Author's Note: Welcome to the 4th installment of the Monk Family Series. I have been very excited to share this story with you all, and I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. This time around, I will be posting chapters on an every-other-day schedule instead of every day as I have done in the past. I appreciate all of my readers, new and returning. A special thank you also to my reviewers. If you haven't reviewed before, I welcome them here. Your thoughts and opinions are important to me as a writer. Please let me know what you think of the story as we go along.

Adrian and Natalie drove to their alternate dinner destination with Molly and Luke following behind. Relieved to find the deli still open, they entered to the aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee. On display, under the glass counter, was a dizzying variety of meats, cheeses, and other toppings. The clanging of pots could be heard in the back before an older gentleman with white hair appeared behind the counter to take their orders. After taking some time, Adrian settled on a turkey club: lightly toasted, hold the lettuce, hold the bacon, hold the mayo while Natalie ordered a grilled cheese with the soup of the day. Molly decided on a piece of cake with coffee, but Luke only wanted coffee, his stomach still unsettled from the evening's events.

They found a cozy table in the back, surrounded by pictures of Italy's picturesque countryside and a large Italian flag proudly on display. After a short while, their orders were brought to their table by the same white-haired man. "You folks take your time. We'll be here for at least another hour, getting things ready for tomorrow."

The group began to eat, and Adrian could see Luke and Molly begin to relax. He reached for the first half of his sandwich. "Well, Molly, tonight must have a feeling of déjà vu."

"Yes, it does," she said with a wry smile.

Luke's eyes grew wide as he turned to his wife. "When did you find a murder victim?"

"Didn't I tell you? I'm the one who found Sophia's birth mother when she was murdered."

"And poor Sophia who thankfully was unhurt," Natalie added.

Luke placed his hand on Molly's shoulder. "I didn't know. I'm sorry. That must have been hard."

"It was," she said, "but not as hard as this must be for you. I barely knew Hannah."

Adrian wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Luke, How did you know Eddie Gomez? An ex-con isn't someone I imagined you hanging out with."

Luke took a sip of his coffee, then returned the cup to its saucer. "Don't let his status as an ex-con fool you. Eddie was a good man. Prison changed him for the better."

"I'm glad to hear it," said Adrian, "but how did you know him?"

"Well, I first met him in prison."

Adrian turned to Natalie whose soup spoon was suspended mid-air.

"No, I wasn't in prison. I was just a visitor."

Adrian let out the breath he was holding and Natalie's spoon completed its trip to her lips.

Luke continued. "Eddie was incarcerated at California State Prison in Lancaster. He grew up in East L.A., got involved in the Mexican gangs at a young age. He ran wild until the police caught up with him. He received a thirty-year sentence for possession, dealing, and grand theft auto. Had just turned nineteen. I met him six years ago when I started leading a monthly Bible study at the prison. This was shortly after my shoulder injury, and I had some extra time while I figured out what I was going to do with my life. Anyway, Eddie was one of our first attenders."

"A Bible study? In prison?" Adrian asked. "I didn't know people did that."

"Yes," Luke said after another sip of coffee. "They're held in prisons all over the country. Prisoners need the hope of the gospel as much as the rest of us. I believe if real change is going to occur, it has to start in the heart. If not, most ex-cons will eventually find their way back into crime. Many don't know any other life."

"And Eddie?" Natalie put down her spoon. "Did he find that hope and change for his life?"

"He did. Eddie became a model prisoner and went to work in the prison library. That's where he found his interest in photography. He spent hours poring over photography books—artist collections, how-to books, anything on the subject. He was then released four years ago, seven years early, on good behavior. He came up here to live with an aunt and uncle who moved to escape the gangs years earlier. He got a job with his uncle's custodial business, worked hard, saved, and eventually started his business."

Adrian took a sip of his freshly refilled coffee. "So, you got back in touch when you moved up here last year?"

"We have actually stayed in touch over the years," Luke said. "After I moved up, we got together a couple of times. Then, about four months ago, I invited him to join my recovery group."

"Recovery group?" Adrian set down his coffee cup. "What's that?"

Luke leaned back in his chair and ran his hand through his sandy blond hair. "I'm sorry, Adrian. There's something I should have told you about myself before I married Molly."

Molly took Luke's hand as Adrian's lips formed a tight line.

