DUE MONK

BY

BOB WRIGHT

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Here's the story I know you all want. Some of you've already written your own, well-done versions of it. This is mine, and what better way to tell it by crossing Monk over with the TV cop who could understand him better than any other. Indeed, Due South has a lot in common with Monk on a number of levels (well, except for ratings), so it's a natural fit.

Admittedly, this story might take an indefinite period to write. I want it to be absolutely perfect.

My apologies for not putting Adrian in this first chapter directly, but I'd like to keep with custom and show the cadaver first.

Adrian Monk and all related characters and indicia are registered trademarks of Mandeville Films, USA Network, and Touchstone TV. Due South and all related characters and indicia are registered trademarks of Alliance Atlantis. And now, sit back, relax and enjoy the story.

ONE

"So Ray, how have things been since we last spoke?" Constable Benton Fraser, R.C.M.P., asked his associate as they drove through the busy streets of Chicago."

"Pretty good, Benny, pretty good," Detective Ray Vecchio told the Mountie, "Stella and I'll be married in about two months, so when you go back up North, tell Kowalski thanks. How does he like Canada anyway?"

"He's adjusting rather well," Fraser said, "I managed to get him a small cabin outside of Yellowknife. He's really taking to private life rather well."

"Well, the only wilds I'll ever really like are the urban kinds," Vecchio said, "And I'd like to thank you for putting down the money to replace my car after the two of you blew it up."

"Well you see, Ray, the fire didn't look too bad at the time, and it's very rare that a car actually explodes, so it didn't look like too much of a danger at the time, but then all of a sudden the hood blows off, and…" Fraser explained.

"Don't give the fine details," Vecchio interrupted, "That was another mint condition 1971 Buick Riviera you've destroyed since I met you. It's almost like your karma in life to wreck my cars." After a brief silence, the detective asked, "So, how long are you down here this time?"

"I've got a three week respite from duty," Fraser explained, "It's not as long as I would have wished, but it's reasonable enough."

"The wolf couldn't make it?" Vecchio continued asking.

"Diefenbaker's with his mate and young tonight," Fraser told him, "You'll probably see him tomorrow or so." He turned to face his old friend. "And I must admit," he said, "It's nice to see you in person again, Ray."

Vecchio couldn't help smiling. "I've missed you too, Fraser," he said. He pulled his current Riviera over to the curb. "Here we go, Unos," the cop said, hopping out, "I think it's time we introduce you to several American dishesor at least should be American."

"Yes, but the fact is many of them aren't," Fraser said, putting on his Stetson as he climbed out, "Indeed, these were frequent Italian dishes for…"

Just then there came a shrill woman's scream from around the corner. The two men looked at each other. Fraser took off running while Vecchio was still reacting. "Take your hands off him!" the woman was screaming. A child's cries were also mixing in. Too late the Mountie turned the corner, though, to see a gray Ford peeling off into the night. A man ran up to him. "Are you a cop?" he asked breathlessly.

"Yes, I happen to be," Fraser said, "Constable Benton Fraser, Royal Canadian Mounted Police."

"What's going on here, Fraser?" Vecchio rounded the corner.

"They took my wife and son!" the man said in a hyper voice.

"Who are they, sir?" Fraser inquired.

"I don't know!" the man cried, "I have no idea!"

"I see," Fraser said. He turned to Vecchio. "We'd better call this in, Ray."

"So Mr. Fleming, you're absolutely sure you have no idea who the kidnappers were?" Vecchio asked an hour or so later back at the precinct.

"I've told you at least nine times, they were wearing ski masks!" the victimized husband said, his head in his hands.

"We understand," Fraser said, taking hold of the man's hand.

"Vecchio," Lieutenant Harding Welsh stuck his head out his office door, "Like to talk to you in private."

"Sure thing, Lieutenant," Vecchio rose to his feet and walked off. "Now Trevor," Fraser told the husband, "Why don't you run down the events of this evening for our benefit. How long have you been here in Chicago?"

"About two weeks now," the man told him, "We came over from New Jersey to visit my aunt; she's on life support. At Metro General."

"I see, and was there anything out of the ordinary that happened so far during the trip?"

"No, not at all," Trevor admitted, "It's been really quiet in fact. There certainly wasn't anything to suggest…"

He sighed, looking miserable. "What were you doing this evening?" Fraser asked him.

"I suggested we go to a movie tonight," Trevor told him, "We'd just gotten out and were walking home. As we were turning the corner around Unos, that car came out of nowhere. It all happened so fast. About four of them grabbed Benjy. Sharona tried to stop them, but they took her too. It was over before I could do anything. I just feel so guilty."

"I wouldn't be so hard on yourself, Trevor," Fraser patted his shoulder, "If it did happen as you say, there would have been little you could have done."

"It's more than that, Constable," Trevor sighed, "I just got back together with them a couple of months ago. I made so many mistakes in my life and lost them several times before, and now that I'm finally a changed man, I'm going to lose them again."

"You won't lose them, Trevor," Fraser said, looking him right in his eyes, "I promise you we'll get your wife and son back."

"And it looks like we'll have other people working with us, Fraser," Vecchio plopped back down next to the Mountie, "Welsh was on the phone for a half hour with San Francisco. It seems Fleming's wife had a number of influential friends with the S.F.P.D. They're sending several of them over to help in the investigation."

"Are they sending Adrian Monk?" Trevor now looked quite interested.

"Monk, Monk, yeah, I think Welsh mentioned someone with a name like that," Vecchio nodded, "We're supposed to meet them at O'Hare tomorrow at 11."

"Very interesting," Fraser said, "You know Ray, I've always been interested in meeting a law enforcement official from San Francisco. In all kinds of American media they're depicted of being excessively violent and uncaring toward human well being. It will be interesting to see just how realistic that stereotype is."