A/N: This is a very AU version of "Mr. Monk is on the Run" and in a first for me, I'm deliberately writing this story as Part I and Part II. The episode itself is a two part episode but because I don't want to "rewrite" the entire plot, I'm only focusing on a few scenes from the episode, therefore skipping a large section. It's more of a hurt/comfort/romance and has very little to do with the plot of the show. It's merely an idea I got from having seen it so many times and wishing they would have expanded on it. That being said, thank you for taking the time to read and review. I sincerely appreciate it!

The courtroom was filled with emotion as the verdict was read. Almost everyone was ecstatic with the decision; some wept, some cheered. But none were as emotional as the three friends of the man sitting next to his lawyer.

Despite Leland Stottlemeyer's arm around her shoulder, the kind gesture did little to stop Natalie's tears or the sobbing that accompanied them.

"This is wrong! This is so wrong!" She whispered, still unable to believe that it was really happening. "How is this possible?"

"Now Natalie, we'll take care of this." Leland said gently.

"But how? I mean he's..." Her voice trailed away and her thoughts were interrupted by the bailiff's voice.

"All rise!"

Everyone stood as the judge left the courtroom and when her gaze met Mr. Monk's, she quickly looked away. But not before she saw the look of pure terror in his eyes. And once more she began to weep. As Leland wrapped her in a hug, she stood in a daze, praying that any minute she'd awaken from this nightmare. But when she opened her eyes, the courtroom was empty except for herself, Randy and Leland.

"Well... come on. Let's go." Leland said gently.

Woodenly she followed Captain Stottlemeyer and Lieutenant Randy Disher out of the courtroom, doing her best to ignore the swarm of reporters who were anxious to pounce on this story. And she could only imagine the humiliation it would bring her friend.

Hasn't he been through enough? First Trudy, now this?

Another hug made her realize that she had spoken out loud and she began to cry even harder.

"We'll make it right. I promise." Leland said softly. But as before, his words were of little comfort.

"But this is wrong! This is so-."

"Shh... Here he comes."

The sight of her boss, handcuffed and dressed in an orange jumpsuit was almost more than she could bear.

"Let's go Monk. The van's downstairs."

But before Officer Thompkins could move, Natalie grabbed his arm. "Wait. Can I at least say goodbye?"

Officer Thompkins looked back at Leland and then returned his attention to Natalie.

"Ma'am, under the circumstances, I don't think that's a good idea. This man is a hardened criminal. He's just been convicted of first degree murder!"

"But he didn't do it! I know he didn't!" Natalie yelled. "I-."

"It's fine, Jack." Leland said. "Just... let her say goodbye, okay?"

Adrian stepped foreword, his wrists bound by the handcuffs which were shackled to his orange jumpsuit by a chain around his waist. And the sight nearly broke Natalie's heart. She saw him nod gratefully at Leland and whisper "Thank you."

"Make it quick, Monk!" Officer Thompkins said. "You've got a long date with the County Jail!"

Swallowing hard, Adrian turned to Natalie who immediately started to cry. "Don't worry about me. I'll be okay." He said brokenly as he touched his forehead to hers.

She hugged him tightly, unable to let go, but then flinched when he was yanked away from her seconds later.

"Come on, Monk. Let's go!"

Her hand flew to her mouth and she suppressed a sob watching Mr. Monk be led away.

Leland sighed deeply. "I guess we'd better go too. But don't worry, Natalie. We'll take care of this, you have my word on that. And I won't stop until he's free."

Tearfully she hugged her friend. "Thank you."

"All right. Come on Natalie, I'll take you home. This day has been rough on everyone."