Natalie rubbed Adrian's arm. "It's okay, Luke. Whatever it is, you can tell us."

"Well, you know I left the Mariners because of a shoulder injury," Luke said. "I … well, that was only part of the reason." He looked to Molly who nodded. "The injury and the surgery to repair it was very painful. I thought I was young and tough and could handle it without pain meds, but I couldn't. My surgeon prescribed an opioid for the pain, and I took it as directed, but I didn't rest as I should have. I was too eager to get back in the game. When the prescription ran out, the team doctor prescribed more. He was under the pressure of the team owner to get me back—whatever it took. The problem was it was too soon. The injury didn't heal properly, but I kept going until I ended up on my back needing a second surgery. By that point, I was already hooked on the pain meds and didn't even try to resist them."

"You healed, so why didn't you go back to playing?" Natalie asked.

Luke's gaze shifted downward as he cleared his throat.

Molly squeezed his hand and whispered, "Go on. It's okay."

"The truth is, I wasn't kicked off the team because of my injury." Luke paused then raised his head. "I was kicked off because of my addiction. I tried everything to be free of it, but I just couldn't do it on my own. I finally went home and checked into rehab."

Adrian looked to Natalie, unsure how to respond to the surprising revelation regarding the young man he had come to love. Besides the initial shock, he felt somewhat betrayed by a secret kept from him. If it were anyone else, he would be angry, but this was Luke … and Molly. He wasn't sure what to feel or what to say. Natalie tilted her head and met his eyes with an expression both sympathetic and encouraging. He knew she wanted him to give Luke a chance, hear him out. He turned back, his eyes softening. "I wish you'd told me this before. Why didn't you?"

Luke shifted in his seat. "I'm sorry. I really am. I wanted to. I just thought you'd think less of me."

Molly looked imploringly at her stepfather. "Please don't be angry. Luke just wanted to impress you. Maybe I should have told you, but I wanted it to come from him."

Natalie reached across the table and squeezed Molly's hand. "We're not upset. We couldn't be angry with either of you."

Adrian turned his head, the disappointment still evident in his dark eyes, but after a moment, he shook his head. "It's fine, but you're cured now, aren't you?"

Luke sighed and leaned forward, his forearms resting on the table. "With God's help and the love of my family, I am … for the most part."

Adrian's brow furrowed. "For the most part?"

"I'm not going to lie. I don't think an addict is ever truly cured. There are days when my shoulder acts up or I start to feel down, and the temptation to go back is there. I've been clean now for almost seven years, and by God's grace, I'll stay that way. But some days are harder than others."

Natalie laid her napkin on her empty plate. "Is that what your recovery group is about—helping people who are recovering from addictions?"

Luke nodded, his countenance more relaxed. "Our church started the program a couple of years ago and we welcome anyone who is struggling with addiction—drug addiction, alcoholism, gambling. We're not a rehab center, and we don't pretend to be, but we offer a place for people who have come clean and want to stay that way. They need the support of those who understand what they're going through, so through prayer, Bible study, and teaching practical coping strategies, we offer that. The ministry is divided into smaller groups who meet on a monthly basis and close friendships usually form as a result."

Natalie rubbed Adrian's back. "What a wonderful thing to do. We all need the support of people who understand us."

Adrian was quiet for a moment as he thought. "I attended group therapy for a short time. It's probably a little like that … as long as the other members don't also get murdered."

Luke and Molly looked at each other with raised eyebrows. "Murdered?"

Adrian waved his hand in front of himself. "Never mind. Can't be the same. So, Eddie Gomez attended your group meetings once a month?"

"Yes," said Luke. "I invited him when I was asked to lead a group."

"Was he still struggling with past addictions?" Natalie asked.

Luke sighed and leaned back in his chair. "No, but it's hard enough to come out of a long prison sentence and try and lead a normal life. When things get tough, the pull of the former life is there. I wanted him to have a group of people who would help him stay on the straight and narrow."

Adrian drained the last of his coffee, taking a moment to sort through the information. He set the cup down and asked, "Do you think there's any chance his murder was drug-related? Even if he stayed away from it after his prison release, could he have gotten involved with someone from his old life?"

Luke leaned forward. "So, you really think this was a premeditated murder?"

Adrian nodded. "The evidence is pointing that way."

