Original subtitles

[Christmas music playing]

♪ La-la-la-la ♪

♪ La-la-la-la-la-la ♪

♪ Whoa, oh, oh, oh, whoa ♪

♪ Christmastime Is the very best time ♪

♪ To take my baby dancin' ♪

♪ Sing along now Let the church bells ring ♪

♪ Ding dong Singalong groove ♪

♪ Dancing around the mistletoe Covered by the amber glow ♪

♪ Underneath The sugarplum sky ♪

♪ Sing along now Let the church bells ring ♪

♪ Ding dong Singalong groove ♪

♪ We all need somebody To hold ♪

♪ Because The streets outside ♪

♪ Are finally cold ♪

♪ Christmastime Is a wonderful time ♪

♪ Ding dong Singalong groove ♪

[Kate humming along]

♪ Ding dong singalong Ding dong singalong ♪

♪ Ding dong Singalong groove ♪

♪ I got my honey by my side Singing songs of yuletide ♪

♪ Snow falling down Around us ♪

♪ Sing along now Let the church bells ring ♪

♪ Ding dong Singalong groove ♪

♪ It really doesn't matter That the weather Is atrocious ♪

♪ We'll be feeling giddy In those tender approaches ♪

♪ Ding dong, ding dong Sing, sing ♪

♪ Sing-along groove ♪

[Kate] Come on.

♪ We all need Somebody to hold ♪

♪ Because streets outside Are finally cold ♪

♪ Christmastime Is a wonderful time ♪

[knocks on door]

-Yoo-hoo. -Jingle, jingle.

[Michelle laughing]

-Hi. -[Michelle] Don't worry, we're not staying.

We just wanted to say a quick hello.

Here, Dad. Let me put these down. You'll lose an arm.

Hey, we don't wanna interrupt.

I'm sure you're working on some, uh, big important case?

Totally, yeah. But, uh, I could use a break.

You know, I still don't get the "associates."

You don't have any associates.

Not yet. But it's only been a year.

Um, may I?

It would be a crime if you didn't.

Hmm. Hey.

Mmm, mmm, mmm.

Oh, I could get used to this.

[both chuckle]

Laying out the evidence, putting the pieces together,

solving the crime. What a life.

-Hey, nice snowflakes. -Thanks.

So, you decided to go with the multi-colored lights?

Yeah. I thought it was festive.

Yeah, sure. They're a bit splashy for a business,

-but, you know, they're festive. -Thanks?

Honey, I wish you'd let me

find you an office space.

I could have found you something more central,

you know, on a main floor

where people could actually find you.

Well, Mom, it's a private detective agency.

Our clients want discretion.

I just keep thinking of your offices back at Sunrise Pageants

in New York. Oh, the windows, the views. Huh.

[Michelle] I guess it's all right that you don't have any associates.

I mean, where would you put them? [chuckles]

-Michelle! -Hmm?

She's just, uh, keeping her overhead low, right, Katie?

Yeah.

[cell phone ringing]

[Kate] Oh.

Bennett and Associates.

Hey, Leilani.

-Wait, hold on, where? -[Leilani] Cobblestone Vista.

-[Kate] Right now? -[Leilani] Yes. Hurry.

Yeah. Yeah.

-I'll check it out. Thanks. -[Leilani] Bye.

Is that a tip? Did you just get a tip?

There's something up over at the Cobblestone Vista.

Uh, there's police cars parked outside that new gallery.

-Where the bar used to be? -Yeah.

That is a great location.

Right across from that central plaza.

The new owner, Sue, she's doing wonderful things with that space.

-Pull the door closed behind you. -Go get 'em, kiddo

[upbeat music playing]

[Kate] Excuse me. Excuse me.

What happened?

[suspenseful music playing]

[footsteps approaching]

Excuse me. What are you doing?

Hey, Bennett.

-Should've known. -Oak.

Is this a new suit?

-Yeah. Why? -It looks good.

I mean, it's fresh,

nice cut through the shoulders.

-I see what you're doing here. -Hmm?

You're trying to distract me with flattery.

-Is it working? -Not a chance.

I'll try better next time. So, what's your read here?

Was it a random break-in or were they targeted?

Okay, let's go.

Okay, okay. Listen. Listen.

Something used to hang here, didn't it?

Do you know what it was?

Does that make it a burglary?

You're contaminating my crime scene.

Come on.

Just give me the lay of the land.

For old times' sake?

-Don't do that. -Do what?

That thing you're doing with your eyes.

-Don't do that. -What? This?

Is it irresistible?

More like irritating.

Come on, Oak. Okay.

Just give me the outline. I promise I'll go quietly.

All right. So, we got the call at 6:30 this morning.

When the owner came in, the alarms were turned off,

the door was smashed, one painting was missing.

-I knew it. -Best guess is it occurred

somewhere between 2:00 and 5:00 this morning.

Any surveillance?

Cameras hadn't yet been installed.

Hey. What about suspects?

-Okay. Party's over. -Oh.

Okay. But call me if you learn anything more.

You have my number. It's the same one I had since high school.

Yeah. I'm pretty sure I deleted that contact.

-Excuse me. -Rude.

Hey. Hi.

[chuckles]

Who are your associates?

[suspenseful music playing]

[Kate] Hey, there.

Hi, I'm Kate.

Ian.

You hear about what happened here at the gallery?

Yeah. It's my mom's place.

Sue's your mom?

She must be upset.

She's totally freaking out.

She thought things would be different here than in Chicago.

That's where you're from?

Until my mom had the brilliant idea to come here.

-You play ball? -Not in the winter.

Oh, really? You should give it a try.

It makes sliding a lot less painful.

Listen, starting over is hard,

I get that, believe me,

but Shelter Park's a good place for new beginnings.

Just have to give it a chance.

Maybe I can help you. Know where your mom is?

Come with me.

I understand,

but I don't have a police report yet.

It just happened this morning.

We are eight days out from Christmas Eve

and we have a whole grand opening gala planned--

[woman] How long did the police say that--

I don't know how long it'll take to finish the investigation.

I've never been robbed before.

[woman] I'm gonna put you on hold. I'll be right back.

No, please, don't put me on hold again.

-[woman] I'll be right back. -It disconnects me every time.

-Hello? Hello? -[phone line beeping]

Insurance company?

-Supposedly. -Yeah.

They're frustrating on a good day.

-Sorry, who are you? -Ah, Kate Bennett.

Bennett and Associates. I'm a private investigator.

-Okay. -I was talking to Oak,

Detective Oakley.

I was talking to him downstairs

and he was telling me what happened.

-I'm so sorry. -Thanks.

You know Detective Oakley?

Oh, yeah. We go way back.

But it sounded like you all could use some help.

Can I ask you a few questions?

Just don't put me on hold.

[chuckles]

-Okay. Um, you got in at 6:30? -[Sue] Yes.

We were going to start putting up our Christmas decorations.

I'd just sent out invitations

for our grand opening on Christmas Eve.

Catch the "Spend Christmas in Shelter Park" wave, am I right?

Mmm. Who's "we"?

My son, Ian, and I.

Okay. And where were you all last night?

We left here just before 7:00.

I dropped him at the community center.

They were having an all-night Christmas lock-in,

-and then I headed home. -Okay.

What happened when you arrived this morning?

