A Tough Guy and a Tough Gal (4.03)
(In Monk's bedroom, before Natalie's leaving to solve the crime)
"Mr. Monk. I'm going to the police station and getting to the bottom of this. The kid deserves justice, and you know it too," Natalie stammered resolutely.
"Natalie, please, let the police handle it. They are professionals, and besides you work for me. I need my talcum powder and cough drops replaced," Monk groaned.
Natalie was torn between staying and helping her boss, or going out to pursue justice. Unlike Monk, she did not want to show indecision. A part of her really wished to go out there, and prove herself as a detective, just like her boss. Seeing him at work for the past months motivated her on the inside to be like him (minus those phobias) and to think like one. Perhaps her insecurities about not accomplishing anything substantial, which her mother always nagged about, came back to Natalie.
Then again, she did not want to leave Monk all alone. Julie had school, and could not stay there the whole day. Mr. Monk could barely take care of himself when healthy, and now he needed her more than ever. The last thing she wanted to happen was for him to have another breakdown and distract Julie and maybe Captain Stottlemeyer.
"Mr. Monk, I know it's hard for you, but I have to do your job. I'll buy you some talcum powder and cough drops on the way home. I need to do this. I'm a tough gal."
Sensing no point in arguing, Monk let her leave. After writing a living will for Julie – which took forever – Monk thought about Natalie's stubbornness. She was like Sharona in a way; by refusing to coddle to him, she also gained his respect. Monk liked that quality, which he also found in Trudy. Maybe Natalie will solve the crime, and stay out of trouble. He therefore went back to worrying whether she would buy the right type of talcum powder.
(After arresting Dennison at the recycling center)
Natalie nudged Monk with a glee which he found endearing. For some reason, he liked her compliment about being a tough guy. It made little sense, since he was full of phobias and no cop in a right mind would call him that. But he somehow overcame those boundaries, including a taxi with uneven and smelly back seat cushions, to rescue her at the recycling center. Feeling a jolt of self-esteem, Monk could only smile back at Natalie.
Natalie turned slightly and blushed. She had never complimented a man like that since Mitch. Plus, she touched Monk's bathrobe in a rather flirtatious way. It surprised her that he hardly complained. Monk's efforts gave her a new view on her boss, who indeed was a brave man. He often discouraged himself, but it was his phobias and perceptions that held him back. Beneath that veneer was a strong man who risked his life and health in saving her, even if he could not stand running into the ocean or listening to Julie's card (which still ticked her off!).
"You know, I am right by calling you a tough guy," Natalie said to Monk as they walked out the recycling center.
"Oh, it's nothing. I mean, you needed my help. I would not leave you at the man's hands. Speaking of which, you really should have listened to me and not go to his house," Monk returned.
"I know. You are right. It was stupid of me, and I promise I won't do it again."
"But still be a tough gal."
"Excuse me, Mr. Monk?"
"I mean, I like you being a tough gal. It somewhat feels right. You did the right thing, and what you had to do. I probably would have done the same. I'll even pay you an extra day's wages minus the cough drops that you forgot to buy."
Monk's words felt like praise to Natalie. All her life, few people – her bosses, her parents – ever appreciated her acting independently. Every time, someone complained about Natalie stepping out of line or not being a "proper" woman. Now, Adrian Monk, the unlikeliest and perhaps most persnickety of persons, adulated her. It felt strange, but good.
Natalie took Monk's arms as they walked back into a police car. Before getting in, Natalie teasingly asked Monk, "You know what every tough gal needs?"
"No, not really."
"A tough guy."
"Isn't it the other way around?" Monk retorted.
"Same thing."
