The following is a missing scene to "Mr. Monk and the Genius" and thus contains spoilers for that episode.
Stottlemeyer looked from Monk to Natalie and back to Monk again. For once it wasn't something out of place that forced Monk's eyes away, but rather guilt. Stottlemeyer had come to know Monk's 'guilt' look too well.
Natalie made no sign of noticing the silent conversation.
"Natalie, will you excuse us."
Forget finding a different room. Forget subtlety.
Stottlemeyer waited until he heard the door close before speaking. "How'd you figure it out?"
"What?"
"That he had a first wife. How'd you figure it out?" What he didn't ask was also telling. Why hadn't it shown up in their original background check?
Monk paced four steps in each direction. He straightened anything that was slightly off, but his hands were shaking slightly. "Does it matter?"
"Yes it matters. Were you in his house last night? Is that how?"
Monk started to shake his head then stopped. His wide eyes said everything, but Stottlemeyer wanted to hear the words. "Tell me."
"I saw her name on a silver serving platter. It was a wedding gift from his first marriage. The name was the same as a dedication in one of his books."
"And where did you see this gift?"
"In his home." Monk's voice broke slightly.
Stottlemeyer felt his own guilt weighing in his stomach. Sometimes it was better not to ask questions. "You broke into his house?"
"The window was unlocked."
"So you just let yourself in."
Silence. Monk busied himself with wiping a smudge off of the desk.
"I didn't do it," Monk finally added. "I did go there to plant the bottle, but I couldn't do it. I grabbed it back and made to leave. That was it."
Stottlemeyer drew a deep breath, taking it all in. He never would have believed Monk would go this far, but at the same time, he was relieved Monk didn't go farther. He didn't know what he'd do if Monk had gone through with planting evidence. At least he would never have to find out.
"I'm glad you didn't have it in you."
"Yeah. Me too."
Stottlemeyer allowed another moment of silence before grabbing his jacket. "Let's go nail this bastard."