When I pulled up and I saw the door,

I didn't believe it, and then I came in

and I was devastated.

Last night was the first time I really believed

-maybe I can pull this off. -What do you mean?

I've been dreaming of this for years.

Opening my own gallery.

Turns out it is pretty easy

to keep setting aside what you want

for what other people think you should do.

I put everything into opening this place.

And now...

Do you have a list of what all was stolen?

Just the one painting.

Really? That's it?

It was the centerpiece of our first show.

It was supposed to be a surprise.

I guess it doesn't matter now. I...

used to teach art history in Illinois.

I specialized in 20th century painting.

Six months ago, I was going through a private collection

that had been locked up in an attic for years.

I came across this.

I've seen this guy before.

That's Bertrand Melling.

Shelter Park's first African-American mayor.

-That's his official portrait. -[Kate] Right.

We learned about him in school. I mean, he was a big deal.

The biggest.

He is credited with transforming

Shelter Park into the thriving community it is today.

Painting is from 1902

by one of the most important

Detroit artists of the era.

It's a masterpiece.

It's been lost for a hundred years.

Coming across this painting,

this trailblazer, is what inspired me

to open my gallery here.

Broken windows can be replaced.

That painting is one of a kind.

And now it's gone again.

Do you have any idea who might have done this?

No.

I have heard talk.

What kind of talk?

This building was originally a fire station.

After World War II,

one of the firemen turned it into a bar.

-The Fire Hose. -The last owner,

apparently, Gunner Fisk,

he was pretty upset when it went out of business

and he's been pretty vocal about how someone

-should do something about us. -Oh, wow.

[footsteps approaching]

Ms. Carnegie.

Hey, Oak. Pull up a seat. We were just talking suspects.

Have you talked to Gunner Fisk?

Looks like a lead to me.

Oak? Oak?

[suspenseful music playing]

Okay, here we go.

[suspenseful music playing]

-[Oak] You are unbelievable. -[Kate] I know.

So, what's our plan? Good cop, bad cop?

We don't have a plan. I'm gonna do my job.

You're gonna go home.

You should let me do the talking.

I have way more poise.

-You have more what? -Poise.

The three P's of pageant success.

Poise, personality, and perseverance.

They're also the keys to good detective work.

Poise puts the people at ease, gets 'em talking.

Kate, this is not a beauty contest.

Mmm. My poise is very persuasive.

[machine whirring]

Gunner Fisk.

Gunner Fisk.

What's up?

Mr. Fisk, I'm Detective Oakley,

Shelter Park Police Department.

And Kate Bennett, Bennett and Associates.

-How you doing? -I'm fine.

Mind if we ask you a few questions?

Sure.

Okay. So, where were you last night?

Specifically between the hours of 2:00 and 5:00 a.m.?

I was at home asleep like most people.

Can anyone vouch for that?

Why would anyone need to do that?

-What's this all about? -So, is that a no?

-[Gunner] Hey, man, I do-- -How long have you been welding?

Um, a while.

My father made me learn a trade

before I took over the bar.

Is that the Fire Hose?

Yeah. Uh, it was, anyway.

Man, what are people gonna do?

That place was an institution.

I'm sure you're upset that the bank foreclosed.

Yeah, they didn't even give us a chance

to put together a counter.

Pretty much sold it right from underneath us.

-That's awful. -Yeah.

And now, they're opening up some sort of fancy exclusive art gallery.

I hear you need to have an invitation just to go to the opening.

Now, what does that do for the community?

So, you don't like the gallery?

The Fire Hose has been in my family for generations.

My great-grandfather opened that up after the war.

I should be passing that down to my son.

But no, you miss a few payments

because the margins get thin. Next thing you know,

some woman from Chicago just swoops in and takes it away.

So, why are you really here?

Well, the gallery was vandalized last night.

What'd did they do to it?

Smashed the front door in for starters.

So, let me ask you again.

You have anyone who can vouch for your whereabouts last night?

You think I did it?

We have multiple reports stating that you threatened

to do, quote, "whatever it takes to get your bar back."

You know, I may not like how things went down,

but that building means something to me.

I was practically raised there.

My grandfather taught me how to play rummy in the back.

I-I had my first kiss in the storeroom.

Weddings, birthdays, wakes.

I would never do anything to hurt that place,

ever.

Oh, Gunner, if you think of anything else,

or if there's anything you wanna get off your chest, give me a call.

[Kate] Um, one more thing.

Do you know this painting?

No. Should I?

Thanks.

I don't think he did it.

Well, if you let me finish my line of questioning,

we might actually know for sure.

Well, he was gonna clam up. You have to find a way in,

-get them to want to talk. -Oh, yes.

That age-old detective technique, poise.

Okay. You laugh, but a third of your pageant score

is the onstage interview.

And I've seen enough of those go bad

to know when someone's full of it.

I think Gunner's telling the truth.

Listen, Kate, this has been a lot of fun,

but this is my job. It's not a hobby for me.

-Me either. -Okay.

Well, thank you.

I got it from here, okay?

[dramatic music playing]

Yeah. [laughs]

Well, aren't you bringing the Christmas cheer?

This is it, Leilani, the last stop

-on the road of forgotten dreams. -Okay.

Wow.

-Spill it, Detective. -Okay.

I have been running my own agency for almost a year now,

and what do I have to show for it?

Past due rent notices and no actual cases.

-You've had cases. -Yeah, but nothing substantial.

This is my first real shot to prove myself all year.

If I can't pull this off, it means everybody else was right.

By everybody else, you mean your mom.

She thought I was crazy for leaving Sunrise Pageants.

Leilani, if I have to go back to corporate work,

it'll mean I'm a failure at the one thing

I thought I was meant to do.

This guy looks familiar.

[Kate] Yeah. Bertrand Melling.

We learned about him in middle school. Remember? Detroit history.

This was Shelter Park's first Black mayor.

That's his official portrait and the only painting stolen from Art 313.

[Leilani] Oh, no. Who would do that?

That's what I'm trying to find out.

Hey, um, I heard you ran into Oak today.

How was that?

Danny said that he saw you at that warehouse

that does all that metal work.

Is there something going on that I should know about?

No. He's working the gallery case

and basically told me I need to mind my own business, so--

So, he doesn't know you very well.

I still think it's funny he became a cop.

Yeah, and a hot one too.

-Oh. -But I mean, he's right.

It's not actually my case, not officially.

You should have seen the woman who owns the gallery, Sue.

She is desperate to open on Christmas Eve.

But without that portrait, I--

Did you offer your services?

No. I mean, I didn't just come out and say it.

What?

You need to pay your rent by New Year's.

-[Kate] Mmm-hmm. -She needs her case solved by Christmas.

Think about it, Detective.

What's the third "P" in pageant success?

Perseverance.

[laughs]

[Christmas music playing]

Okay.

[muttering]

Tell her you can do this.

Okay.

[knocks on door]

Hey. Come on in.

I wanted to know, did you ever get a hold

-of your insurance company? -Finally.

They need me to send in the police report

and I still don't have that yet.

I mean, what can be taking them so long?

-They wanna get it right. -I wanna get my opening right.

-I need that painting back. -[Kate] Makes sense.

Bet you feel like you have a lot to prove.

Can you tell me anything?

I can tell you that Detective Oakley

suspects Gunner Fisk may have had something to do with it.

