Ok- first off, I'm sorry this took so long! I've been so uninspired that it took literal willpower to actually "force" inspiration from my lazy brain!
Second, I want to thank all you guys out there who pestered and nagged and yelled to get me to do this next chapter! Without you, it would never have been written.
Thirdly, I promise to finish this! This is not the last part, just so you don't get worried!
There, I've said my piece. On with the show!!!!
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Chapter 3
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The soft blue-white glow reflected on his face as he activated his desktop. Adrian rolled his shoulder as the modem connected him to the Internet. He tapped his finger tensely while he waited for the familiar homepage to open. Finally! Typing quickly, he entered his online name and password, activating his Yahoo account. Quickly reading through his few e-mail messages, he proceeded to his group's page, scrolling quickly to his favorite group. Huh- a couple more responses to his posts. He read through them quickly, smiling at the people who agreed with his opinion. Then his eyes fell on the next response. He shrugged in irritation. He couldn't figure this woman out! She was so confrontational! He silently wished she were more like the other woman he'd corresponded with... Kim. She'd been very generous and kind, even when she was disagreeing with him. She'd been very sympathetic when Adrian posted his plea for replacement hooks. In gratitude, he'd sent her a link to a great place to order clocks that kept perfect time. He'd been very close to giving her his personal e-mail, except he wasn't willing to have his e-mail "out there". He sighed, glaring at the response post. He really didn't want to read it...
He jerked as the phone rang. Closing down his computer, he grabbed the phone on its second ring. "Yes this is... no I, no... no I don't need..... yeah- yeah.... No, I'm the only one living here. Uh huh... no, I'm sorry, I don't... Ok, ok... yes, I.... Uh huh...." He glanced at his watch as the caller prattled on. "No, I don't need vinyl siding, but I really appreciate your call- good luck, on.. on all that.." He hung up quickly. Running his hands through his hair, Adrian considered reading the posted response waiting for him on his computer. Then, glancing at the time, he reconsidered. Sharona was due here anytime, and to be honest, he really wasn't in the mood to put up with any more hassles today. Sighing, he decided to do some light housework instead to relax.
Sharona shook her head when she opened the door. Adrian was half-hidden behind the counter, scrubbing madly at the kitchen floor. He didn't even glance up when she entered the apartment. "Ahem." She waited a moment, but he was still focused on his task. "Adrian." He leaned in close to the underside of the counter, wiping it with a cloth. "Adrian!" He looked up, smiling a little. "Morning Sharona... what's wrong?" He tossed the cloth in the garbage as he stood. "What's wrong? Arian, I stood here watching you clean for ten minutes! What, you didn't hear me beating on the door?" Adrian shrugged. "You knocked?" Sighing, she adjusted her purse strap. "You ready? We got, like, five minutes to get there." Adrian laughed shortly. "We've got plenty of time, it's only... oh my God!" Sharona gave him a knowing look as he stared at the clock. "It's ten forty-five already?" She moved out of his way as he ran to grab his jacket. "What am I telling you? You were totally absorbed! What's with you these days?" He brushed by her, pulling on his sleeve. "Come on, we're gonna be late!" She raised her hand. "Adrian..." He turned back to her as he opened the door. "What, are you made of stone? Come on!" She dropped her hand as he dashed out the door. Shaking her head, she followed, closing the door firmly behind her.
In the car, Sharona repeatedly glanced at Adrian as she drove. He seemed absorbed in his own thoughts, occasionally wiping at the dash, his window, the door handle. She was fighting between the need to ask him if he was, in fact, the guy in the chat group... and the deep embarrassment she'd feel if he wasn't. She'd been so sure last night- positive he was the guy. Now, though, she wasn't as sure. She expected him to say something about it, make a comment, something. But aside from a mild distraction on his part, he gave no indication he'd read anything. She sighed, turning into the first available parking spot she could find. Adrian was already jumping from the car before she even had the engine off. "Come on, get the lead out would ya!" Her brows pulled together at his use of that particular phrase. "Get the lead out? Did you just tell me to get the lead out?" But he was already walking ahead of her, quickly entering the building before them.
