitting on the corner of the table directly in front of him. By the way, Captain, that new lens you ordered for me finally came in, and -

I know you did it, Henry. Adrian interrupted. You're the serial killer.

Henry's brow furrowed in confusion as he looked at Monk. Excuse me?

Adrian stepped forward to confront Mr. Toole, and Sharona moved up with him, standing to Monk's right. I'll admit, you had me stumped at first. I can't believe it took me four days to see it. I fell for your misdirection, the same as everyone else. Adrian regarded Mr. Toole with a cold stare. But you can't fool me for long.

Henry stood motionless in front of the table, his right hand still inside the large camera bag, staring at Monk as he began to present his case. Captain Brown folded his arms across his chest and glared at his photographer with rising anger, while Rick and A.J. took up positions behind Adrian, making sure they blocked the path to the only door in the room.

Monk held up one of the crime scene photos from the homicide last night. This was your fatal mistake, Henry. You see this photo? Adrian pointed to the picture in his hand. It showed a full view of the victim's body lying beneath the bay window. The front sidewalk of the house and the street could clearly be seen through the large window above the victim. I watched you process this crime scene last night. I was standing on the sidewalk, right outside of this window..... He pointed to the window in the picture, ......counting the bricks in the front wall of the house. But when you look at the window in this photo, you can clearly see the sidewalk - I'm not there. I stood in this exact spot, watching you take pictures, yet I do not appear in any of the photos you supposedly took last night! Where am I, Henry? Adrian tossed the picture onto the table. It came to rest in front of Henry's camera case. And what about the cop cars that were there as well, or the yellow police tape? The street in front of the house is empty! There can be only one explanation for this, Mr. Toole..........you photographed the scene immediately after you killed her, and as with all nine of the San Diego victims, you placed those photographs in the case files instead of the ones you were supposed to have taken while officially processing the scene. I went back and checked your crime scene photos from all of the other murders, and found the blatant clues you left, assuming the police would never see them. Adrian twitched his shoulder and tilted his head to the side. The strange positions of the bodies, using the unique knots that you had learned to tie while working at the stables your stepfather owned........it was all misdirection. We were so busy looking at what you did with the victims beneath the windows that we forgot to look through the windows. There are no officers, or police cars on the street in any of the photos from these nine homicides, which means those pictures could only have been taken by the killer before the police arrived on the scene.

As Adrian Monk summed up his case, the expression on Henry Toole's face began to change. He had looked shocked at first, but as Adrian started putting the pieces of the puzzle in order, Henry's face slowly registered genuine esteem for the Detective. He simply smiled as Monk proceeded to incriminate him further.

Hiding in plain sight was brilliant, Mr. Toole. Adrian continued. The police would never suspect one of their own. You pompously thought you could operate with impunity for as long as you pleased, that the cops were too stupid to spot the clues you brazenly left in the photographs, especially when Captain Nolan was in charge. But then, something unexpected happened........ Adrian looked over at Town. Captain Brown took over the case, and he really started trying to catch the serial killer. Time to move on to easier hunting grounds. Monk faced Toole again. You chose San Francisco because the police department's lead crime scene photographer is retiring in a couple of months........you applied for the job in hopes of moving to a new killing ground permanently, thus allowing your twisted game with the police to continue.

Captain Brown produced a copy of the job application Henry Toole had submitted to the S.F.P.D., which had been faxed over by Lt. Disher just twenty minutes ago.

Adrian glared at Toole. But you had just one problem, Henry.......San Francisco is my territory. You knew I would catch up to you quickly, so I had to be eliminated. You failed to assassinate me twice in San Francisco, and then things got worse. Captain Brown hired me, and I came to San Diego to hunt you down. That's when you redoubled your efforts to kill me........you had to take me off the case in any way possible, because you knew I was the only one that would notice the clues in the photographs. I was getting closer to catching you every day, and your precious game was about to end, so last night, you decided to squeeze in one last victim before I could take you down.

Adrian pointed to the photo on the table showing the last victim. Last night, while watching you work this scene, I noticed something odd......you didn't load your camera before entering the house. I saw you attach the flash, but you didn't load any film. At the time I simply assumed you must have previously loaded the camera, but after looking at this picture today, I came to another conclusion.......you didn't need to load your camera because you had already photographed the scene earlier that night, right after you murdered her. That was your big mistake, the one you knew I would notice as soon as I saw these photos, because I stood there and watched you process that crime scene myself. And you became so desperate to obliterate me that you tried one last urgent assassination attempt right in front of this police station. Adrian glanced back over his shoulder at Rick, who stood next to his brother, blocking the doorway. An attempt that failed, by the way, just like your attempts to stall these pictures this afternoon, to keep me from seeing them.