I knew it. Do you think he ruined the painting?

The thing is, I'm not sure I agree with Oak.

I was there when Gunner was questioned.

He loved this place. He really did.

And when I asked him about the painting,

he had no idea what I was talking about.

I don't think he did it.

And where does that leave me?

Sue, I know Shelter Park.

I know the people here

and I never give up on anything.

If you hire me to find your painting,

I will not rest until it is done.

Do you think you could do it by Christmas Eve?

Absolutely.

It's good enough for me.

[quirky music playing]

Oh, yeah. Gunner comes in a couple times a week for dinner.

[Kate] And, uh, was he in the night before last?

Sure was. He had a Christmas calzone special and a soda.

-What time was that? -[Megan] Oh, let's see.

He usually gets in around 6:30 with the dinner crowd

and leaves by 8:00.

Now, was he agitated that day?

-Upset? -Not at all.

He can be a little gruff, I know,

but he's really a sweetheart.

He always asks about my kids, leaves a nice tip.

Such a shame what happened with his bar.

All right. Well, that's great.

-Thank you. -Mmm.

Um, does this have anything to do

with what happened at the art gallery? I...

I heard someone stole a painting, is that true?

I can't say, but thank you for your help.

[Oak] Kate.

[Kate] Detective Oakley.

Out for a pre-holiday jog?

-What do you think you're doing? -Corroborating Gunner's alibi.

Did you tell Sue that Gunner didn't do it?

I told her I had my doubts.

I am just trying to find out what happened

and get that painting back, same as you.

-You are unbelievable. -You're not too bad yourself.

Now, from what I can tell,

Gunner left work a little after 6:00.

He went to the grocery store, then came here for a Christmas calzone,

left around 8:00, presumably heading home, so...

We are not partners.

Why not? I think we'd be good together.

-We tried that once before, remember? -I do.

Yeah. And it didn't work out too well.

Well, I think we had some fun.

Kate, I am trying to build a case

that will stand up in court, one with evidence

and proper procedure.

-What do you think I'm trying to do? -I have no idea.

Look, let's just agree to stay out of each other's way, okay?

Thank you.

Or, or we can pool our resources,

my poise and people skills, and your seizures or whatever.

Oh, that is very tempting, but I'll pass.

Okay. Okay. Look, look, look, think of it this way.

You'll be able to keep an eye on me, keep me from going rogue.

Oh. As if keeping an eye on you would do any good.

Okay, Oak, wait, hold on.

The truth is I need your help.

You have more experience at this than I do.

And I'll admit, your badge might come in handy.

I'm sorry, can you say that again?

I-I, uh, I didn't quite catch all that.

I think if we can just put up with each other for a few days,

we might be able to solve this thing by Christmas.

-What do you say? -Because you need my help...

-Yes. -With all of my experience.

-Don't push it. -And you think you might be able to learn

-a thing or two from me. -Okay. You know what?

-Never mind. -Kate.

One condition.

We have to follow the evidence wherever it leads.

Okay. Got it. We'll be Christmas mystery buddies.

We will not be Christmas mystery buddies.

Why not? What do you have against Christmas?

More like what does Christmas have against me?

Okay. We will definitely be unpacking that

at a later date.

And do you remember what time he came home that night?

Oh, I'd say about 8:00, 8:30.

[Kate] Did he go back out?

[man] Not that I saw, but his truck makes a racket when it starts.

But I didn't hear anything before I went to bed.

-When was that? -What time was it?

Uh, 11:00.

-[Oak] Mmm. -Now,

would his truck wake you up if he had gone out later?

Oh, probably, yeah. It has before.

But it didn't that night? Look at that.

-Thank you. -[man] Yeah.

[Kate] Thank you so much for your time.

And I love your wreath by the way.

[man] Oh. [chuckles]

-Gorgeous. -Thanks.

[Kate] Mmm-hmm.

Did Gunner ever talk about the gallery that went

into his old building downtown?

Oh, all the time. I mean,

you ask him how his day's going

and he goes off on that stupid gallery.

Only he doesn't use the word "stupid."

Does he ever make threats?

Uh, I mean, he's loud and angry,

so you kinda wanna keep out of his way

when he's in one of those moods.

If you think of anything else, give me a call, okay?

-Okay. -But call me first.

[both chuckle]

That's the third witness in a row

who's heard him making threats.

We call that a pattern.

What?

I'm mentoring.

[upbeat music playing]

[woman] I'll get these out of the way.

[Oak] Thank you.

We still can't put him at the scene.

Not yet.

Why are you so sure he did it?

I'm not. I'm just following the evidence.

Revenge is a powerful motivator

and he's got a pretty weak alibi.

What's your deal anyway?

I never would have guessed you'd end up in law enforcement.

I mean, in high school,

you were Mr. Honor Society,

Ivy League, Smarty Camp.

So, a nerd?

I mean, you weren't not a nerd.

[laughs]

Well...

if I was such a nerd, why'd you go out with me?

Oh, that's easy.

The second "P" of pageant success,

personality.

You were cute and sweet. You made me laugh.

But seriously though, what made you become a cop?

So, my uncle, he's a detective over in Columbus and...

he said that when this job is done right,

it's about putting a community back together again.

-I guess it stuck. -I like that.

[Oak] How about you?

How did you go from pageant queen

to private eye?

It's been a dream since I was a kid

reading mysteries with my dad.

Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie.

I love putting the puzzle together

and seeing things set straight.

I mean, the whole pageant thing,

that was more of my mom's idea.

-Really? -Yeah.

I would've never guessed that back in the day.

You were so focused, nobody had a chance.

What do you mean?

[laughs] Come on.

Everybody had to take a back seat

to whatever pageant thing you had going on at the time.

-That's not true. -It's absolutely true.

It's literally the reason we broke up.

Do you remember the holiday formal,

our senior year?

Uh, I could pretend to.

You ghosted me.

Left me standing outside the school waiting for you.

Oh, my gosh.

I am so sorry.

My mom, she was always whisking me away to events

at the last minute and I...

Honestly, I felt awful.

It's fine. I'm over it.

It's okay. [chuckles]

Mostly.

Well, then it...

Am I the reason you don't like Christmas?

Do not flatter yourself, all right?

There are a thousand reasons

why Christmas and I do not get along.

Something new every year.

When I was seven, I got food poisoning.

When I was 10,

I broke my arm on Christmas Day.

When I was 16, my car slid into a ditch.

When I was 20, I missed a flight.

Last year, my pipes broke on Christmas Eve.

You did not ruin Christmas for me.

I do that all by myself.

Oh, well, maybe we can make a good holiday memory for you.

Don't hold your breath.

[chuckles]

Okay.

The forensics report will be on my desk

by the end of the day.

See if there's anything there.

And no, you cannot read the whole thing.

This is an unofficial partnership, remember?

-Only 'cause you keep reminding me. -[cell phone ringing]

[sighs]

-Hi, Mom. -[Michelle] Kate, honey, I need--

-[Kate] You need what? -[Michelle] Ornaments.

Yeah. I'm at work.

[Michelle] Okay. Kate [indistinct]

Mom, it's still work.

-[Michelle] [indistinct] -Fine. Yeah.

-I'll see what I can do. -[Michelle] Thank you.

[sighs] She needs more ornaments for her trees.