"He never mentioned running into anyone from L.A. That's why he moved up here after his release. He wanted to be far away from that influence. He even chose this neighborhood to make sure he was well out of any gang territory up here."

"How about his photography business? Did he ever mention a client or anyone else who would give you pause?"

"I can't think of anyone His clients were mostly couples and families. He did weddings, new baby pictures, graduations, that sort of thing."

Adrian was quiet again as he rubbed his forehead. "When did you last talk to him?

"Yesterday," Luke said, "around 8:00 pm. I was just checking to make sure we were still getting together this evening."

"Did he sound okay at that time? Did anything seem unusual or out of place? Did you sense that anything was wrong at all?"

Luke stroked his chin as he thought. "No, he sounded the same as usual."

Monk's voice softened. "Luke, can you tell me what happened tonight?"

Luke ran his hand over his face, his eyes a reflection of the emotion he fought to contain. "Eddie started taking classes at the community college. He wanted to be a photojournalist, and since I have experience writing the sports column for the newspaper, I was helping him. I went straight from work as I planned. I tried to call twice before I left, but … but he didn't answer." He lowered his head as his eyes began to whelm. Molly rubbed his back and whispered in his ear.

"When you got to his house, what happened then?" Adrian urged him to continue.

Luke wiped his eyes with the tissue Natalie handed him. "When I got to his house, his car was there, so I knocked like usual. He didn't answer, so I knocked again and tried the doorbell. When he still didn't answer, I tried letting myself in thinking maybe he was out back." He stopped and dabbed his eyes again. Molly squeezed his arm and he took another deep breath. "The door was unlocked, so I went in …"

"And you found him," Adrian said.

Luke just nodded as his tears flowed freely. He wiped them with the back of his hand and cleared his throat. "He was sitting there in his usual spot, just sitting there with his Coke and his pizza, but … the blood, the smell … I knew right away."

"We're sorry for your loss, Luke. We really are," Natalie said while Luke leaned into Molly's embrace.

"Thank you," Luke said, "and thank you for understanding about my past."

Adrian set his arms on the table and leaned across it. "Luke, I want you to understand something. You're family now, just as much as Molly. I don't ever want you to be afraid to talk to me, or to Natalie."

Natalie touched the young man's arm. "We love you, Luke. We're here for you."

He gave her a weak smile. "It means a lot. When I was at my worst, I felt like the prodigal son Jesus spoke of in the Bible. I thought I was too far gone to go back to my parents, and for a time, I even thought I was too far gone for God to forgive me …" He looked down, wiped one last tear, then looked up again. "But what I've learned is, like the Biblical prodigal son, no one can ever be so far gone that God can't reach him. He is always there waiting for us with open arms. My life is a testimony to that, as well as Eddie's and everyone I meet through the recovery ministry."

Molly hugged her husband's arm while Natalie blinked back the tears in her own eyes. The group remained quiet until Luke excused himself to regain his composure.

Adrian turned to his stepdaughter who was busying herself with getting ready to leave. He hated to return to the subject of their friend's homicide, but he had a job to do. "Molly, do you have the names and phone numbers of the other members of Luke's recovery group?"

Molly's blue eyes were clouded with worry, but she nodded. "Yes, I can get them off of Luke's phone."

"I need you to send those to me after you get home tonight, and any other mutual contacts you have for Eddie Gomez. The San Mateo PD is going to need to call them for questioning as soon as possible."

Molly nodded in affirmation as they stood to go. She, Natalie, and Adrian then met Luke outside where hugs were exchanged before they parted ways.

Natalie took her seat in the car and pulled out her phone to let Julie know they were on their way home. After slipping it back into her purse, she glanced toward the driver's seat, but Adrian wasn't there. He was still standing outside the car, tilting his head as he looked at the restaurant they just left.

Natalie stepped outside the car. "Aren't we going home?"

"The name … Cinotti's Bakery and Deli …"

"Where are you going?" she asked while following him back to the entrance of the building.

He turned as he opened the glass door with the deli's name printed on it. "Eddi Gomez had a cup—one of those Styrofoam to-go cups from here on his kitchen counter. He walked up to the display case. "Excuse me. Could I speak to you for a minute?"

The white-haired man from earlier appeared on the other side. "Was anything wrong with your meal?"

"The meal was fine," Adrian said. "I just want to ask you a couple of questions."