Adrian searched Henry's face for signs of emotion, trying to interpret what he was thinking. Toole looked awestruck, and stared at Monk in sincere admiration. You really are as great as they say, Mr. Monk. It has been an honor and a privilege to match wits with you. Then he smiled, and began to speak in a chillingly calm tone. Even thought you caught me, I'm glad that Captain Brown hired you. It's rare that one meets a worthy adversary such as you..... he glanced over at Rick and A.J., and your two friends. Do you have any idea how hard it is to kill someone when the Simon brothers are watching their backs? Henry smiled and shook his head in disbelief. Well Mr. Monk, I'm sorry our game has to end so soon. A look of sadness crept across his face for a brief moment, but was soon replaced by smug satisfaction. Too bad you won't get to see what I had in store for you on Monday. It was truly.......inspired. He smiled sweetly at Adrian. But I do have one more trick up my sleeve. Henry turned his hateful smile to Sharona, and swiveled the camera case so it pointed directly at her. Everyone heard the distinctive click' as Henry pulled back the hammer on the gun he had concealed in the camera bag during his lunch break.

Monk reacted first. He quickly moved to his right, and using all of his weight, pushed Sharona hard with his right shoulder, knocking her down just as Henry pulled the trigger of the hidden snub-nose .44. The bullet missed Sharona and slammed into the upper left side of Adrian's chest. His left shoulder jerked back violently when it struck him, turning him around and knocking him off his feet. Sharona landed face down on the floor, and Adrian landed hard on top of her on his back, knocking the wind out of her.

Because Henry stood in front of the window to the ballistics room, Captain Brown and the Simons could not risk shooting him for fear of hitting the innocent employees. They had only one option - try and take him down by hand, which definitely gave Henry the advantage. He wrenched the pistol out of the camera bag with his right hand as Captain Brown ran forward to confront him. With his free hand, Henry grabbed the bag, laden with heavy photographic equipment, and swung it hard at the Captain's head as he approached. The bag struck Brown's chin with a loud crack', momentarily stunning him as he fell to the ground.

Henry brought the gun around to try and shoot at Sharona again, but A.J. was too fast for him. He knocked Henry's arm into the air and sent a second shot harmlessly into the ceiling. As A.J. and the killer wrestled for control of the gun, Rick charged forward and rammed his shoulder into Henry's gut. The impact knocked Henry off of his feet and sent all three men crashing to the floor. A.J. grabbed Henry's arm and kept the gun pointed at the ceiling, while Rick sat up and began punching the killer. Rick's fists repeatedly smashed into Henry's face until he stopped moving, and lay on the floor, unconscious and bleeding. Captain Brown joined the Simon brothers and rolled Henry over to handcuff him. Brown had a large cut on his chin where the heavy bag hit him, but he ignored the bleeding as he restrained his suspect. A.J. wrenched the gun from Henry's limp hands and began unloading it while Rick helped Town handcuff him.

Sharona had managed to catch her breath, but was still pinned face down on the floor beneath Adrian. Adrian, get off of me! He did not move, so Sharona put her palms to the floor and pushed with all her might, and she managed to roll him off of her back. She turned and found Adrian lying on the floor on his left side facing away from her. Sharona was concerned by his lack of movement and immediately moved to his side. Oh damn, no....... Adrian lay on the floor, his eyes squeezed shut and teeth clenched in pain, clutching the left side of his chest with his right hand. She looked a bit closer and finally saw the bullet hole in the fabric beneath his fingers. Sharona's heart sank as she realized that Adrian had been shot in the chest.

Sharona slid her arms underneath his and pulled him into her lap. Adrian groaned as she lifted him from the ground.

It's ok, Adrian. Just lie still and let me take a look... Sharona's fingers were trembling as she began to unbutton the collar of his shirt.

As Rick stood up and went to check on Monk and Sharona, A.J. examined the bullets he had pulled from Henry's revolver, and made a grim discovery. He turned and saw A.J. holding up one of the rounds from Toole's gun. Henry had modified his ammunition so it would penetrate a kevlar vest. He sprayed his bullets with teflon. The bastard was using cop killers'.