"I can't imagine anyone looking forward to this, especially not you, Adrian." Muttered Sharona. She hated this place, the smell, the sound... God, especially the sound! Adrian, for his part, seemed quite relaxed in the leather chair. The other man, dressed in a long, white jacket, bent over Adrian with a small mirror. "All right Adrian, now open wide." He said with a slight German accent. Sharona couldn't believe this dentist, he had more patience than she was capable of. In spite of her discomfort, the dentist's charm and good humor always won her over. "Now, Adrian, ve are going to examine your far-back molars if you don't mind." Adrian nodded, unable to speak with the mirror in his mouth. "Vat was thet you say?" Asked Dr. Burns, looking "seriously" into Adrian's face. "I heaah, hokaay." Said Adrian with difficulty. Dr. Burns shook his head. "You know Adrian, you really need to see a doctor about zat speech impediment." Sharona laughed behind her hand as Dr. Burns completed his examination. "Very goot!" He pronounced as Adrian sat up. "As always, Adrian Monk, I find your molars, cuspids, and canines in perfect condition. However, you need to come back in one week so I can check on that disturbing blue spot on your tongue." Adrian's eyes grew large. "What!" He sat up, grabbing a mirror and sticking out his tongue, moving it around to attempt to see the spot. "Oh, dear me, " said the doctor, clicking his tongue, "thet was terribly cruel of me! You haf no blue spot." Sharona had to turn away to hide her face from her boss. Dr. Burns always got Adrian with "something". Wiping her eyes, she turned back around. "You boys about done here?" She asked. Dr. Burns bowed to her, stepping forward to kiss her hand. "As always, my dear lady, your presence is a joy!" Sharona smiled, shaking her head as the doctor bent to retrieve something from his desk. "For the patient." He said. Adrian shook his head, smiling tightly, as Dr. Burns handed Sharona a small plastic toy. "Doc, you shouldn't have." He said as Sharona stuffed this toy in her purse. They went trough this every time. Adrian always gave the toy to Benjy, as Dr. burns knew he would. "Thanks Doctor." Said Sharona, waving as they left the office.
Sharona chuckled as they went out the office door. "Dr. Burns is really a nice guy. If he were a few years younger..."
"And not married." Supplied Adrian, walking ahead. Sharona refused to take the bait as she unlocked the car. Reaching across to undo the lock on Adrian's side, she inadvertently bumped the horn with her elbow. The short hoot made Adrian jump. He glanced in at Sharona before opening the door. "What?" She asked in response to the look. Nothing." He said, sliding in and buckling his seatbelt. His distracted mood had returned. "You know, Adrian, maybe we should go get some lunch, huh?" He shrugged. "Sure, are you hungry?" She started the car. "A little, are you?" He scrunched his brows. "Mmm, nah. Well... no, actually..." She turned into the street. "While you're deciding, I'm gonna get something at Fisherman's Warf." Adrian made a disgruntled sound at her choice of fare, but didn't argue as she drove to the seafood joint. Sharona shook her head. 'How bout that', she thought, 'he usually puts up more of a fuss.' The service at the Warf was very good. Aside from Adrian's fifteen-minute decision marathon, they were served in record time. Sharona savoured the deep-fried shrimp and baked potato that covered her plate. It was rare she got to enjoy a nice quite meal.... In fact, she found it a little disturbing.... She looked across the table at Adrian. He was sitting silently, hands folded under his chin and staring off into space. She set down her fork. "Hey, aren't you gonna eat? Come on, what's wrong with you today?" Adrian seemed startled that she had spoken to him. "I, ah... what?" She tossed her head. "Adrian, you have been blanking out on me all day! What is going on with you?" He straightened his napkin and arranged his plates... more for the comfort of regulated motion. "Nothing, I just... well, I'm just... tired a little. Actually, I think I need to talk to Dr. Kroger." Sharona froze, sudden concern filling her. "Adrian, why do you need to see Dr. Kroger?" He looked up at her, not seeing the fear in her eyes. "I just, you know, need to talk, that's all." He shrugged his shoulders.
Dr. Kroger stared at Adrian, trying to collect his thoughts. "So.... What you're saying is... someone, you met online.... is out to get you?" Adrian clasped his hands around his arms. "I think I said something to upset her. She seemed very violent in her responses." Kroger leaned back in his chair, rubbing his forehead. "Adrian, even... even if this were true, and I'm not discounting your theory; but even if she were after you... how would she know where you lived? Much less who you are?" Adrian hunched his shoulders and turned his head. "When you sign into a group, they ask what city you live in. My profile says I live in San Francisco." Kroger leaned forward on his arms. "Adrian, you do know how many people live in San Francisco."
"But I put down my zip code! There aren't as many people in my zip code!" Kroger leaned his chin on his hand. "You know what I think. I think you're using this as a way to avoid relating to people around you. The internet is a safety zone for you. But, being a detective, as well as a naturally suspicious individual, you create enemies among those who share a different view than yourself." Adrian considered what Kroger said. A small light appeared in his eyes. "Are you sure about that?" Kroger nodded, smiling slightly. "As sure as anything. My suggestion to you, leave the internet alone for a while. Take a vacation from it and re-discover the people around you." Adrian smiled fully for the first time in days. "Thanks Doc, I'll do that." As soon as Adrian got home that night, he walked into the study where his laptop glowed softly. He paused on second, fingers itching to check that last message from his nemesis. Then, with a defiant will, he shut down the modem and closed the case. He intended to take his doctor's advice. Straightening the small computer, he smiled with satisfaction. He looked forward to a restful night tonight.
