Three days later, Sharona was released from the hospital and Monk was already driving her nuts. But not in his usual way. He escorted her into her home and led her immediately to the couch. Ben was close behind them carrying Sharona's purse and a small duffel bag.

"Adrian, I was shot in the shoulder, not the leg. You don't have to help me walk," she said. She sat on the couch and looked up at Monk. He was already headed for the kitchen. Ben set Sharona's things down and sat on the couch to her right. "What are you doing?"

"I am going to take care of you," he said. He started opening her cabinets, using a wet wipe to grab the handles. "You are not going to do a thing around here until you are completely healthy."

"You don't have to do this," she said. Monk left the kitchen and walked back into the living room. "My mom is going to be here tomorrow."

"And until then, I'm here," he said with a smile. Just then there was a knock at the front door. Ben jumped up from the couch and answered it. Todd walked in carrying a cardboard box that was covered with a blanket. Slight movement could be seen under the blanket.

"Hey, Todd," Sharona said with a smile.

"Hi, Ms. Fleming," he said. "Sorry you got shot."

"Oh, that's okay, honey," she replied. "It wasn't your fault."

"My mom said she was going to bring over a casserole or something," Todd said. "I just came over to thank you and Mr. Monk. You found who shot Duke."

"Oh, it was no problem," Monk said modestly.

"What have you got in the box?" Sharona asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. Todd pulled the blanket off the box to reveal nine puppies. Monk stepped back a little and stared at them. Sharona sat forward to see them better, careful not to lean on her left arm, which was still in a sling. "Oh, how adorable!"

"They're Duke's. And the neighbor's dog's," Todd explained. "They're finally old enough to be away from their mom. I'm sorry I can't pay you, but I want you to have a puppy."

"Oh, that's sweet, Todd," Sharona said with a chuckle. "But Mr. Monk isn't really a dog person." She looked at Monk, who was still eyeing the puppies. "Or an animal person, for that matter."

Monk shook his head and snapped himself out of his nervous trance. "No, it's fine, Sharona," he said. He stepped forward toward the box. "I'd love to have one of Duke's puppies. It's perfect."

"It is?" Sharona asked, not believing him for a second. But this she had to see this. Ben was also curious.

"I brought them all over so you could pick one," Todd said. Monk stepped a little closer to the box and leaned over slightly, looking at each individual puppy closely. Their little tails were wagging and they were climbing all over each other. One of them was determined to climb up the side of the box, but it was just a few inches too tall.

"Go on, Adrian," Sharona said with a smirk. "Pick one."

Monk glared at her briefly and then slowly moved his hands toward the box. Most of the puppies were in a pile in one corner and the thought of reaching into that mass of squirming puppies sent chills down his spine. But the little climber, the one trying to escape, was all alone on the other side of the box. Monk figured that was a safe bet. He moved his hands toward that puppy, hesitated for a moment, and then picked it up with both hands. He stepped back, holding the puppy like it was a bomb. He looked nervously at it and tried to smile to show Todd that everything was okay. Sharona was trying her best not to burst out laughing.

"See, Sharona?" Monk asked, his voice wavering a little. "I love the little guy." He looked at the underside of the puppy and corrected himself. "Girl."

"What are you going to name her?" Todd asked.

"I don't know," Monk said, hoping Todd would leave soon. He could just feel germs crawling down his hands and arms. "I'll have to think about that. I'll have Benjy let you know."

"Okay," Todd said. He put the blanket back over the box. "Thanks again."

"Bye Todd," Sharona said as he headed out the door with the remaining puppies. As soon as he was gone, Monk moved over to the sofa and dropped the puppy next to Sharona.

"Wipe," he said. "Wipe. Wipe."

"Benjy, my purse," Sharona said through her laughter. Ben quickly pulled the package of wipes out and Monk snatched them away. He speedily pulled one out and wiped all over his hands. He unbuttoned his long sleeves, rolled them up and wiped down his arms. "Would you like to take a shower?"

"I need to go home," Monk said. He moved about from point to point in the room, not really moving anywhere in particular. He grabbed his suit jacket and headed for the front door.

"What happened to taking care of me?" Sharona asked with a smirk.

Monk put on his jacket and glanced at her. "Your mother will be here tomorrow."

Sharona pet the puppy with her right hand and Monk cried out in disgust. He quickly exited out the front door, leaving Ben and Sharona with their new pet.

THE END

A/N: Thanks to those of you who read and reviewed. And glad you really liked the story. Oh and I think it was Len, who wanted to know what happens to Poochie. I'm not sure, really. I didn't feel that was important to finishing up the story. Dunno. Maybe Monk will run into her in a future story.