-Trees? How many she got? -Four or five.

She hosts an annual Christmas cocktail party.

You'd hate it.

Anyways, this year's theme is silver and gold

and she needs more ornaments.

So, let me know what you learn on the report

and it is a pleasure unofficially working with you.

[Kate laughs]

-[door opens] -[sighs]

[door closes]

[Christmas music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

How about this one?

-Too shiny. -Mmm.

This one's nice. It's got a brushed finish.

Too dull. She likes just the right amount of sheen.

No offense, but your mom seems kinda hard to please.

Kid, you have no idea.

Let me see what I have underneath.

[indistinct chatter]

[suspenseful music playing]

-How's this one? -Great.

-Really? -Yeah. Yeah.

Hey, I don't suppose

you were working here the night before last.

Uh, yeah, yeah.

I was actually, pretty late, too.

Got a last shipment in before Christmas.

Did you see anything suspicious

over across the street by the gallery?

-No. Like what? -Like, anything unusual,

anything catch your eye?

Actually, I did see a truck parked

over there at about 8:30.

That was weird

because it's usually pretty dead around here by then.

Hung around too, just sitting there

for maybe half an hour.

-A truck? -Yeah.

-Can you describe it? -Yeah. Yeah. Sure.

-It was nice. -Mmm-hmm.

It was white, had red racing stripes down the side.

It's Kenny Fisk's truck.

You mean Gunner?

No, no. Kenny.

Gunner's his dad.

Kenny was ahead of me in school.

I'd know that tricked-out truck anywhere.

How do you wanna pay?

Cash.

Cash it is.

That'll be $4.99, please.

[upbeat music playing]

If you break into that truck, I will have to arrest you.

I'm just taking a peek.

[Oak] We don't have a warrant.

Kate!

Kate.

[Kate] Fine.

What'd you find?

You were right. Kid's got a reputation.

I knew it.

Kenny Fisk, 18, basketball prodigy.

He's already got a couple of scholarships offered

from some big schools for next year,

cited three times for vandalism

and disorderly conduct.

-There. See? -No, no.

Nothing big like what happened at the gallery.

[Kate] Yeah. Well, he's been very vocal

about how much he hates what happened to his dad.

I talked to a few kids who overheard him saying,

and I quote, "Somebody should burn this place

to the ground."

-Okay. Let's hear him out. -Hmm.

You know we have this thing here called

innocent until proven guilty, right?

[upbeat funk music playing]

Here.

[indistinct chatter]

Mmm, that's him.

He's right there. Him.

[whistles]

Hey, Kenny.

Please come on over.

You want me to take the lead?

Never.

Okay.

Kenneth Fisk, I'm Detective Oakley.

-This is Kate Bennett. -Bennett and Associates.

Minus the associates.

What do you want?

I just wanna ask you a few questions.

Where were you the night of the 16th?

Why do you care?

You wanna just answer the question?

Why should I?

I know what y'all are trying to do to my dad.

We're not trying to do anything.

Right.

Did you hear about what happened at Art 313?

Everybody did, man.

I mean, I only wish could have been there to see it.

[makes smashing sound]

So, you're happy someone smashed their door?

Absolutely.

Do you have any idea

what losing that bar did to my dad?

Well, it's not the gallery's fault.

You know, the Fire Hose actually meant something to people.

Did you know that he used to host

a big neighborhood Christmas party every year?

Food, games, the works,

I mean, he paid for it all himself too.

It wasn't fancy or exclusive.

I mean, everybody was invited.

Kids from rival schools, families that weren't talking,

neighbors that didn't get along.

It was amazing.

And then the bank foreclosed

and they decided to put in that stupid art gallery.

So, yeah, I'm glad they got their windows smashed,

and, no, I didn't do it.

-Sounds like motive to me. -Okay. Poise.

We have a witness that puts you at the scene.

-They saw your truck parked out front that night. -Pshh.

Care to explain?

-Not really. -Yeah. Well, try.

Look, sometimes I just go and sit outside, right?

Is that a crime?

That place was like a second home to me.

I just...

I miss it sometimes.

Where were you the rest of the night?

Here.

At the community center?

I was volunteering.

All night?

We were having a Christmas lock-in, all right?

I was in charge of running the games for the little kids.

Ask anybody.

Mm-hmm.

[dramatic music playing]

Can you believe that kid?

I don't know.

Kid seemed pretty genuine to me.

Don't tell me you bought that story.

Oak, come on. Volunteering?

Oh, yeah.

Kenny's an absolute dream.

You know, it's great to see such a talented young man

giving back to his community.

He's really good with the kids.

Mmm. And he was here all night?

We all were.

Games, Christmas movies, sing-alongs.

We were locked in from the pizza delivery at nine o'clock

till 7:00 the next morning.

9:00 to 7:00.

[Kate] Thought we had it.

I really did. I mean, were we even close?

Scratched a subject off the list,

it's progress.

Doesn't feel like it.

Well, it's the "P" of detective work.

Hey, listen, Kate.

Um...

What?

We're not done yet.

We have a week left.

Yeah, you're right.

No, um, you're right.

Maybe we should just stick to it

and we'll catch a break.

Yeah.

[car door open and closes]

[engine starting]

[indistinct chatter]

Kate?

Is that you?

-Hi, Maggie. -You're just the person

-I was looking for. -Uh-oh.

I ran into your mom this afternoon.

We have this monthly luncheon for the Spend Christmas

in Shelter Park campaign.

She has been such a mentor to me.

That is so great.

It was good seeing you, Maggie.

She told me that Sue hired you

to investigate the break-in at Art 313.

-Is that true? -You know I can't talk about my clients.

All of us on the city council are just heartbroken

over the theft of the Melling portrait.

It would mean so much to this community

to have that painting found by Christmas.

And that is what I'm trying to do.

Getting that portrait back is our top priority.

You do know what the Christmas season means

for the Shelter Park business community.

-I do. -It's what gets us through the year.

-It's part of our brand. -I know.

Getting that portrait back is our top priority.

And I think we can all agree

that it would be best

if you left the investigating to the professionals.

I knew you'd understand.

Listen, we need to get together

and talk about pageant days.

I still can't believe that you beat me

for Miss Hazelnut at our junior year.

I mean, look at us now.

Give me a call, 'kay?

Oh, here you go,

for that cute little office of yours.

-Bye. -Hmm.

[scoffs]

[soft music playing]

-Jingle, jingle. -Hey, Dad.

Hey. That's cute.

I know. Dang it.

What you got there?

Well, your mother got these for her party,

but apparently, they don't fit the theme,

so I thought maybe you could use them here.

Thanks, Dad. They look great.

Are you doing okay?

Yeah, of course.

All mistletoe and holly over here.

Nice try.

Come on, Katie. A dad can tell.

Talk to me.

You know, how's the case going?

[sobs] Terrible, Dad.

A week until Christmas,

and I have nothing to show for it.

Like, every time I think I have it figured out,

I... It just falls apart.

Sounds tough.

And the letter from your landlord?

If I can't make rent on this place

by the end of the month,

I'm done.

I'll have to go back to pageants

with my tail between my legs.

A failure.

Oh, and that painting that was stolen from the gallery,

it means something to people.

If I don't solve this case,

I'll have let everyone down.

So, yeah, Merry Christmas to me.