Second, I want to thank all you guys out there who pestered and nagged and yelled to get me to do this next chapter! Without you, it would never have been written.
Thirdly, I promise to finish this! This is not the last part, just so you don't get worried!
There, I've said my piece. On with the show!!!!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chapter 3
.
.
.
.
The soft blue-white glow reflected on his face as he activated his desktop. Adrian rolled his shoulder as the modem connected him to the Internet. He tapped his finger tensely while he waited for the familiar homepage to open. Finally! Typing quickly, he entered his online name and password, activating his Yahoo account. Quickly reading through his few e-mail messages, he proceeded to his group's page, scrolling quickly to his favorite group. Huh- a couple more responses to his posts. He read through them quickly, smiling at the people who agreed with his opinion. Then his eyes fell on the next response. He shrugged in irritation. He couldn't figure this woman out! She was so confrontational! He silently wished she were more like the other woman he'd corresponded with... Kim. She'd been very generous and kind, even when she was disagreeing with him. She'd been very sympathetic when Adrian posted his plea for replacement hooks. In gratitude, he'd sent her a link to a great place to order clocks that kept perfect time. He'd been very close to giving her his personal e-mail, except he wasn't willing to have his e-mail "out there". He sighed, glaring at the response post. He really didn't want to read it...
He jerked as the phone rang. Closing down his computer, he grabbed the phone on its second ring. "Yes this is... no I, no... no I don't need..... yeah- yeah.... No, I'm the only one living here. Uh huh... no, I'm sorry, I don't... Ok, ok... yes, I.... Uh huh...." He glanced at his watch as the caller prattled on. "No, I don't need vinyl siding, but I really appreciate your call- good luck, on.. on all that.." He hung up quickly. Running his hands through his hair, Adrian considered reading the posted response waiting for him on his computer. Then, glancing at the time, he reconsidered. Sharona was due here anytime, and to be honest, he really wasn't in the mood to put up with any more hassles today. Sighing, he decided to do some light housework instead to relax.
Sharona shook her head when she opened the door. Adrian was half-hidden behind the counter, scrubbing madly at the kitchen floor. He didn't even glance up when she entered the apartment. "Ahem." She waited a moment, but he was still focused on his task. "Adrian." He leaned in close to the underside of the counter, wiping it with a cloth. "Adrian!" He looked up, smiling a little. "Morning Sharona... what's wrong?" He tossed the cloth in the garbage as he stood. "What's wrong? Arian, I stood here watching you clean for ten minutes! What, you didn't hear me beating on the door?" Adrian shrugged. "You knocked?" Sighing, she adjusted her purse strap. "You ready? We got, like, five minutes to get there." Adrian laughed shortly. "We've got plenty of time, it's only... oh my God!" Sharona gave him a knowing look as he stared at the clock. "It's ten forty-five already?" She moved out of his way as he ran to grab his jacket. "What am I telling you? You were totally absorbed! What's with you these days?" He brushed by her, pulling on his sleeve. "Come on, we're gonna be late!" She raised her hand. "Adrian..." He turned back to her as he opened the door. "What, are you made of stone? Come on!" She dropped her hand as he dashed out the door. Shaking her head, she followed, closing the door firmly behind her.
In the car, Sharona repeatedly glanced at Adrian as she drove. He seemed absorbed in his own thoughts, occasionally wiping at the dash, his window, the door handle. She was fighting between the need to ask him if he was, in fact, the guy in the chat group... and the deep embarrassment she'd feel if he wasn't. She'd been so sure last night- positive he was the guy. Now, though, she wasn't as sure. She expected him to say something about it, make a comment, something. But aside from a mild distraction on his part, he gave no indication he'd read anything. She sighed, turning into the first available parking spot she could find. Adrian was already jumping from the car before she even had the engine off. "Come on, get the lead out would ya!" Her brows pulled together at his use of that particular phrase. "Get the lead out? Did you just tell me to get the lead out?" But he was already walking ahead of her, quickly entering the building before them.
