The Boston Division Headquarters for the DOJ's Criminal Division was diverse both in scope and in style. Concerning the former, they dealt with everything from Cybercrime to Civil Rights with units specializing in Drugs and Narcotics, Organized Crime, National Security and everything in between. The main headquarters that Monk would be working out of was at the John Joseph Moakley
United States Federal Courthouse, a large brick and glass building with modern amenities and an appealing appearance. For Monk's part, the outwards ambience of a facility mattered little, as long as it was clean. But, he was fortunate in that for his assignment he got both a clean private office and a window with a view of the city skyline along with part of the harbor. Of course, he didn't plan on using the office a whole lot, preferring instead to use his expertise on the field in solving crime.
His first appointment of the morning was a joint conference with various investigators and the US Attorney John Zinn. The meeting was an orientation for the group to introduce new members and the organizational framework as a whole. Because of his high position, Adrian's introduction was given a position of prominence in the program as Zinn provided a biography of Adrian's career and accomplishments to date. Much to his chagrin, Rod Simpson and Eric Gaston were announced as his 'assistants.' In Adrian's mind, he had only one assistant, so this was an arrangement that he would make a point to correct at the earliest possible convenience. For now, he followed the program and appeared gracious when receiving Zinn's accolades.
Following the meeting, Zinn personally gave Adrian a tour of the executive offices. Showing him state of the art equipment and computer technology did little to impress him. What he was really interested in knowing was the area of focus that his talents were being applied to and what cases they wanted him to work on first.
"I must say, Mr. Monk. I'm very pleased to see your enthusiasm. Many of our field agents are either enthusiastic, but not equipped, or equipped, but worn out from the sheer amount of caseload we face in this department. It will be good to have you on board to freshen things up a bit." Zinn stated.
"I'm looking forward to it. Sir, in the meeting you said that I have two assistants, Mr. Simpson and Mr. Gaston…I…I really only have worked with one assistant, that is my wife Natalie. I would like to see to it that she has a role here as well." Said Adrian.
"Mr. Monk, I can certainly understand one's desire to be close to family…but, Mrs. Monk has never been in law enforcement and does not have the credentials that Mr. Simpson and Mr. Gaston have. I assure you, I've given you two of our best agents. As a matter of fact, had you not gotten this role, I would have had no problem appointing either one of them to…" Zinn said
"You don't understand, Mr. Zinn. Sir. Natalie has a lot of experience with law enforcement because she has worked with me as my right hand for many years. I'm sure the two gentlemen that you picked out are quite capable. I have no doubts there. And, I don't want to be hardnosed about this; but, on the flip side I respectfully submit… I am not afraid to play hardball. Simpson and Gaston are welcome to come along and help. I certainly can't do it all. But either Natalie is on board as my assistant or we return to San Francisco." Adrian said with an authority that even made himself a little proud.
"Isn't she in a family way? What are we going to do with a pregnant agent on the field?" asked Zinn.
"Are you trying to discriminate against a pregnant woman, sir? Isn't that illegal?" asked Monk.
"Touché. Alright, if you will work best with Natalie as your assistant, we can bring her on; but, only at the same salary as we would give to one of our interns. She lacks the credentials to justify more." Said Zinn.
"Money matters less than having her there. She will not disappoint you. I'm glad we had this conversation." Said Adrian. "Now, what case would you like for me to solve first?"
Natalie got a pillow and laid down on the couch with another glass of tea and Abigail's diary. There was a certain excitement in receiving such an old book on its own, but receiving one attached to the actual history of the Monk family and their new home intrigued her. She made herself comfortable and settled in to immerse herself in the life of Abigail Orne Monk.
Opening the book for the first time, she noticed how well preserved it was for its age. The family had gone to great lengths to protect its little treasure. She would do the same.
On the inside cover, she was charmed by several pieces of handwriting. At the top in block letters, she read Abigail Orne. Her Book. Below this, she saw several instances of cursive handwriting, each growing more beautiful and refined. Abigail Orne. Abby Orne. Abigail Orne Monk, wife of Mortimer.
