The next day, at the police station, Captain Stottlemeyer sat at his desk and read Lieutenant Disher, Monk, and Sharona the coroner's reports. "Traces of poison were found in the Charles Lowell's bloodstream, and in his mouth, but none was found in the water glass. What do you make of this, Monk?"
"I don't know. If the poison wasn't in the water, would it have been in the food?"
"We've got men checking that out," replied the Captain. "So far, there's been nothing."
"And you're sure the poison was ingested?" asked Disher.
"Positive," replied Stottlemeyer.
"What about the shooting?" asked Sharona.
"We don't know," replied the Captain, "the strange thing is that the shot that hit the cook was fired at close range, but the cook didn't mention a struggle, or being close to the shooter at all. And, our men found the gun under a desk only about four yards away from where the cook was lying."
"Are there any reports on the gun?" Disher asked.
"Yes," replied the captain, "It was registered to Warren Young, the clarinet player. I'd consider him a suspect in the shooting, but he had the perfect alibi. He was playing in the band when the shots were fired. There weren't any prints on the gun, either."
"I can't figure it out," Monk thought out loud. "The band is playing; the trumpeter's fine. We hear the gunshots, the band stops; the cook has been shot, and then the trumpeter is dead. There's poison in his mouth, but nothing he ingested was contaminated. What am I missing?" The question would bother him for the rest of the day.
Later that day, the foursome visited the home of William Young, the clarinet player. "I'm sorry my house is such a mess," William started, "I've been visiting my brother-in-law in the hospital all morning and haven't had time to clean up. Sit down."
"I'd much rather stand," replied Adrian, looking very uncomfortable amidst the clutter. "What do you know about Charles Lowell?"
"It's a shame," replied William. "He was a really good friend of my wife and me." He looked genuine in saying this. "See, there's a picture of us all." He pointed to a photo on the mantel of himself, his wife, Lowell, and a few other band members. On the bottom was engraved 'Christmas, 2003.' Looking at the picture, and straightening it perfectly, Adrian noted that William's wife looked extremely familiar. But he couldn't place her.
"That same night, a cook in the banquet hall was shot with a gun registered in your name," the Captain started. "We know that you didn't fire the gun, but who did?"
"I have no idea," William said, stuttering, "I came home last night and it was missing. It wasn't where I normally kept it, and I couldn't find it anywhere in the house."
"Why didn't you report it?" asked Disher.
"I told you, my brother-in-law is in the hospital, I never got around to it. I just assumed it would turn up eventually. Is that all?"
"One more thing," added Monk, "What's wrong with your marriage?"
"What?" William appeared shocked, "There's nothing wrong! Why would you ask such a thing?"
"You have a book on your coffee table," replied Monk. "Why would a person own a book entitled 'Saving Your Marriage' if his marriage wasn't in trouble?"
"I don't think that's any of your business," replied William. "Now, if you don't mind, I have a lot to do today." He showed them to the door and let them out, slamming it behind them.
"He's the guy," Adrian stated as they walked down the sidewalk. "I don't know how he did it, but he's the guy."
All deciding they were hungry (except Adrian who refused to eat in public,) they headed to a small diner about a block away from William Young's house. After choosing a table, they placed their orders and waited for their food. About ten minutes later, a young waitress headed for their table with a tray full of food. Only four feet from the table, she lost her balance and the tray slipped out of her hands. An older waitress rushed to help her.
"I'm so sorry!" the girl started, looking very panicked.
"Don't worry about it, sweetie," the older waitress replied. "It's only your first day. I remember when I first started I dropped lots of things."
"She just started working here," Adrian repeated slowly. All of a sudden he got that familiar look in his eye and said those seven words that everyone loved to hear: "I think I just solved the case!"