Rick saw Monk lying in Sharona's lap, clutching his chest, and he realized that Monk had been hit. Rick quickly crossed the room and knelt next to them. He looked into Sharona's eyes, and saw concern and fear for her friend. Sharona, let me take a look he offered gently.

Ok.....I don't - don't want to see it. She anxiously replied, and turned away as she pulled Adrian's hand from his chest to allow Rick access.

Rick unceremoniously ripped open the front of Adrian's shirt and slipped his hand underneath the protective vest, searching the left side of Adrian's chest for the bullet wound he felt sure he would find there. A.J. moved across the room and stood behind his brother, peering over his shoulder and watching with a concerned look on his face.

Adrian cringed in pain.

Just hold still, Monk. Rick commanded as he continued probing for a wound. He looked at Sharona, and shook his head. Nothin' yet....

Adrian opened his eyes and looked up at Sharona as she placed a hand on his forehead. he said weakly.

She gave him a worried look.

I'm.......on the floor Adrian complained. He began to look around, and frowned. You know I don't like being on the floor, Sharona......it's all dirty! Sharona gave a little laugh and patted his cheek, because the moment he began whining about dirt, she knew that her boss was going to be fine.

Rick removed his hand from Adrian's chest, smiled, and said, Well I'll be damned..... He tore open the long velcro flap on the front of the vest, pulled the removable trauma plate' out of it's pocket, and held it up for everyone to see. The bullet had barely caught the upper corner of the thick steel plate, less than an inch away from the edge. The heavy steel had buckled badly under the impact, but held, and the mashed bullet sat embedded in the corner of the thick metal.

If the teflon coated bullet had hit Sharona's standard issue kevlar vest, it would have gone right through it and probably killed her. But the steel plates in Adrian's high-end vest had shattered the teflon coating and stopped the bullet cold.

Rick shook his head in amazement. Monk, I never thought I'd say this, but it's a good thing you're so damn picky! Rick, Sharona, and A.J. helped Adrian to his feet. He immediately bent over and grabbed his aching shoulder, his left arm hanging limp at his side.

I know it hurts now, Mr. Monk. A.J. reassured him. But it will hurt a lot less in a few minutes. A.J. turned and yelled to the Captain, He's fine, Town!

Rick brushed some dirt from Adrian's back. Well, I've been shot lots of times. Feels like you got hit with a ten pound sledgehammer, doesn't it? Adrian looked at him and nodded in agreement. It'll take about ten minutes for the stinger' to go away. Enjoy it while it lasts! Rick smirked.

Adrian leaned on Sharona with his good arm as they walked over to the Captain, who was had just finished searching Henry Toole to make sure there were no more weapons on him. Henry was now awake and sitting up, and he glared at Monk with seething hatred as he approached.

Monk stood over him, stared directly into his eyes, and coldly stated, Game over..........I win.










The next morning, Adrian and Sharona stood with Captain Brown on the sidewalk in front of the San Diego Police Department, waiting for one of the bomb squad technicians to pull her gold Volvo around front. The Captain had wisely insisted on checking her car over to make sure their serial killer had not left any explosive surprises for them. Adrian's chest was badly bruised from the impact of the bullet against the vest, and he favored his left arm slightly as his shoulder was still very sore.

As the technician pulled up in Sharona's suitcase-laden car and parked in front of them, the Captain turned and shook Adrian's hand. Well Mr. Monk, I guess that's it. Thanks again for helping us out, we couldn't have done it without you. He gave Monk a warm smile, and added, Next time you're up for review in San Francisco, let me know. I'll be happy to testify on your behalf. You're a damn good cop, Monk.

Adrian smiled in sincere appreciation. Thank you, sir....thank - thank you.

Town shook Sharona's hand as well. Pleasure meeting you, Sharona. Take good care of Mr. Monk, we might just need him again sometime soon.

Oh, we'd love to work for you again! Sharona's face brightened at Brown's suggestion as she thought about the large check he had given them that morning. Thanks for everything, Captain!

As Captain Brown turned to leave, Sharona pulled a wipe out of her purse and handed it to her boss, and he cleaned his hands as they headed for her car. Did you hear that, Adrian? Town said he might hire you again! He is such a nice man......and he pays well, too! She smirked as she added, You sure you don't want to move to San Diego?

Um, no. Adrian answered, still not getting the joke.