Katie, Katie, honey, you're spiraling.

Breathe for me, okay?

There you go.

[chuckles]

Did I ever tell you about that time I almost quit accounting

to go on tour with my band?

You had a band?

Sure did.

Funk It To Me. Mmm.

-We were awful. -[Kate] Really?

With a name like that? Are you sure?

-[both chuckle] -Point is,

we didn't stick with it long enough

to see if we could get any better.

And I always wondered what would have happened

if we'd had some of that, uh...

Oh, what's the third pageant "P"? I forgot.

Was it perfectionism?

-Perseverance. -No, no, no, that's not it.

-Pessimism? -Dad.

Oh, wait, I remember.

Perspiration.

[laughs]

If chasing your dreams was easy,

then everybody would do it.

But here you are

and look at this place.

You know what I would give to work in a place like this

instead of drowning in spreadsheets all day, hmm?

Even if it takes a year,

you'll never regret it.

And if anybody can wrap this up

by Christmas, it's you.

Now, did you see what I just did there?

Wrap, Christmas.

-Oh, gosh. -Put the two together.

Okay. Okay. Okay.

Get out of here.

I have work to do.

Hmm.

-Hey, Dad. -[Andre] Mmm-hmm?

Thank you.

[upbeat music playing]

♪ Ooh, yeah ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah, ha! ♪

♪ Well, there's something About Christmas ♪

-♪ That makes me grin From ear to ear ♪ - ♪ Hmm, hmm ♪

♪ Listen close And I'll tell you why ♪

-♪ It's my favorite time Of year ♪ - ♪ Oh, yeah ♪

♪ Candy canes and mistletoe ♪

♪ Talk with friends, And all that snow ♪

♪ When it's done, Don't want it to go ♪

♪ It's my favorite time Of year ♪

♪ But no Christmas Feels right ♪

♪ Without you by my side... ♪

Looking pretty festive up there.

[Ian] Thanks.

Mom says we're having our gala after all,

so I thought I'd get started on our decorations.

You're a good kid, Ian.

Your mom's lucky to have you.

We're lucky to have each other.

You were at the lock-in the night of the 16th, right?

Did you see Kenny Fisk there?

Yeah. We played hoops.

He's, like, really good.

-Why? -Just curious.

Hey, I'm gonna convince you that Shelter Park

is a great place if it's the last thing I'd do.

And then we questioned

the director of the community center

and she confirmed Kenny never left that night.

His alibi is solid.

So, we're back at square one.

Not exactly.

We eliminated a suspect. That's helpful.

And you're absolutely certain Gunner didn't do it.

I hear the police still consider him

a possible suspect.

I can't exactly rule him out

at this point. No.

Ian gave up a lot to move here.

We both did.

I need to show him that following your heart

is worth all of the hard work and sacrifice.

My priority above everything else

is getting that painting back.

As far as I'm concerned,

nobody needs to get in any trouble,

if I can just have that portrait

on the wall by Christmas Eve.

You understand?

All I want is that painting.

Kenny had nothing to do with this.

I know. I'm sorry.

Yeah, he's been in trouble before,

but he's better than I was at his age.

Listen, Gunner,

we all get in over our head sometimes,

do stupid things we regret.

Sue assured me that if somehow

that painting were to show up on her doorstep,

nobody would ask any more questions.

The whole thing would be over.

If you have any idea where that painting is,

any idea at all,

this would be a great time to tell me.

[dramatic music playing]

[mellow music playing]

[telephone ringing]

Excuse me, is Detective Oakley in?

Yeah. And I'll be right with you.

-[gasps] -[Maggie] And that cranberry pancake recipe.

[laughs] Merry Christmas.

I don't think it's the same job with last--

No, it's the--

Kate?

Excuse me.

Maggie.

Hey!

I didn't even see you.

Oh, did you misplace your poise?

[both chuckling]

What are you doing here?

Oh, just came to see Oak. What are you doing here?

I was just chatting with the chief.

Official city council business.

I'm actually heading up a community search committee

to find the missing portrait.

I think it's vital that we return this piece of heritage

to its rightful place,

for the good of Shelter Park.

Thank you. I don't think I have the time

to be on a committee right now, but thanks.

Oh, I wasn't asking you to join.

No, no. This is a group of community leaders.

But if you hear anything that would be useful,

you feel free to give us a call,

and we'll take it from there.

So good to see you.

Uh, hey, Kate, wait up.

-Oh, hey, Oak. -Hey.

So, I just got off the phone with Gunner's cell company

and they're gonna try to track his location

for the night of the 16th.

Kate?

-That... That's great. -Yeah.

Also, uh, and I don't know, this might sound kinda crazy,

but, um, I was wondering

if you wanted to go to the Christmas Spirits

at the Beats and Blues Jazz restaurant

tomorrow night with me?

I think I said that.

I mean...

-if you're free. -Sounds good.

Who else knew the portrait was at the gallery?

Uh, I don't know.

Okay. See you tomorrow, Oak.

Yeah, see you tomorrow.

Perfect. Great.

Tomorrow.

♪ Woo! Come on, everybody ♪

♪ Merry Christmas now To one and all ♪

♪ Look to the sky And see the snowflakes fall ♪

♪ Ooh, it's Christmastime ♪

[Michelle] I think we need one more batch.

M-Mom, seriously,

you're gonna give your guests sugar shock.

[Michelle chuckles] It'll be fine.

I'll take the leftovers into the office.

Hey, watch that. Your frosting doesn't fit.

It's the look I'm going for.

Look, it's like an abstract drizzle. See?

[both chuckle]

Hey, I had lunch

with Maggie Boon the other day.

-On purpose? -Kate.

Two of you were thick as thieves back

in your pageant days.

Maggie Boon would slice the top off my evening gown.

if she thought she could get away with it.

-It's not true. -If you say so.

No, she's done very well for herself.

She's on the city council. Did you know?

I think everybody knows that.

She's asked me to be part

of the committee they're putting together

to recover the stolen painting.

-That's my case. -Exactly.

See? You have so much in common.

[Michelle chuckles]

I was thinking the other day

about how much fun you used to have

working for Sunrise Pageants.

You know, all the places you got to visit

and the young women you inspired.

Mommy, you make that sound a lot more glamorous

-than it actually was. -Oh.

I was talking with Carol

and she was saying how much they miss you.

Why were you talking to my old boss?

I just needed to call her

to make sure I had her current address

for my Christmas card list.

No.

She was saying that they could still find a place for you

if you thought you wanted to go back.

I can't believe you went behind my back like that, Mom.

Look, I was on their website.

Look at all the initiatives they're launching.

Here's one that is right up your alley.

All about setting up

underprivileged kids for success.

Don't you wanna be part of something like that?

Mom,

I love what I do now.

Do you?

Because it seems to cause you an awful lot of stress.

Oh, honey,

I just want you to be happy.

Would you think about it, for me?

[soft music playing]

[dog barking in distance]

[dramatic music playing]

[phone line ringing]

[phone vibrates]

Tell me you've got good news.

[Kate] Getting there. Listen.

Who else knew about the Melling portrait?

Meaning, who else knew you had it?

Not many. I wanted to unveil it

as a surprise at the gala.

The Wilson family. Folks that had it

-this whole time. -Mmm-hmm.

Some people that I worked with at the university,

and an appraiser in Chicago.

