Most Wanted Santa (2021) Movie Script
(bright music)
(waves rumbling)
(upbeat bossa nova music)
(keypad beeping)
- What to wear, what to wear?
Yeah, this is perfect.
(upbeat music continues)
(drink pouring)
Merry Christmas to everybody.
- I'd like to say
happy holidays.
As you know, Capital
Finance started
as a small but proud company
and now we have a long and
successful track record.
But last year we
had some challenges.
We had to do some right-sizing,
but I promise you this.
It will only strengthen us,
to make us more
profitable in the future.
So here's to profits.
(gentle bossa nova music)
(keypad beeps)
(safe beeping)
(bossa nova music continues)
- Hold it right there, Santa.
- Ooh, well er,
what would you like the
Christmas, young lady?
Whoa, now look,
that would make the
holidays merry and bright.
(indistinct chattering)
(camera clicking)
Santa's gonna be
careful to put you
on my naughty, but nice list.
And Merry Christmas to all,
to all, goodnight.
(door clicks)
(water splashing)
(bells ringing)
(gentle background piano music)
(woman sighs)
(indistinct chattering
and laughing)
- Thank you, lovely lady.
(woman giggles) And what
is it that you want most?
- Oh, I don't want anything.
- Oh come now, everyone
wants something.
If you could have anything for
Christmas, what would it be?
- What I want, I can't have.
- Try me, I'm Santa after all.
- How about Van
Gogh's "Starry Night"?
(giggles) I'd put
it by my bedside
and I would fall asleep
every night looking at it.
- Van Gogh?
- Mm-hmm.
- Ho, ho, ho.
(woman giggles)
I don't think it's a Van
Gogh that you really want.
- Yeah, like I said,
what I really
want, I can't have.
- I don't know about that.
Have faith in the
magic of Christmas.
- Hm.
Goodnight, Santa.
- M'lady.
(woman giggles)
(sleigh bells ringing)
(woman sighs)
(sudden tense music)
(man crashes into the woman)
(footsteps scampering)
- Hey, stop!
(feet tapping on the ground)
(hand whacks the bag)
(man whacks the dumpster)
(man groaning)
Now, as a Christmas gift,
I'm gonna give you
a second chance,
but I don't ever
wanna see you out here
doing something like this again.
You got me?
Get out of here!
(woman sighs)
You've got to be
kidding me. (sighs)
- Wow, excuse me,
lady, that was ...
(knee whacks the man)
(man groans)
Impressive.
(woman sighs)
- Who are you?
- I'm just here to help,
an innocent bystander.
Although, I'm not
standing at the moment.
- I'm sorry, are you okay?
- Well now, that depends.
Am I hallucinating?
(woman giggles)
(man groans)
Apology accepted.
- I thought you were
one of his friends.
- My friends don't
snatch purses.
- Well, thank you
for trying to help,
I appreciate it.
- Well, you clearly
didn't need my help.
- Hm.
- Where are you headed?
- Office holiday party.
- Sounds fun.
- Yeah,
as much fun as you getting
the wind knocked out of you.
- Oh, I don't know,
I didn't hate it.
- Yeah well, happy holidays.
- Same to you.
- Hm.
Erm, by the way,
what are you doing in an alley
behind a dumpster anyways?
- Um, you know, I
couldn't resist this lamp.
Yup, this, there look at that.
- Do you like that?
- Yeah, I mean, it's an antique.
It's gotta be worth something.
- It looks like an
ugly old lamp to me.
- Well, sometimes you have
to look beneath the surface
to find the true value.
- Have a good night.
- Good night.
(helicopter whooshing)
(siren wailing)
(energetic music)
(indistinct police voices)
- Well, it's not a great party
until the cops show
up, right? (laughs)
- Ma'am, this is an
active crime scene,
I'm gonna have to ask you
to wait in the living room
with the other guests.
- I'm FBI, Agent Winslow.
Harper Winslow,
Art Crime Team.
- That was fast.
- I was in the neighborhood
when the call came in,
and pardon the fancy attire,
office holiday party.
Even the FBI likes to get
into the holiday spirit
around this time of the year.
- (laughs) Anyway,
I'm Detective Lopez,
and to get you up to speed,
the original artwork
was locked in the safe
behind the replica
that was on display.
Why would anyone do that?
- Well, it's like
expensive jewelry.
Knock-offs are created,
so they can be worn for
our security reasons.
- Uh, how much did the
original set you back?
- 15 million.
- 15 million.
- 15 million?
- It was a Hawkins.
Some people may not
realize that art
can be a much better investment
than a stock or a real estate.
- And it brings
you joy to look at?
- Yeah, that too.
- Why did Santa
steal the replica
if he already got
the real thing?
- Santa?
- Oh, the suspect was
dressed as Santa Claus.
- So, we meet again.
- You know Santa?
- Oh yes,
he made off with about 30
million last Christmas.
(gentle music)
Excuse me, dust brush.
Hm, it's gonna take
about a billion years
and 720,000 pounds of
pressure per square inch
in order for this to
be worth anything.
- Again?
- It's coal.
- Uh-oh,
so what'd you do to get
on Santa's naughty list?
- Well, I don't believe in
Santa, so we could start there.
- And I'm guessing
that there's no video
of this Santa, right?
- That's right, he hacked
the security system
and turned off all the cameras,
but a guest did get
a selfie with him.
We reached out to
the party planner
and she's tracking him down.
- And she'll find that the Santa
that was scheduled to
show tonight did not.
He's not our guy.
- (huffs) The system
is state-of-the-art.
It's designed to have
500 million ...