"I can't imagine anyone looking forward to this, especially not you, Adrian." Muttered Sharona. She hated this place, the smell, the sound... God, especially the sound! Adrian, for his part, seemed quite relaxed in the leather chair. The other man, dressed in a long, white jacket, bent over Adrian with a small mirror. "All right Adrian, now open wide." He said with a slight German accent. Sharona couldn't believe this dentist, he had more patience than she was capable of. In spite of her discomfort, the dentist's charm and good humor always won her over. "Now, Adrian, ve are going to examine your far-back molars if you don't mind." Adrian nodded, unable to speak with the mirror in his mouth. "Vat was thet you say?" Asked Dr. Burns, looking "seriously" into Adrian's face. "I heaah, hokaay." Said Adrian with difficulty. Dr. Burns shook his head. "You know Adrian, you really need to see a doctor about zat speech impediment." Sharona laughed behind her hand as Dr. Burns completed his examination. "Very goot!" He pronounced as Adrian sat up. "As always, Adrian Monk, I find your molars, cuspids, and canines in perfect condition. However, you need to come back in one week so I can check on that disturbing blue spot on your tongue." Adrian's eyes grew large. "What!" He sat up, grabbing a mirror and sticking out his tongue, moving it around to attempt to see the spot. "Oh, dear me, " said the doctor, clicking his tongue, "thet was terribly cruel of me! You haf no blue spot." Sharona had to turn away to hide her face from her boss. Dr. Burns always got Adrian with "something". Wiping her eyes, she turned back around. "You boys about done here?" She asked. Dr. Burns bowed to her, stepping forward to kiss her hand. "As always, my dear lady, your presence is a joy!" Sharona smiled, shaking her head as the doctor bent to retrieve something from his desk. "For the patient." He said. Adrian shook his head, smiling tightly, as Dr. Burns handed Sharona a small plastic toy. "Doc, you shouldn't have." He said as Sharona stuffed this toy in her purse. They went trough this every time. Adrian always gave the toy to Benjy, as Dr. burns knew he would. "Thanks Doctor." Said Sharona, waving as they left the office.
Sharona chuckled as they went out the office door. "Dr. Burns is really a nice guy. If he were a few years younger..."
"And not married." Supplied Adrian, walking ahead. Sharona refused to take the bait as she unlocked the car. Reaching across to undo the lock on Adrian's side, she inadvertently bumped the horn with her elbow. The short hoot made Adrian jump. He glanced in at Sharona before opening the door. "What?" She asked in response to the look. Nothing." He said, sliding in and buckling his seatbelt. His distracted mood had returned. "You know, Adrian, maybe we should go get some lunch, huh?" He shrugged. "Sure, are you hungry?" She started the car. "A little, are you?" He scrunched his brows. "Mmm, nah. Well... no, actually..." She turned into the street. "While you're deciding, I'm gonna get something at Fisherman's Warf." Adrian made a disgruntled sound at her choice of fare, but didn't argue as she drove to the seafood joint. Sharona shook her head. 'How bout that', she thought, 'he usually puts up more of a fuss.' The service at the Warf was very good. Aside from Adrian's fifteen-minute decision marathon, they were served in record time. Sharona savoured the deep-fried shrimp and baked potato that covered her plate. It was rare she got to enjoy a nice quite meal.... In fact, she found it a little disturbing.... She looked across the table at Adrian. He was sitting silently, hands folded under his chin and staring off into space. She set down her fork. "Hey, aren't you gonna eat? Come on, what's wrong with you today?" Adrian seemed startled that she had spoken to him. "I, ah... what?" She tossed her head. "Adrian, you have been blanking out on me all day! What is going on with you?" He straightened his napkin and arranged his plates... more for the comfort of regulated motion. "Nothing, I just... well, I'm just... tired a little. Actually, I think I need to talk to Dr. Kroger." Sharona froze, sudden concern filling her. "Adrian, why do you need to see Dr. Kroger?" He looked up at her, not seeing the fear in her eyes. "I just, you know, need to talk, that's all." He shrugged his shoulders.
Dr. Kroger stared at Adrian, trying to collect his thoughts. "So.... What you're saying is... someone, you met online.... is out to get you?" Adrian clasped his hands around his arms. "I think I said something to upset her. She seemed very violent in her responses." Kroger leaned back in his chair, rubbing his forehead. "Adrian, even... even if this were true, and I'm not discounting your theory; but even if she were after you... how would she know where you lived? Much less who you are?" Adrian hunched his shoulders and turned his head. "When you sign into a group, they ask what city you live in. My profile says I live in San Francisco." Kroger leaned forward on his arms. "Adrian, you do know how many people live in San Francisco."
"But I put down my zip code! There aren't as many people in my zip code!" Kroger leaned his chin on his hand. "You know what I think. I think you're using this as a way to avoid relating to people around you. The internet is a safety zone for you. But, being a detective, as well as a naturally suspicious individual, you create enemies among those who share a different view than yourself." Adrian considered what Kroger said. A small light appeared in his eyes. "Are you sure about that?" Kroger nodded, smiling slightly. "As sure as anything. My suggestion to you, leave the internet alone for a while. Take a vacation from it and re-discover the people around you." Adrian smiled fully for the first time in days. "Thanks Doc, I'll do that." As soon as Adrian got home that night, he walked into the study where his laptop glowed softly. He paused on second, fingers itching to check that last message from his nemesis. Then, with a defiant will, he shut down the modem and closed the case. He intended to take his doctor's advice. Straightening the small computer, he smiled with satisfaction. He looked forward to a restful night tonight.