Hi.

Some months ago I submitted a Monk and Natalie FF story that had a rather unusual ending. Unlike most such stories which end happily my ending was negatively bittersweet: Natalie quits her job and leaves Monk.

The few people who generously read the story and took time to comment agreed in unison that there should be a sequel. The below is but one of many possibilities: Please note that there is some profanity. The title is "A Gentleman"

I herein state that all of the characters below are borrowed from the Monk TV series with only their actions original.

"A Gentleman"

Weighted down by the emotional shock of having quit her job - the best she had ever had - and leaving Monk, the only man she had known since Mitch whom she could- and did infact - love, Natalie slowly walks down the hallway leading to the front door, whispernig into her cell phone.

"I know this is rather sudden but can you come by Mr. Monk's apartment and pick me up? I don't have a car and need a ride.....You're sure it's no bother? Thanks."

Not wanting anyone to see her, she waits inside the hallway rather than go outside. Glancing at the wall mirror to check her appearence she blurps out

"God, am I a mess."

so with a few minues left before her ride shows up she hurriedly opens up her purse, takes out her compact, almost dropping it on the floor, then swiftly appplies a light coat of make up on her face to hide the tear stains, giving up on doing something for her puffy redden eyes.

Soon a car shows up and pulls alongside the curb.

Recognizing it, she opens the screen door and rushes down the sidewalk to the curb to be greeted with the car door swinging open.

"Hi, get in."

"Thanks Randy. It is really swell of you to do this for me on such shot notice."

"No problem Natalie. It's on my way home and besides, there is no one I would rather have sitting next to me than you anyway."

Inwardly, he congradulates himself thinking that this line might have scored some points with her.

He turns towards her to make sure the door is shut and notices traces of tear stains on her face she had missed camoflaging.

"Natalie, have you been crying?"

Still hurting, in an uncharacteristic tone she replies sarcastically "Yeh, how can you tell?"

"What happened? Then hoping for the right answer he continues, "Don't tell me but did you and Monk have an argument?"

"No, no argument."

"Well something must have happened. Monk doesn't usually make people cry."

Realizing that in being a cop it was his duty to continue to probe and everyone would learn what had happened anyway tomorrow,with a sigh she explains tersely.

"I have stopped working for Mr. Monk."


Finding it hard to conceal the joy he felt in learning that his archrival was no longer a threat and that now he finally has a chance to win her affections, he tries to console her,

"I am sorry to hear that. I know you both were close but, honestly, I am not surprised. I don't know how you have managed to stay with him this long."


"Well, I had my reasons but there're gone now. Listen, Randy, Julie is staying overnight with a friend and so no one is there. I don't want to stay in an empty house especially tonight so would you mind if I spend the night at your place, if it isn't a bother?"

"Can this be happening?" he asks himself "Boy, those candles really do work don't they!"

"Sure, I have a spare room you can use."

They finally arrive at his apartment and go in.

"Here, let me take your coat. You go into the living room and relax. You must be hungry
I'll make you something. I' m a good cook. What would you like to eat?"

Though not having much of an appetite, in appreciation she says, "Anything is OK."

"Great. I'll make some omelette then brings them to the table together with wine.

Not feeling very talkative, Natalie just listens quietly to Randy talk mainly about his music.

After dinner, he goes into the spare room to make the bed, leaving Natalie by herself.

As he makes the bed, he looks at the pillow in the middle then his hormons take charge and he cautiously places a second pillow there as well hoping that tonight he may get lucky.

Meanwhile Natalie, left alone and wanting to check on her appearance, fishes around in her purse for the compact but in the dimly lit room pulls out a package of wipes she kept for her boss then staring at them, the pain and anguish she had managed tp keep more or less in control burst through her defenses and she began to cry uncontrollably.

Finishing making the bed Randy heads back to the living room but as he approaches the entrance he hears on the other side of the wall Natalie crying then suddenly "Damn you Adrian. Damn you, Why couldn't you ..we" followed by more sounds of her crying.

"The woman of my dreams is in the next room and she wants to stay here with me tonight but I can't do this, She still loves Monk."

Clearing his throat a few times then pausing for another moment, he then walks in catching her rubbing her eyes with a wipe.

"Listen, it's geting late and I just remembered I have the early morning shift tomorrrow
(there is really no such shift) and so must leave before 5. You can' get a good night sleep under these conditions so I'm going to take you home."

Before she had time to refuse, he goes into the kitchen, fetches her coat then motions for her to come.

Turning into the small street that leads to her house, Randy notices lights on inside and slows to a halt.

"Natalie, lights are on in your house. I thought you said the house is empty. Maybe there is a burgler inside?"

"No, Randy, it's OK. I see Julie standing at the widow. She is probably watching for me."

Randy then pulls up into her driveway and stops.

Natalie then kisses Randy on the cheek and gets out sayng ,"Thank you again. You are always there when I need you," then walks over to the house.

Seeing her mom Julie runs over to the door and flings it open .

"Mom, I was so worried, No one answered the phone so I came back. You are crying."

Gently she cuddles her mom who abruptly turns around and knods towards Randy her appreciation then the two disappear inside the house, closing the door after them.

Waiting to make sure they were safely inside, Randy mutters to himself, "Monk, you may be a great detective but you haven't a clue as to how lucky you are. She's the
best thing to happen to you since Trudy and you let her walk away" then starts the car and slowly backs out to return home.

I like this part so far. I never had a chance to read the first part. Where can I find it?
Keep writing!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story but, unfortunately ,the above version is not the completed one. Please recheck the message board.

My first story was some months ago and apparently it has been deleted - sorry. As I said the ending was not a happy one but in my reading of the mind of Monk at that time it seem to be unavoidable at the sametime what was best for her.

Kawasakifan

Did you find the completed version?

Again, sorry for the confusion.