-That's about it. -Nobody local?

No. Ian and I hung it ourselves.

I suppose the delivery guy knew I had it.

What delivery guy?

-[Kate] Are you sure? -[Dale] Yup. I'm sure.

I don't remember.

You don't remember making a delivery

at that new gallery in Cobblestone Vista

on December 12th?

It's Christmas.

You think I remember every delivery

I make this time of year?

I think you'll remember this one.

It came to you from a specialty store that delivers art.

The owner says you delivered it in person

and it's been all over the news

because somebody stole it.

Okay. So maybe I'll remember that one.

So what?

Was anybody else at the gallery

when you dropped it off?

The woman, the kid.

They wanted me to stick around until they opened it up

to make sure everything was in good order.

I think she was just trying to show off.

[phone ringing]

Detroit City Movers.

Yeah. Uh-huh.

Yeah, I don't know if we can get that done by Christmas

but we'll do our best.

Yup. You have a merry one too.

That's you in the baseball photo?

Racquetball champs, six years running.

[Kate] Congratulations.

So, you're friends with Gunner Fisk then?

A lot of people are. He's a good guy.

See him often?

[Christmas music playing]

♪ Did you hang my stocking By the fire? ♪

♪ And the holly berries In the hall? ♪

♪ Did I use up all Of my wishes ♪

♪ Dreamin' of your mistletoe kisses? ♪

♪ But is there room For just once more? ♪

-He's right over there. -Mmm-hmm.

♪ Christmas Isn't the same on my own ♪

Sit down.

Oh, my goodness.

You would not believe the day I've had.

-I bet. -[Kate] Okay. So I was staring

at that stupid flyer Maggie put together

and I was wondering who else knew

that that painting was in the gallery?

So I called Sue and she said the only person in town,

or the only people in town that knew about that painting,

were the movers.

-Movers? -The Detroit City Movers.

-Oh, we should look into that. -Already ahead of you, buddy.

Look, I talked to the owner, Dale Osmus.

He was the one who delivered the painting to Sue.

He watched her open it,

which means he knows that she had it.

And guess who he's good friends with.

-No idea. You want some wine? -Gunner Fisk.

They've been friends since they were kids.

They hang out a couple of times a month,

including four days before the break-in.

The same day he delivered the painting.

[snickers]

Uh, Kate--

[Kate] I know what you're gonna say.

You're gonna say, "I told you so."

And you know what? You're right. That's fair.

But I say we should focus on the future.

We need to talk to Gunner tomorrow.

And I wrote down a couple of questions we can ask him.

-Kate. -What?

Can we talk about something other than the case?

Like what?

I don't know.

Whatever people talk about when they go out to dinner.

Books, movies, hopes and dreams.

Personal things.

I thought you were interested in this.

I am. I just...

-It's really good work. -Thank you.

I just...

I want to have dinner with you, Kate.

Not your case notes.

Oh...

no.

You thought this was a date?

Like a date-date?

It's what it usually means when one person asks

another person out to dinner.

Oh, wow, um...

Okay.

This was a mistake. My bad.

No. No, no. Wait. Oh.

See you tomorrow.

♪ Oh, Santa ♪

♪ Take me Won't you take me home? ♪

[Christmas music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

-Give me a second. -[Kate] Rehearsal sustenance.

Christmas bumpy cake from Lulu D's.

Thanks. The guys will be thrilled.

So, how was the date last night?

Am I the only one who didn't know it was a date?

He invited you here off the clock

to Christmas Spirits.

I take it things didn't go very well?

[snickers]

Stop laughing. It's embarrassing.

Come here.

What's going on?

What if my mom was right?

What if I'm not cut out for this?

Being a detective?

I mean, I can't even tell

when someone's asking me out on a date.

Maybe I'm confusing wanting to be good at something

with actually being good at it.

You remember when we were 11 or 12

and you became convinced

that Mr. Jones was stealing all those lawn gnomes

like from every yard?

Because he was.

People thought you were nuts.

Yeah, we snuck out

and staked him out

with our bikes and walkie-talkies.

And we caught him red-handed.

-Sure did. -You're a natural detective, Kate.

But what do I do now?

When we're having trouble with a song,

sometimes we take it all the way back to the beginning.

Start with what you know for sure

and go from there.

You'll find a trail. You always do.

Thanks for the cake.

Okay. Back to rehearsal.

And watch me for the changes this time, okay?

[dramatic music playing]

[quirky music playing]

[phone line ringing]

Kate?

You answered.

If I didn't, you'd have kept calling.

Hey, I just wanted to apologize for last night.

Don't worry about it.

Hey, this case

has me pretty stressed out

-and you caught me off-guard. -It's no big deal.

From now on, we will just keep things professional.

-Okay? -No, no.

I was just distracted.

I would really like to--

[Dale laughing]

Got you.

-[Oak] To what? -[Gunner] I can't tell you

-how much I appreciate it. -[Oak] Kate?

[Kate] Hello, gentlemen.

What?

-[camera shutter clicking] -[Oak] Kate?

-Kate? -[Dale] You're very welcome.

-[Oak] Are you there? -[Dale] Take care.

-[Oak] Kate? -[Gunner] Thank you, Dale.

[sighs]

[Oak] Kate.

Kate, what's going on?

Gotta go. Call you later.

[Oak] Oh, but... Wait, wait.

Kate.

[engine starts]

[suspenseful music playing]

Ugh.

[camera shutter clicking]

[engine starting]

[suspenseful music playing]

[Christmas ringtone playing]

[door handle jiggling]

Who says pageants don't teach life skills?

[suspenseful music playing]

Oh, this is heavy.

[sighs]

[door creaks open]

[suspenseful music playing]

[Christmas ringtone playing]

[gasps]

[phone beeps]

[sighs]

I know you're here.

You can come out now.

[sighs]

I was just looking around.

It's a really cool space.

You were looking for the painting, weren't you?

I thought it was worth a try.

Sorry.

-I shouldn't have-- -Broken in?

Probably not, but I get it.

You think I did it just like everybody else.

Doesn't matter what the truth is.

People believe what people wanna believe.

Is... Is this...

Great-grandfather Joe. Yeah.

The day he opened up the Fire Hose,

75 years ago this Christmas.

I really wanna believe you, Gunner.

I really do.

But we have to figure out where that painting is.

It's not here. You can search the place.

-I already did. -[Gunner chuckles]

[laughs]

What is all of this?

Well, when I lost the bar, I needed a job.

I was out of practice with my welding.

So my buddy set me up here afterwards

so I could get back into it.

Forgot how relaxing it was.

So, when I need a break, I come here and I play around

with putting the scraps together.

It's just junk.

They're really cool.

It looks like Christmas ornaments.

I guess they do.

Listen, Gunner,

I'm hoping maybe we can just keep this between us.

I'm not gonna call the cops,

if that's what you're worried about.

Not that they would believe me anyway.

We are going to figure this out.

I promise.

[indistinct chatter]

Good morning.

There you are. Are you okay?

-Were you worried about me? -No.

Yes, you were.

-I was not. -It's very sweet.

I appreciate the concern, but I'm fine.

I'm here to make peace.

What's this?

They're non-Christmas cookies.

Non-Christmas cookies?

I don't wanna trigger your little holiday allergy.