Sharona opened the Volvo's door and lamented, Too bad Rick and A.J. aren't here, we really didn't get to say good-bye this morning. Sharona regarded Adrian with a critical eye. So, what did you think of them? I thought they were great!

Well, that A.J. is awfully nice. I like him. His house was very clean, and well-organized, too. Except for the kitchen cabinets, they could use a little work....

I should have known you'd say something like that. Sharona said as she rolled her eyes. What about Rick?

Adrian paused as he opened his door, and thought for a moment. I guess......he's ok. Then he added, I think he's a good person.

Their conversation was interrupted by someone honking a car horn, and Adrian and Sharona looked up to see the Simon brothers pulling up behind Sharona's car in A.J.'s red Camaro.

Speak of the devil... Sharona mumbled.

A.J. stepped out of the car as Rick climbed out over the passenger door, and they joined Monk and Sharona on the sidewalk.

Hi guys! Sharona greeted them.

Hey, I'm glad we caught you! A.J. said, looking dapper as always. We wanted to say good-bye before you two left town.

Well, don't worry, Adrian said, we'll be back. I have to testify against Mr. Toole when he goes on trial. Monk noticed a large black duffel bag in the back seat of the Camaro. What's that? he asked.

Oh, that? Rick replied. Surplus Sammy's had a big blowout sale. Town asked me to snag some night vision goggles for the S.W.A.T. team.

Yeah, there goes his half of our big fat bonus for this case... A.J. lamented. Never let Rick Simon into Surplus Sammy's with money in his pocket!

Town said he'd pay us back -

Oh, Rick! I'm talking about all the other crap you bought today! A.J. turned to Sharona and said, He bought a camouflage ninja outfit, and a blowgun! He turned back to his brother and asked, What the hell are you going to do with that stuff, sneak around San Diego hunting monkeys?

Adrian looked over at Sharona, who was trying really hard not to laugh at Rick.

Rick defensively replied Hey, they were on sale! I got a great deal!

You also bought ten packages of giant tubes of super glue! Ten packages? How much glue can one man possibly need?

Rick glared at Monk, and answered, Apparently, quite a bit.....

Sharona could no longer control herself and burst out laughing. A.J. joined her, and soon Rick was laughing as well. Adrian just stood there wondering what was so funny.

Rick admitted, that was pretty damn funny. I'll have to remember that next time I play a practical joke on someone.

Sharona looked at her watch. Well guys, it's a long drive to San Francisco, so we'd better get going. She gave each Simon brother a friendly hug and a kiss goodbye. Bye guys, thanks for everything!

Give me a call when you're coming back to town. A.J. told her. Don't bother paying for hotel rooms, you two are always welcome to stay at my house.

Sharona's jaw dropped open in surprise, and she and Adrian exchanged glances. You're kidding! You're inviting Adrian back to your place?

Are you kidding? A.J. smiled. My house has never been cleaner! Thanks to him, I won't have to do any housework for a month! He turned to Adrian and said, Good-bye, Mr. Monk. Working with you has been a truly unique experience. He offered his hand to Monk.

Adrian shook his hand. Thank you Mr. Si - um, A.J. He thought for a moment, and added, Adrian. It's Adrian........Monk. You can call me Adrian.

A.J. smiled and released his hand. Good-bye Adrian.

Monk turned to face Rick, and the two men stood in silence for a few moments. Rick had saved his life three times in less than one week, as well as Sharona's, and Adrian could not think of anything to say that would adequately express his gratitude. Rick and Adrian stared at each other, both at a loss for words.

Finally, Adrian, in a quiet show of respect, extended his arm and offered his hand to Rick first. In all the years Sharona had known Monk, she had never once seen him do that.

Rick accepted his hand in a friendly handshake, and smiled. Bye, buddy.

As soon as they released each other's hands, Sharona casually handed Adrian his usual wipe. Rick suddenly turned to A.J. and snapped his fingers. he demanded. A.J. pulled a package of wipes out of his jacket pocket, gave one to Rick, then took one for himself. Then the Simon brothers, trying unsuccessfully to suppress their smiles, proceeded to vigorously clean their hands. Both Sharona and Adrian burst out laughing at the thought of Monk contaminating them.

Bye, guys! See you next time! Sharona said, and she and Adrian waved at their companions. Rick grabbed the equipment bag out of the Camaro, and he and A.J. waved good-bye as well. As they parted ways, Adrian looked back at the Simon brothers in the passenger side mirror, and smiled - the belt on the back of Rick's jacket was neatly buckled into place.