"My wife and I have had a long day, and we would like to go home. Can you come back tomorrow?"

"No, I can't, and I'm here now. My name is Adrian Monk. My wife, Natalie, and I are working with the San Mateo Police Department on a case regarding a man from this neighborhood. I thought you might know him."

The man leaned across the display case. "Adrian Monk, the detective? I thought I recognized you from the newspaper. Just a moment and I'll be with you."

He came around the counter and gestured to the nearest table. "I'm Sal, and this is my wife, Francesca," The Monks turned to the short, plump woman at his side.

She wiped her hand on her well-used apron before extending it to them.

"Nice to meet you." Natalie stepped in front of her husband, intercepting the handshake.

"So, is there trouble in the neighborhood?" Sal asked before taking his seat and gesturing for the others to do the same. "Something we should be concerned about?"

"We've never had any trouble." Francesca gestured out the window. "These people aren't rich, but they're good people. We've never had a break-in or anything."

Adrian laced his fingers in front of himself. "No, I don't think there's anything for you to worry about, but I wanted to ask you if you knew Eddie Gomez. He lived about three blocks south of here on 10th Ave."

"Eddie?" Sal's face lit up with a smile. "Oh yes, we know Eddie. One of our best customers … is he in trouble, Mr. Monk? I know he did time in prison, but he's lived a real clean life since moving here. He's a good man, helped us rebuild after a kitchen fire last year."

Natalie sought her husband's answer before she turned to the deli owners, her face reflecting the deep emotion of the evening. "I'm sorry, but Mr. Gomez passed away last night."

Mr. and Mrs. Cinotti looked at each other with widened eyes.

Francesca grabbed her husband's arm. "But … but we just saw him yesterday morning. He came in for coffee and a muffin."

Sal swallowed hard. "I assume his death wasn't the result of natural causes if the police are involved."

"That's correct," Adrian said. "You said you've never had trouble in this neighborhood, but have you ever heard of any disagreements between neighbors, especially Mr. Gomez's neighbors?"

Sal looked at his wife as she shook her head. "Not that we know of, Mr. Monk. Eddie seemed to get along with his neighbors."

"How about any trouble from outside the neighborhood—any harassment, drug dealing, anything at all?"

"We've been here for twenty-five years." Francesca removed her glasses and wiped her eyes. "We know just about all there is to know about this neighborhood. If there was anything like that going on, we'd know."

"Did Mr. Gomez happen to mention any of his plans for the day when you saw him yesterday? Did he mention what he would be doing or where he was going? Was there anyone he planned to see?"

"I asked him that very thing," Francesca said. "We'd usually chat about our plans for the day when he came in … I'm going to miss that."

"Mrs. Cinotti," Adrian said slowly. "I'm sorry for your loss, but could you tell me what he told you yesterday? This is very important."

"Would it help you catch who killed him?" Sal asked.

"It might. Every piece of information is vital in a murder investigation."

Sal placed his hand on his wife's shoulder. "Franny, you need to tell Mr. Monk what Eddie told you so he can catch who did this. We want justice for him, don't we?"

Francesca looked up, dabbing her eyes with her apron. "He said he had a photography shoot in San Francisco."

"Is there more?" Adrian asked, sensing she was holding on to something.

"He told me this confidentially, but if it will help… ."

"It will," Natalie said. She touched the older woman's arm. "It will help us bring justice to Eddie."

Francesca took a deep breath but kept her eyes down. "Eddie said if he had time after the photo shoot, he was going to see his cousin who lives up there. He confided in me that he was concerned about him. He was worried he may have gotten mixed up in the wrong crowd, but he didn't want the boy's mom and pop to know." She looked up. "Do you have to tell them, Mr. Monk?"

Adrian sighed. "We will keep this as confidential as we can, but it may be important."

"Would you happen to know his cousin's name?" Natalie asked.

"Jose, I think," Sal said.

"No, but something close, Francesca said. "Jorge? Yes, that's it. Jorge Gomez."

"And his parents?" Adrian asked.

"Carlos and Ana Gomez. They are going to be so heartbroken," Sal said. "Eddie was like a son to them."

Adrian pushed his chair back. "Thank you. We won't take up any more of your time."

"Thank you also for dinner," Natalie said. "The food was delicious".

