"A wager?" Monk asked, staring at the writing on the table

"Yes," replied L as he popped the last piece of glazed doughnut into his mouth,"It is either we bring this killer to justice before the end of this month or more murders will ensue. So, you see, we must work fast to prevent this form happening otherwise the blood will be on our hands as well,so to speak."

Monk wasn't listening. Instead he picked up a napkin and frantically started to scrub the part of the table L had written on

"Don't waste your energy Mr Monk, its-"

"Permanent marker, I know," said Monk, still scrubbing the table,"Remember when I said my abilities were both a gift and a curse? well this," he said, scrubbing even harder," is the curse."

By that time, half the people in the room were staring and Monk. He slowly sat back down and put the napkin away.

"Oh that reminds me," said L, pulling the marker back out and drawing black bars over his writing, hiding the words from prying eyes and further irritating Monk,"I wonder what drove the killer to commit such atrocious crimes."

"Probably something traumatic," said Monk sadly,"most likely the loss of a loved one." Monk stared at the ground with a solemn expression on his face.

L stared at Monk for a moment and then stood up.

"We should get going Mr Monk," said L, picking up the box of doughnuts,"it looks like its getting quite late."

"Yeah, that would be nice," said Monk, getting up,"by the way, can I go home now?"

"That won't be a problem." said L as he pulled a powdered jelly doughnut out of the box and took a bite.

"Yeah, but you staying with me will be a problem," Monk said as L munched on his doughnut, a blank stare fixed on his face,"I have a few rules that I would appreciate if you-" before he could finish, L strolled out the door and to his car,"Oh come on!" Monk exclaimed,"Wait for me!"

*******************************

The two detectives arrived at Monks apartment. L stepped inside and looked around, despite already being in the apartment earlier.

"So where will I be staying?" asked L,"This room seems unoccupied, I guess I'll just-"

"NO!" Monk exclaimed

L stared at Monk, a little surprised at Monks sudden outburst, although he didnt show it.

"Its just that that room was Trudy's room," said Monk quietly,"I just want to keep it the way it is."

"In that case, the couch will be fine," said L, walking into Monks living room,"Watari will be here shortly to drop off my luggage."

Monk smiled a little when he thought of L's luggage, as he pictured a suitcase jam packed with shortcake and tea, but then frowned as he began to consider how much of a mess that would make if he was correct.

Suddenly, L's cellphone began to ring.

"Hello?" said L, answered his phone,"yes,I understand,thank you for your assistance."

"What was that about Ryuzaki?" Monk asked as L hung up

"The police tested the victims for signs of any foreign substances in their bodies as per my request," said L,"as it turns out, all of the victims had a powerful drug in their systems that was most likely used to incapacitate them before they were murdered. We are one step closer to closing this case, Mr Monk. We are one step closer to bringing the killer to justice."