They're gingerbread policemen.

And they're good too.

I had a couple on the drive over.

Wait a minute. What do you want?

What do you mean?

You want something? I wanna know what it is.

All I wanted was to do something special for you

to make up for last night.

Well, like I said, it doesn't even matter.

Well, it matters to me.

And I'm sorry.

And I just wanna start fresh.

Can we do that?

Sure.

Really?

Yes. Definitely.

[chuckles] Great.

And I also need a favor.

I knew it. I knew it.

I just wanna take a teeny, tiny, tiny, itty, bitty,

bitty, bitty, bitty of a peek

at the case files for the property.

[scoffs]

-[clears throat] You serious? -Yeah.

-Okay. -But...

I am missing something, Oak. I can feel it.

I just need to look at this from the beginning

with no preconceptions.

Like I said, I want a fresh start.

-Can you help me out, please? -Not a chance.

Look, I'm on thin ice as it is.

The chief is under pressure to get this case wrapped up.

And my butt's on the line.

And if he finds out I'm sharing case files--

We won't tell him.

And your butt will be fine.

Let me just take a little look.

That's it.

Kate, this is my job.

It is more than a job to me, Oak.

It's all I've ever dreamed of.

And this might be my last chance to prove

that I can actually do it.

I need your help.

What happened to all your poise?

It's gone.

All I have is perseverance and you.

People don't believe I can do it,

and I need to show them I can.

[suspenseful music playing]

-Okay. -All right.

-Five minutes. -Five minutes.

-Not a second more. -I got it.

This file does not leave this room.

I hear you.

Hey, Oak.

I appreciate this.

Okay.

[scoffs]

[camera shutter clicking]

[gentle Christmas music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

Ah-ha!

I thought I'd find you in here.

Your mom is looking for you.

There's something I'm not seeing.

I can feel it staring me in the face,

but I can't figure out what it is.

Where'd you get all these?

[Kate] From Oak.

He let you take a photo of the official file?

Yeah. Well, sort of.

Oh, wow.

-Look at that. -What?

Oh, go back a couple.

Uh, there.

Hmm.

Look at the glass all over the sidewalk.

It must have taken forever to, uh, clean that up.

Glass all over the sidewalk.

-Dad, you're a genius. -I am?

Do you remember those books we used to read

when I was in grade school with the kid detective,

Holly something?

-Ah, Holly Hockaday. -Yeah.

Yeah, the high school sleuth. I love those.

She once had this mystery

where someone broke into her aunt's greenhouse,

but the glass shards were found on the outside because...

The windows were smashed from the inside out.

Exactly.

There's no signs of forced entry

on any of the gallery doors.

This wasn't a break-in.

This was an inside job.

-Mmm. -[chuckles]

What are you doing up here? We have guests.

Merry Christmas, Mom.

What was that all about?

It's the happiest time of the year.

[chuckles]

[chuckles]

[sighs]

[alarm beeps]

Pretty festive cup.

I hate to see you catch a case of the holiday spirit.

Funny. What is it you need today?

Oh, nothing.

I solved the case last night. That's all.

You what?

[Oak] Okay. And what am I looking at?

The glass is almost all on the outside of the gallery.

The door wasn't smashed in. It was smashed out.

Hold up.

You were taking pictures of the case files?

Okay. You're missing the point.

No, you're missing the point, Kate.

You're gonna get me fired.

I'm sorry. You never said no photos.

Okay. Listen to me.

There were no signs of forced entry,

all of the alarms were turned off

and the door was smashed from the inside.

Oak, we need to talk to Sue.

But why would she do that?

Why would she smash up her own shop?

Well, she said the process of opening the gallery

was overwhelming both emotionally and financially.

The Christmas Eve deadline was breathing down her neck

and that painting was insured for a lot of money.

Like, a lot.

Maybe she just thought this was an easy way

to go out of business.

That would be motive, means, and opportunity.

I'm gonna go find out. Wanna come?

Ye-yeah. Uh, wait up.

So, you wanna take the lead here?

Absolutely not. This is your show.

Besides, if it blows up,

it'll be in your face, not mine.

Thanks for the pep talk, it's very encouraging.

After you, Detective.

[Sue] Ah, my two favorite detectives.

Any hope for a Christmas miracle?

There's always hope.

Are you leaving that empty?

Thought it would be a nice tribute

to everything we've lost as a community.

Have you heard from the insurance company?

Uh, about the painting. I know they've been a pain.

Yeah. Thank goodness they are sending out

an adjuster next week to verify the claim.

That's great.

Uh, remind me again, where were you that night?

-The 16th? -At home.

Uh, I'd been putting in long hours

getting this place ready.

I was in bed by 9:00, out by 9:30.

Was anyone else with you?

No. Why?

Oh, we're just trying to fill some gaps in the timeline.

Who else had a key to the gallery?

No one.

I have two sets, one in my purse

and one at home.

Well, what is going on, Kate?

Well, um, whoever stole the painting

had access to the gallery

and they knew how to disable the alarms

and they knew which piece was the most valuable.

I thought they came in through the broken door.

The glass was all over the sidewalk.

They smashed the door from the inside out

to make it look like a break-in.

Wait. You think I did it?

I hired you.

Why would I do that if I stole my own painting?

That'd be a pretty good cover, don't you think?

Cover?

This is my life.

I... I gave up my career to open this place.

I moved mountains to make this happen.

And you're gonna waltz in here like some two-bit Shaft

going on about broken glass on the sidewalk,

and I'm supposed to be impressed.

[door opens]

-I didn't do it. -[Ian] Ma?

Honey. It's okay. Go up.

Go back outside.

Listen, ma'am, we are testing theories.

We're just trying to find the truth.

It's "ma'am," is it now?

Give me a break.

If the two of you were after the truth,

you'd be out there doing your job

instead of in here harassing us.

[Oak] We have a responsibility to follow the leads

wherever they take us.

[Sue] But this is taking you in the wrong direction

and I cannot believe what I'm hearing right now.

[suspenseful music playing]

[door closes]

-[Kate] Are you okay? -Why are you doing this?

-My mom didn't do anything. -How do you know that?

She wouldn't. It doesn't make any sense.

And you didn't see her when she found out

the painting was missing. She was a wreck.

I see you have a bandage on your hand.

-What happened? -Nothing. I just...

I-I broke an ornament decorating the tree.

It was stupid.

Can I tell you a story?

It'll be a quick one, I promise.

I used to do a lot of beauty pageants,

like, all kinds of them.

Miss Shelter Park, Miss Lake Superior.

I did more Miss Harvest Fest competitions

than you can shake a yam at.

When I was about your age,

I was running for Miss Christmas over in Dearborn.

And there were these two sisters, twins,

sweet, but super competitive.

And, uh, that year,

one of them wanted to win so badly

that she sabotaged her sister's roller skate.

When the talent portion came, that poor girl lost control

and went pinwheeling into the wings

and she brought the entire backdrop down with her.

I mean, you could find the clip online.

It is a pageant classic.

Anyways, the thing is, her sister felt so bad

that during the onstage interview,

when the host asked what family meant to her,

she came clean.

Admitted the whole thing.

What happened?

She was disqualified

and her sister was crowned Miss Christmas.

But the important part,

after her confession, she felt so much better.

