102EPILOGUE
Natalie and Adrian stood by Leland as they said their goodbyes to their good friend from Washington D.C., Preacher Armstrong, looking like battered soldiers who had just returned home from a turbulent battle. And indeed, they were. They had fought for justice and the preservation of the nation and they had emerged victorious – something they, and the entire nation, could give thanks for.
As their friend hugged them and wished them godspeed until they would meet again, they knew that somehow their paths would cross again, and with all they had been through, they also counted on having a friend for life.
Armstrong had been offered a position by Stoddard at the FBI; but, like Adrian, he had declined based upon where he felt he was the greatest fit. The role he felt predestined to fill was as Captain of the Police Department in his own little burgh, helping his neighbors and striving to keep inner city kids away from becoming the next Sammy Millers of the world. Still, Stoddard wanted to honor him for his daring rescue of Emma and for the take down of Miller, and planned on awarding him a medal upon his return to Washington D.C.
The Monks, decided to stay a few more weeks in San Francisco before returning to their home in Boston. With Julie still living in Cambridge, they looked forward to seeing her again. But, after the month they just had, they both needed the break and it was good being back amongst friends and family in familiar surroundings, if only for a little while. They wished, in real and tangible way, that it could continue. They didn't know how quickly that wish was about to be realized – at least, in part.
On the third night after being dismissed from the hospital, the Adrian Monks, Stottlemeyers and the Ambrose Monks all had dinner at Heather and Ambrose's place. The evening was going very well, but Ambrose seemed a bit more nervous than usual throughout it all. After they finished dessert, Ambrose and Adrian cleared the table and went into the kitchen to hand wash the dishes. Standing side by side, the two brothers smiled quietly to one another, being reminded of the times when they were kids standing at the sink doing the same thing.
Once finished, they walked out the back door onto the patio where their wives and the Stottlemeyers were enjoying a bit more conversation. Adrian went and sat by Natalie and Ambrose by Heather, trying to follow along with the general flow, since the evening was still young. After a few more minutes, Leland decided to ask Adrian what came next.
"Well… Back to Boston. To Julie. I'm out of a job. So, I thought I might try doing the Private Detective thing that Natalie once tried to set up for me." He said.
"Oh…the one where you hooked me up with Linda Fusco?" Leland asked.
"Hooked you up? I didn't hook you up with Linda Fusco." Adrian replied. "You did that on your own!"
"Yeah…I suppose you're right." Said Stottlemeyer, playing with the toothpick which protruded from his mouth.
"Isn't anyone interested in what we're going to do?" Ambrose asked, anxiously.
"You?" Natalie asked. "Do you and Heather have plans?"
"Yes." Ambrose said. "Very big plans."
Everyone was quiet for a moment until Adrian said, "Okay, go on. Tell us."
"Well… I've been doing so well getting out of the house and out and about, that we've decided we're going to pack up and move to Boston as well!" he said.
Adrian and Natalie shook their heads and then looked at Ambrose in shock.
"What?! You're moving to Boston? When did this happen?" Natalie asked.
"It happened when Heather let me know that Adrian is going to be an uncle." Ambrose said. "And, you're going to be an aunt."
All mouths dropped open and the group sat with stunned smiles on their faces until finally they each started laughing.
"Congratulations, Ambrose! Heather! That's wonderful!" Adrian said, standing up and giving his brother a hug. "But, why would you want to move to Boston? Your life is here."
"No. My house is here. My life is with people I love. And, I love and I miss my little brother. I miss my sister Natalie. I…I want to be a part of my niece and nephew's lives and get to watch them grow up. I want my son or daughter to get to know them as well. I don't want fear to keep me from doing it. Life's too short." Ambrose said.
Adrian smiled at his brother's growth. It had been such a long time coming and he never thought he would see the day. But, here it was. Life was moving on and things were turning out better than he could have expected – even for Ambrose.
What new adventures awaited them, Heaven only knew; but for now, he was as content as he could be among his friends and family in the town he grew up in, in the state that he once called home.
"When are you planning on packing?" Adrian asked. "I can help you get everything organized." he offered, as they continued their conversation until late in the evening underneath a starry San Francisco sky.