Lying low wasn't easy for anyone, but their serial killer was clearly doing just that. A new body hadn't turned up in several weeks, although there had been two much easier cases for Monk to close, plus five private cases for him to handle. He was feeling very productive and accomplished as his work life, and his personal life flourished in new and exciting ways. He and Natalie were closer than ever, and they hadn't had an argument in weeks. When he thought about the things they used to argue about, he realized that they rarely argued about anything significant. Instead, they always skirmished about getting him beyond his self-imposed limitations and the ever-present worries about money they both had — albeit for very different reasons. He also realized he'd been more pliable lately, well, over the last two years. Trying new things, being more daring became easier as long as Natalie was there by his side. Obviously, right now, money was no object.
As he sat by Natalie's side now, he studied her profile and once again marveled at her sense of self and her ability to quickly solve life's everyday problems. She'd found the film department's chairman, and they were on their way to see him. Dr. Brian Phillips had office hours at 1:30 and could see them.
They arrived at Dwinelle Hall on the Berkeley campus at 1:15 and at Dr. Phillips' office a few minutes later. That was another thing he appreciated about Natalie Teeger. Her promptness. She was hardly ever late or forgetful. Two things he valued in people. Was he talking himself further into or trying to get out of his feelings for her? He shook his head slightly, clearing it to concentrate on their meeting.
Dr. Phillips was genial, funny, and knowledgeable in his subject area. He even called in another professor to discuss the facts that Adrian and Natalie had brought to him that day. The three movie settings, the actual murders, and what, if any, connection there might be. They also discussed what research Natalie had already done, and Dr. Phillips promised he'd do a bit of a deeper dive and get back to them later in the week. The professor thought it might be a less obvious thread than something like a director or writer or a big name. They thanked him and returned to the car.
Natalie wondered what their next move should be regarding the serial killer case. She knew Adrian needed to see the films. Maybe there was more of a clue than she was seeing. She turned the car toward their local video store, one of the few remaining, and said, "I think it may be prudent for you to see the films at this point."
Adrian smiled. "I was just thinking the same thing. You're getting very good at this detective thing, Ms. Teeger. One day, I'll be able to say, 'I knew her when…'"
"Get out of here," she replied modestly but secretly thrilled by his praise. It was hard won and very rarely given.
The conversation turned to the California Private Investigators Exam that would be given in late July.
"As your training mentor, I think you're ready to take the written exam, Natalie. It's given so infrequently during the year, I think you should sit for it now. Not that I think you will, but in case you fail, at least we will know where we have to concentrate on the next time. But I want to reiterate I have complete faith in you. You are ready. You will pass."
Natalie didn't say a word. In fact, the only sound she made was a brief sniff and a little whimper. Then, she lifted a hand from the steering wheel and swiped a tear from her cheek.
"Natalie! What's wrong?"
"No-nothing," she sobbed, then gave up and pulled into the nearest spot she saw on the street. She threw the car into park and got out to lean against the trunk as she continued to cry a little.
Adrian met her at the back of the car and put gentle hands on her forearms. "Natalie? Did I say something wrong?"
"No. You said everything right." She sniffed and raised her tear-filled eyes to his. "No one in my life has ever encouraged me like you do. You believe I am smart, that I can do hard things. That I contribute to the work you do. No one has ever believed in me like that before." Then she whispered, "Not even Mitch." And at that, she cried harder. Vague feelings of disloyalty and anger filled her. Some at Mitch, some at herself.
"Natalie, you are an amazing person in so many ways. It took me so long to wake up and really see it…."
"You have - had a viable excuse! How do you explain the rest of the world? All people see are blonde hair, green eyes, and a smile. They never look further. Maybe because you couldn't see that, you saw the other things?" Natalie wondered in her ignorance of Monk's true feelings towards her.
Adrian stood silently, not knowing the right way to answer her. Finally, he just squeezed her arms gently. "That must be it," he responded with a tight smile.
"I'm okay. Let's get back on the road. I'm sorry for getting all emotional."
"It's okay." But internally, Adrian wondered what those emotions had just revealed.