Randy and Stottlemeyer came back to the hotel a few hours later and found Monk, L, and Natalie looking at the crime scene photos.
"Captain,Mr. Monk and L have made a big discovery!" said Natalie enthusiastically, "The same white Porsch was also parked near the previous three crime scenes as well!"
"Speaking of the white porsch we looked for it,but it turns out that the driver left with it at around 2:30. We got there around 3:28 so we were around 1 hour and 30 minutes to late. He's long gone by now." said a dissapointed Stottlemeyer, "and since we didnt get is license plate, we have nothing to go on."
"I figured as much," said L as he observed the crime scene photos, "but he'll be back."
"Wait a minute," protested Stottlemeyer, "are you suggesting that we should allow him to take another life in order to apprehend him? I dont care how good of a detective you are, I wont allow that to happen!"
"Sadly, that's the only way we're ever going to catch him," said L, unmoved by Stottlemeyers words," We have no evidence besides his car. We have no other choice other to wait for him to make a move." L sipped his tea and went back to examining the crime scene photos.
"Damn it, you're right" Stottlemeyer admitted, taking a seat.
"Captain, I want you to tell the press about everything we have discussed today."
Stottlemeyer looked up, surprised by L's request.
"Why?" Stottlemeyer asked, surprised, "that would just be like telling the killer what to do to avoid getting caught!"
"I have already considered that captain," answered L,"but I have come to the conclusion that the killer is confident in the fact that he wont be caught judging by the fact that he has parked near his victims corpses every time. Besides, If we don't announce our findings, then we will be putting the general public at risk." L took another sip of tea and continued, "at any rate, its getting late. Everyone should get a good nights sleep and come back here in the morning."
"Come on Mr Monk, we should get going." Natalie said to Monk.
"Yeah, I guess." Monk replied
"What was wrong with me today?" Monk asked natalie as they walked down the stairs of the hotel
"what do you mean? You did great today!" said Natalie, "if it wasnt for you we never would have found what the killer was driving."
"But when I was at the crime scene, I couldnt do a thing," replied Monk,"I couldn't even remember the license plate number and I have a photographic memory."
"Aw come on Mr. Monk, we all have off days," said Natalie reassuringly,"besides, its only a matter of time before we catch the killer."
**********
That night, Monk had the worst nights sleep of his life. He kept having nightmares about the murders and the look in the victims eyes. Oh God, that look of pure terror that chilled him to his core. He was abruptly awaked however, by a knock on his door. Monk glanced at the clock at the side of his bed. It was the first of November and 4:00 AM. Monk stumbled out of bed and trudged towards the door. He looked through the peep hole and opened the door.
"Natalie, its four in the morning, Im trying to sleep!" said monk, half angry due to being woken up and half relieved for being snapped out of his hellish nightmare.
"Oh come on, its not like you havent woke me up before," Natalie retorted, "remember the time you called me at 2 AM to tell me that you learned how to use a computer?"
"Ok, point taken," replied Monk,"anyway, what is so important that you had to wake me up so early?"
"L said to meet him at the hotel right away," Natalie informed him,"theres been another murder, and the killers car is at the crime scene. We've almost got him!"