On the opposite page there was a short listing of members of Abigail's family, both on the Orne and Monk sides. She had noted significant birth and death dates for each listing. She also listed her own birth 16 July 1742.
Turning the page, Natalie began to read the first entries in the diary. They were from when Abigail was a teenager.
5 August 1759 - Boston
Spent the morning in church. Reverend Campbell preached on the seven deadly sins. I fear I may be guilty of three of them. Must spend more time in devotion to prayer and less time on frivolity.
31 October 1759 – Boston
Reformation Day festivities were quite grand. Pierre Gaston gave an eloquent appeal as Martin Luther and my brother Peter did a splendid job playing Tetsel. Reverend Campbell preached a sermon on God's sovereignty and we spoke of it in conversation all the way home.
12 November 1759 – Boston
Father got into an argument today with Daniel Evans over the education of women in his household. Daniel said that women are to bear children and make food and sew clothing, that this was the natural order. Father disagreed, noting that Jesus Himself had no problem whatsoever with Mary sitting at His feet and learning. He said as long as he was alive, he would see to it that ALL of his children were educated. Afterwards, I went into town for a social and felt that Prudence Evans was very distant to me.
1 December 1759 – Boston
Winter is upon us, and it is looking as if it will be a bad one. Father is considering taking us South to visit his brother in North Carolina, but mother is concerned that young Levi would not do well in traveling, so we may not go.
12 December 1759 – Raleigh
Father prevailed upon Mother in traveling to North Carolina and brother Levi did well. I believe that the change of scenery has made him feel better. We shall stay here through the holidays and return to Boston once the weather begins to break in February.
25 December 1759 – Raleigh
Merry Christmas. Today was a blessed day of family and fellowship. We began with a sunrise service at Uncle Francis' church in Raleigh. After songs and a sermon by Reverend Updike, we returned home and had a tremendous feast. Aunt Charity made a dinner of roast goose with root vegetables. I especially liked the brandied peaches.
13 January 1760 - Boston
Returned home early due to the death of my Aunt Meredith Gray. Mother was very sad along the way. I wished I could help her. Pierre Gaston attended the funeral and was very friendly and expressed great sympathy at her passing. Father is pleased with his attention to me and noted that Pierre is a true man of letters. He is studying law.
25 January 1760 – Boston
Little Levi has taken ill again. This time he will not stop coughing. I hope he gets better.
27 January 1760 – Boston
Levi Orne passed from this earth today and went to God. He was ten. His short life filled us with much joy. My heart is broken.
13 Apr 1760 – Boston
Attended church today with mother and father. There is a new minister, Reverend Balthasar Smith. I was chastised by Father on the way home by calling him a besprawler, but it is true. He spits when he talks and nearly re-baptized the entire front row when he became animated during his morning sermon!
3 May 1760 – Boston
Pierre Gaston has asked my father for permission to court me. Father said yes. I'm interested, but unsure.
10 May 1760 – Boston
Pierre and I took a ride in a boat on the harbor today. It was pleasant. We talked a lot, mostly about Pierre. But it was okay. He is an interesting and fine gentleman.
23 June 1760 – Boston
Pierre picked me up to go to the towne social today. I believe mother was more excited than I was, as she has us married already. I do believe this is his intention, and he would make a fine choice of a husband. I am secretly unsure though. Seeking the guidance of Providence.
27 June 1760 – Boston
My dear Pierre has a frightful temper! I saw it today for the first time in our courtship. As he was taking us to town to view a drama, his carriage broke an axle. This threw the carriage and both of us went flying out onto the ground. He did inquire about my welfare; but, was mostly concerned that his new suit had gotten a tear in it. We left the carriage on the road and walked into town to seek the assistance of a blacksmith named Mortimer Monk. Odd sort of man, and very quiet. He did not deserve Pierre's wrath. Pierre demanded that Mr. Monk fix the part right away and spoke to him very roughly. I told Pierre that I did not like how he had treated this man, but Pierre only stated that he didn't like having his clothes torn either but would have to endure it. Mother attended to my wounded knee and elbow and told me that sometimes we women must learn to be quiet and allow men to express their rougher sides without question.