"Will you let us know when you find out what happened to Eddie?" Francesca asked. "The people here are very important to us. We have been blessed to never have trouble."

Adrian looked to Natalie who touched the woman's shoulder. "We'll do our best, Mrs. Cinotti, but I wouldn't worry. The San Mateo PD does good work, and they are here to protect you."

"Thank you," they said as the Monks left.

Adrian exhaled a sigh of relief as he set foot in their quiet home, grateful for the sanctuary it provided at the end of a difficult day.

Natalie smiled as she read the note Julie left on the counter. "The kids did great."

She plopped onto the couch and removed her high heels, rubbing her feet as she did so. Adrian removed his jacket and tie, then joined his wife, propping his stocking feet on the coffee table and wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

Natalie snuggled into his side and laid her head on his shoulder. "That dear couple. I feel so sorry for them. And Luke. I'm sad he's had such a struggle." When Adrian didn't respond, Natalie lifted her head to look at him. "You're not upset with him, are you? I know he should have told you, but …"

"I said I wasn't. Don't you believe me?"

Natalie's eyes went wide at the unexpected tone of his voice. Her lips parted, but she closed them when he reached for her hand.

"I … I'm sorry," Adrian said. "I'm not mad at you or Luke. If anything, I'm mad at myself for being unapproachable." He paused. "I guess I can't blame him. I know I can be … critical."

Natalie rubbed his hand with her thumb. "You can be, but you're working on it, and I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, sweetheart."

Natalie watched as he stared into the dim light, not really focusing on anything. When the tell-tale worry lines refused to ease, she tilted her head toward him. "Are you worried about Molly?"

He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. "A little."

She squeezed his hand. "They're going to be okay, babe. Luke has obviously worked hard to control his addiction, and he loves Molly too much to let it hurt her."

Adrian turned to her. "Do you think people can really change?"

A smile tugged at her lips. "You of all people should know the answer to that. Look how much you've changed in the past couple of years."

"I know I've changed, but I was never an …"

"An addict?"

He nodded.

"Addiction isn't an easy thing to overcome, but neither are the fears that held you back for so long. I'd say if you can change, so can Luke. I suppose it's possible for anyone with enough faith and love and support."

The creases in Adrian's forehead relaxed and his eyes softened as he looked at her. "These changes you say I've made—it wouldn't be possible without you. Without your love, I'm a lost cause."

Natalie leaned into him and kissed him. "I don't know about that, but I love you and Molly loves Luke."

"I suppose she'll be able to help him deal with what he witnessed tonight too since she went through it with Sophia's mother."

Natalie's brow furrowed as she looked at her husband. "First her, then Ambrose, and now Luke. Why do our family members keep stumbling upon murder victims?"

Adrian shrugged. "I don't know."

"I don't think it's normal."

"It's not my fault."

"I always said murders follow you."

He shrugged again. "It's not all bad."

"How so?"

"We probably wouldn't have Sophia if Molly hadn't been involved in that case."

Natalie laid her head back on his shoulder and smiled. "Yeah. You're right about that. We got lucky on that one." After a moment of soothing quiet, Natalie laughed, catching Adrian off guard. "Did I tell you what I caught her doing today?"

"Sophia?"

"Yes. I went to get Timothy from his nap, and that little munchkin had climbed into his crib. She was laying down beside him with one of her books and was reading to him. Well, retelling the story. It's one of her favorites and I think she has it memorized."

Adrian smiled as he caressed Natalie's arm. "She does love her books."

"And her baby brother." She snuggled in closer. "I'm so happy, Adrian. I have the babies and you and Julie. I never knew I could be so happy," she said with a yawn.

He started to speak but stopped when her steady, even breathing signaled that sleep wasn't far away. He wanted to give her the surprise he'd been carrying in his pocket all evening, but he hated to wake her. They had been experiencing a bit of sleep regression with Timothy, and Natalie was the only one he wanted when he awoke at night, depriving her of her own rest. Instead of waking her, he sat in the darkness, enjoying the feel of her warmth beside him. He thought about the case, mentally categorizing the clues found at the scene along with the information provided by Luke and the deli owners but then his mind drifted back to Natalie and the pleasant evening they had to relinquish in the call of duty. As he thought about what could have been, an idea came to him which made him smile. Maybe it wasn't too late to surprise his wife after all.