No matter how hard something is

or how much you feel, your family isn't listening,

if you can find the courage to tell the truth,

usually everything will turn out okay.

She was so excited to come here.

It'll be an adventure, she said.

Best Christmas we've ever had.

I tried to like it, I really did, but...

it didn't work.

So I thought maybe if she thought

nobody else wanted us here either,

realize this whole thing was a bad idea.

I dropped you off at the lock-in.

I snuck out. I took your keys from home.

Ian, how could you?

I'm sorry, Mom. I-I didn't wanna hurt you.

I just... I wanted to go home.

This is our home now.

I know it doesn't feel like it yet,

but there is no better place for us to be right now.

And we're supposed to be a team.

I know. I-I'll pay for everything.

Honey, you can't hardly afford it,

but you can work it off at the gallery while you're grounded.

And the next time something like this is eating at you,

you come and you talk to me, okay?

[soft music playing]

Ian, what about the painting?

Kept trying to find a time to put it back,

but now that the cameras are working, I couldn't.

Well, it's very well wrapped.

I've seen you do it like a million times.

Wow.

Would you look at that?

[soft music playing]

[Kate] Ho, ho, ho!

Mind if we come in for a minute?

Sure.

I was telling Sue about your workshop

and she wanted to see it for herself.

Have you two met before?

Uh, no.

Oh, sorry. Hi, I am... [laughs]

Sue Carnegie.

Um, Gunner Fisk.

Oh. [clears throat]

What is this?

Uh, just some Christmas goodies.

I thought we all owed you an apology.

We shouldn't have been so quick to point fingers

after the break-in.

Well, I appreciate that.

I would've suspected me too, so, it's all good.

I made some assumptions

that we're not in the holiday spirit.

Sorry.

I said a thing or two about you that wasn't nice either,

so how about we just call it square?

I would love to. [laughs]

Deal?

[laughs]

Well, um,

I was telling Sue about all of the Christmas parties

you used to throw at the Fire Hose.

Yes. And I would like to continue the tradition

at the gallery.

She's going to open the Christmas Eve gala

to the entire community.

And I'd like for you to be there.

It'd mean a lot to everyone.

Um, okay. Sure.

Good.

Um, now, you have got to tell me

about these incredible pieces.

What is your process?

I mean, how do you start?

Do you... Do you sketch them first?

-How do you begin? -I don't know.

I just kind of start welding the pieces together, I guess.

An intuitive approach. That's why they're so organic.

They're so delicate, lively,

but also substantial.

Truly remarkable.

How much do you sell them for?

How much? They're just... They're just junk.

No. [laughs]

They are not.

Gunner, they're art and you're an artist.

I think she means it.

Tell me about this one.

I mean, what's the inspiration?

Well, it's, uh, Christmas.

I was thinking about the little Christmas tree

we had when I was a kid.

Used to come downstairs late at night

and Mom would put some treats out.

[indistinct chatter]

[Christmas music playing]

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

♪ It feels like Christmastime to me ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

The inspiration, as you can tell,

it's not just holiday,

but I think the artist is trying to evoke

the spirit of family

and what welds us together.

And as it progresses, you see that transformation

and represents so much of Shelter Park

and the history that we have here.

♪ My favorite time Of year... ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

[clears throat]

Hey, um...

I-I just wanna say thanks for getting my dad

to hook up with all of this.

I haven't seen him this happy in a long time.

It's his art.

I just made the introduction.

Look, uh, I'm sorry for acting like a jerk the other day.

It's not an excuse,

but these last couple of months have been pretty rough.

I hear you. You're not the only one.

Hey, Ian, do you two know each other?

-Yeah. We met at the-- -At the lock-in. Yeah.

Hey, you got a heck of a jump shot.

My dad said you helped to get his stuff set up in here.

Super talented.

Hey, a couple of us are gonna hit up

Frankie's for pizza after,

if you wanna come along.

Detroit style?

No other kind in Shelter Park, my man.

-No other kind. -Sounds cool.

Technically, I'm grounded.

Try to help me convince my mom?

All right, let's do it.

-[Ian] Hey, guys -[Kenny] This looks amazing.

[Andre] Ho, ho, ho, ho.

Look at all this. It's amazing.

Well, it's not a pageant, but I think we did some good.

You did great.

We're lucky you were on the case.

-I'm so proud of you. -Aw.

-[laughs] Come here. -Thank you, Mom.

Now we just have to find you a better office.

Something more central.

I have some ideas. Let's go looking next week.

-Yup? -Mmm-hmm.

Oh, there's Cynthia. I'll be right back.

Cynthia. Hi.

-She means well. -Oh, I know.

Meddling is her love language.

[laughs]

So, what's next?

A lot, actually.

With the publicity from this case,

my phone has been ringing off the hook.

I am up to my ears in background checks,

stakeout requests, financial fraud cases.

This one woman in Lakeview,

she is convinced her husband faked his own death.

Wow.

I'm glad you're finally getting the recognition

you deserve.

Yeah.

But it's a little more work than I can handle.

You know how Mom is always giving me a hard time

for calling it Bennett and Associates?

I think it's about time that I hire another investigator.

Oh. Who are you thinking of?

Oak or somebody from your criminology program.

No, Dad. I was thinking of you.

I mean, I know you've been trying to retire for years.

It could be part-time if you want.

You know? See if you like it?

I'm flattered, honey. Really.

But, uh, at my age, I don't know.

Well, a wise man once said,

"If following your dreams were easy,

everyone would do it."

Just, you know, just think about it, okay?

Merry Christmas, Dad.

Hmm.

Merry Christmas.

I really think our search committee made the difference.

[Kate] Maggie. Hi, there.

I'm so glad you could make it.

Hello, Kate. [laughs]

He looks nice up there, doesn't he?

Right where he belongs.

I was just saying that.

Listen, I just wanted to come say hi

and thank you so much

for organizing your little search committee.

It was really sweet.

It meant a lot to us knowing that we had

the whole community behind us.

It's the least we could do.

I was just saying the same thing.

We really are in sync, aren't we?

Well, look, I just wanted to come over and say hi

and, uh, offer you my card

in case you're ever in need of a professional investigator.

-Thank you. -Mmm-hmm.

-Excuse me. -[Kate] Happy holidays.

Mr. Mayor.

You seem pretty pleased with yourself.

Well, I did save the day.

-Oh, yeah? -Mmm-hmm.

-You do that all by yourself? -More or less.

I did have to put up with this other detective.

I mean, no poise this guy at all.

I think he was just so chill, you couldn't tell.

No. I'm pretty perceptive.

I did teach him a thing or two.

Oh, that's very nice of you.

Well, it is Christmas.

What are you doing here anyway?

Aren't you worried you're gonna bring

the whole place down on us?

Yeah, but someone's been trying to convince me

to give this whole holiday thing another shot.

-They sound smart. -Annoying, actually.

She thinks she's right all the time.

Maybe she is.

Yeah, maybe she is.

She also said that, um...

there would be some art here that should not be missed.

See anything you like?

I do.

Um, uh, did you see that we had some [mumbling]...

Merry Christmas.

This is where you say "Merry Christmas" back.

♪ My favorite time of year ♪

♪ My favorite time ♪

♪ My favorite time of year ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

-♪ It feels like Christmas time to me ♪ -♪ Oh, it feels like ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

♪ It feels like... ♪