Mr. Monk, the Lucky Man

AUTHOR'S NOTES

This MONK story takes place at Christmas time, and I am well aware that the season has recently come and gone but with a little imagination I am sure you'll make it through. Of course, I own nothing Monk, and would hope not to get sued.

This is my first attempt at this kind of writing so all the help and input you my have are welcomed and encouraged. I very much hope the readers of this story enjoy it and are sufficiently entertained.

-K100

DECEMBER 22nd

When the last ribbon was precisely curled he was finally done. Adrian Monk had finished wrapping the two gifts to perfection. There they sat, side by side, identical in every way: shape, size, color, texture. The pride he felt for his craftsmanship and attention to detail was a sensation he normally only encounters after cleaning his stove, but Monk was torn from his thoughts by the telephone. It was Natalie, he predicted, and never is he wrong.

Natalie informed him that he was wanted in the aid of solving a murder investigation. She said she would be over in a few minutes to pick him up and take him to the scene of the crime.

"Christmas is just a few days away; I would really like it if you could solve this thing by the end of the day… If possible." Natalie said as they drove through the streets of San Francisco.

Monk turned his head in her direction. "Natalie…of course it's possible. But really not probable."

"Well could you try? I don't want to work through Christmas; I want to be home with Julie."

"If I solve it today someone will be murdered tomorrow and you'll still have to work." Monk said in a very matter-of-fact way.

She thought about it and knew he was probably right. "There's no winning with you is there?" She said with a smirk.

"No, not really."

They drove deeper into the city as the fog lifted. "So, are you going to spend Christmas with us again?"

He thought for a second and was relieved she asked. The holiday was rough for him, and though he just wanted it to come and go, he knew spending it alone would just break his heart even more. "Am I invited?" He questioned, so not to sound too eager.

"Of course." Natalie said, "Why would I ask if I didn't want you to come?"

"Pity." Monk said dryly.

"You're going to spend Christmas with us." She gave a devilish grin and lowered her voice, "whether you like it or not."

He smirked and submitted. "Fine, have it your way."

They arrived at the crime scene and were quickly filled in. As usual Monk went into his case solving mode. Natalie watched as he maneuvered through the room in a kind of altered state. She always found this interesting to witness, but today she hoped he would be swift about it. Swift so she could go home and swift so she could leave this depressing scene: a man murdered under his own Christmas tree.

Today Monk was wearing darker colors than usual; his normal brown jacket was replaced by a dark charcoal. He looked nice, Natalie observed. As she watched—wipes ready—she felt strangely attracted to him. She always felt he was a nice looking man but something else, beyond looks, was particularly appealing. Reasoning with herself, Natalie figured she was just excited about the holiday. Her thoughts about her boss appeared from the fact that she was happy he was going to be home, with them, for Christmas.

An hour later he declared he had seen all he need. There was a body and little else. He had not solved the case but at least they were done for the time being.