16 July 1760 – Boston
I had a delightful birthday today. Father gathered our friends and family here at the house and we played games and had music and it was joyful. Pierre was out of town on business, so he missed the festivities. I did not miss him.
19 August 1760 – Boston
My sister Lydia is marrying Anderson Brookesby. We are all so very excited. I am now feeling great pressure to be next.
24 August 1760 – Boston
Today I saw an amazing sight. The famous open-air preacher George Whitefield came through towne and preached a sermon that you could hear from miles away. He has a way of really bringing Scripture to life and his readings are very dramatic. Pierre stood with me for around ten minutes and listened, but then left me to walk home by myself, saying that he needed to visit Benjamin Douglas to inquire of some law books that he had loaned him. I would almost think that Pierre wasn't a Christian! He expresses no interest in the things of God other than making an obligatory show for societal approval. I hope I am not punished for this judgment, but it troubles me. Regardless, I was taken care of this afternoon and did not have to walk home thanks to Mortimer Monk, the blacksmith, who was enjoying Whitefield as well. He saw that I had been abandoned and took me home in his carriage. At first, he seems shy and distant. But, there is a great and generous heart in this man. I see it in his dark brown eyes. I would like to know more about him. Perhaps we can become friends.
12 November 1760 – Boston
My heart is feeling so conflicted, for I know that today Pierre asked my father for my hand in marriage. I wish to please my parents, but in my heart it does not feel right. What am I to do? I do not love him.
15 November 1760 – Boston
My family held a gathering tonight in which many people were present. In the middle of the festivities Pierre stood in front of everyone and announced that he had decided that I would be his future wife. He never even asked my opinion. I was mortified. But, I put on a cheerful face in order to keep up appearances. I shall cry myself to sleep tonight. If only I could talk to Mortimer. He is such a good listener and kind. He also has a keen whit and is very intelligent – not what I would expect from a man who makes his living with his hands. If only things were different.
16 November 1760 – Boston
After church today, Pierre announced to everyone that we were going to have a Christmas wedding. Everyone applauded us, but I felt physically ill. I do not want to marry him, and yet it is expected of me. I am so miserable. If only Providence would help me out of this situation. My parents are ecstatic. Duty says I should marry him, but my heart says otherwise.
18 November 1760 – Boston
I can barely write this for tears. Today, I was honest with Pierre about my hesitancy to marry him. He became quite angry. He told me that I should be happy to be marrying someone with his qualifications and that I was being a fool for giving it a second thought. He criticized Father for giving me an education, and said that's what happens when women are taught to think. I became so angry that I said some unkind things, at which point he grabbed me forcefully by my arms and kissed me, saying that this was what I needed. I slapped him, and then he grabbed me so hard by the arms again that two hours later, my arms still hurt. When I resisted. Then, he slapped me and threw me on the ground. I got up and ran. I ran as fast as I could to Mortimer's shop and asked him to hide me. Pierre scared me. I was crying so hard that Mortimer shut up his shop and shut the windows. He wrapped his arms around me and comforted me by stroking my hair just like my parents would when I was a little girl and had become frightened. I felt safe with him. I also saw a strength in him that I hadn't seen before. If Pierre had appeared, I am afraid Mortimer would have fought him. I feel as if my relationship with Mortimer is more than that of a friend and it frightens me. We are from two different worlds. What will Father think? I do not know what I will do. All I know is that I cannot marry Pierre Gaston.
The phone rang and Natalie reluctantly set the book down. She wanted to read more. She also couldn't wait until Adrian came home so that she could tell him. Regardless how he tried to appear, Natalie knew Adrian's romantic side ran strong, so he would undoubtedly be as intrigued as she was when he heard the tale. What an exciting adventure this had already turned out to be.