Chapter 1

Adrian Monk sat in his chair staring out the large glass wall of Doctor Kroger's office. He wore a black police uniform and smiled as he waited for his the doctor to arrive and at thoughts of Trudy.

The door creaked and the doctor hurried in to the office, and Monk stood up to shake his hand. "Sorry that I'm late, Monk." He apologized. Adrian smiled at him and they sat down.

"That is okay." Monk replied.

"So, tell me how you and Trudy are going, Monk? I understand that the reason you came to see me especially today was because Trudy said you were having some problems…" the doctor stated.

Monk smiled and nodded. "Yes, doctor, but not with our marriage… Trudy thinks that some of the cases at work might be getting to my head, she doesn't want me to get worked up over some of the terrible things that I see."

"Oh and how do you feel about these cases that Trudy thinks are worrying you?"

"I feel fine…" Monk paused. "I mean, I feel great. Actually, the Captain is thinking of promoting me to his partner." Monk smiled.

"Right, so… Trudy tells me that you are just a detective now, is that right?"

Monk nodded. "Yes."

"Do you enjoy working on the police force?"

Monk again nodded. "I love it, I work hard every day and I solve cases… and I get the chance to make the world a better place for Trudy."

"So how are you and Trudy finding things?"

Monk broke out into a smile. "We have some really good news." He paused and reached into his bag, pulling out a small black box. "Trudy is pregnant. We are going to have a baby!"

Doctor Kroger smiled at Monk and nodded. "So, what is in the box?" Monk smiled and passed the box to his doctor as he pulled it open. "It is beautiful, Monk."

"Thanks Doctor, it is an eternity ring. It means that I want to spend forever with her. I can't wait to be parents together…" Monk smiled and the doctor paused.

"Aren't you a little worried that some of your phobias might get in the way?" Dr. Kroger questioned.

Monk nodded and sighed. "I am worried… actually; since Trudy told me the news I've been worrying every day all day…" He paused. "But, I love Trudy so much and when I am with her I feel as though there is nothing else in the world and I feel as though we are safe together… protected by our love." the doctor smiled.

"You know, Monk, I think you may be right." He paused. "And I think that you will be a great Dad."

"Thanks Doctor, I hope so." Monk smiled. "Anyway, I am going to go home. I want to cook Trudy dinner and give her this ring; just to show her how much she means to me… I don't think she knows just how much I love her."

Doctor Kroger stood up and helped Monk collect his things when the Captain suddenly came bursting through the door.

"Monk, monk?" The captain frantically searched the room looking for Monk.

"Captain, I am here… are you okay?" Monk questioned.

Captain Stottlemeyer took a deep breath in and leant on his knees to catch his breath.

"Captain, what is wrong?"

"Monk, its Trudy."

Monk gasped, his thoughts suddenly rushing to his soul mate and their unborn baby. "Is she okay? Is the baby okay?"

Captain Stottlemeyer shook his head. "Monk you need to sit down before I tell you anything." Monk took a deep breath and sat on the chair as he felt as though his insides had turned into led. "Monk, there was a report of a body found, a body that fitted the description of Trudy. Randy and I went to check it out."

"No, Captain…" Monk shook his head in disbelief and stood up. "If it was Trudy, I would know. I would feel it."

The captain placed his hand gently on Monk's shoulder. "Monk, Randy and I identified the body." He paused and looked sadly at Monk. "You wife has been murdered."