- 500 million
possible combinations
on a variable sequence.
- [Alex] That's right.
- How frequent was the sequence?
- Every 60 seconds.
- Every 60 seconds?
Ah, he didn't make a
list and check it twice.
He's hacking the
password in realtime.
(helicopter whirring)
- She just struts right in
wearing her designer stilettos,
and she just takes
over my investigation.
- Well, she is an expert on
the FBI's Art Crime Team.
- Oh.
- Don't let the shoes
fool you, she's tough,
she has to be.
- Tough?
Art crime, come on,
what, do you need a
badge or a museum pass?
- You know, art crime
is dangerous business.
We're talking hundreds
of millions of dollars,
the mob, money laundering.
That's why I put you on it.
No one is tougher than you,
except maybe her.
(laughs) Hey look, this heist
is serious FBI territory,
you know that?
- I know it, but I
don't have to like it.
I can't even begin to describe
to you how annoying she is.
Just wait, you'll
see, oh my god.
"Oh, I'm FBI Barbie
and I spent my entire paycheck
on this two feet of material
that is my little black dress.
Oh, and I know everything,
including the half
life of carbon."
Oh, what an f-ing nightmare.
- Actually there isn't
an FBI Barbie yet,
but I did write
Mattel requesting one.
And also my dress was
50% off final sale,
I never pay full retail.
- Agent Winslow, Captain
Matthew McDowell.
- Nice to meet you.
- And you.
- Okay, you 100% could have said
that she was standing
right behind me.
- Yes I could have.
Did you know that Agent
Winslow was responsible
for breaking the security breach
at the Smithsonian last year?
- Oh wow. (laughs)
I didn't even know they had
a breach at the Smithsonian.
Did someone steal Judy
Garland's slippers.
- Actually, they did,
but I wasn't on that case.
So, this Santa, he's
on our most wanted list
and we think that he can
lead us to the black market
on arts and antiquities.
I mean, it's not only
valuable, but it's our history.
- Huh.
Yeah, I guess I never
thought of it like that.
- Hm.
- Well, I brought
you all, some donuts.
- Are these DaVinci Donuts.
- Oh yes, they are.
- Stop it, the line is around
the block at that place, 24/7.
- Well, a friend of a
friend is the owner.
- Oh, Taste of LA says,
"The Candy Cane Truffle
is all the proof you
need Santa's real."
- Front row, Candy Cane Truffle.
- Okay, maybe you're
kidding me, right?
I mean, are we cops
or food critics now?
- Okay people,
I'm going to need a minute
alone with this donut.
- Everyone, yeah just FYIs,
I made a batch of
my Grandma Louise's
Christmas sugar
cookies, help yourself.
- Hm, did you substitute the
salt for the sugar again?
- Oh my god, that
happened one time!
Once, nobody here can forget it.
- An officer cut his
lip on a Budnt cake
she made for our summer picnic.
- The icing glaze turned
out a little sharp.
- He had to be raced to the
hospital, seven stitches.
The picnic table looked
like a crime scene.
- Apparently, Joe
was on some sort
of blood thinner at the time.
- I'm not saying don't
try Carly's cookies.
I'm just saying if your
tetanus shot isn't up to date,
you might not want to risk it.
- Okay, well you are all
horrible, horrible people
and I hate you all.
(Harper laughs)
Let me try one of these
candy cane truffle thingies,
see what the fuss
is about, okay.
Huh, see this.
(happy music)
Okay, wow.
(Harper giggles)
- Okay well, I'm just gonna
leave you too busy elves
to find Santa.
Have yourselves a
merry little time.
(Harper giggles)
Bye.
(traffic rumbling)
- So, the er, woman
took a live photo,
so there were multiple shots.
- Can we look at that one?
- Mm-hmm.
- Both of his eyes are open.
A little closer on the eyes.
- [Carly] Oh, they're dreamy.
- Even more, on his right eye.
A backward five
and part of a two.
- Yeah, it looks like
it's part of the passcode
to the Sykes security system.
He's wearing customized
smart glasses.
Now, a low-beam laser
projects an image
directly into his retina.
He would have been
fitted for these glasses
based on the distance
between his pupils
in order for them to work.
And the shape of the lenses
is also quite unique.
- I'll see if the lab can help.
- Great.
- Hm.
(indistinct radio chattering)
And you were right about the
Santa assigned to the event.
I talked to the party planner,
she used an entertainment
service called Party People
that hires performers
for parties and events.
Kyle Anderson was
scheduled to work,
but he received an email saying
that the event was canceled
and so Party People said
they didn't send ...
De-de, you don't, you
don't have to do that.
- What, are you crazy, who
doesn't love sugar cookies?
They're wonderful.
Do you mind if I take
some for the road?
- Uh, yes please, take
as many as you'd like.
- Thank you.
- Where are you going?
- I have to go
undercover to find
a $15 million Hawkins
somewhere in the exciting
art world of Los Angeles.
- Er, not without me you're not.
- Yeah, I work best alone.
- Ditto babe, but around here
we've got a little
something we call teamwork.
- I have spent years developing
this undercover identity
and I am not going to
let you jeopardize it.
- Oh, wow, yeah.
Well, I happen to
go undercover a lot
and er, maybe I don't want
you jeopardizing my cover?
- Oh, what's your cover?
- Er, er well,
usually it's erm
(clears her throat)
a hooker or a homeless person.
- (sighs) Okay.
Well, I mean, could
you pick something
a little less professional?
- So, you're saying I can go?
- (breathes in) Let's see, hm?
- Okay, well this
is really awkward
and uncomfortable for me.
You know, we do have
an HR department
and I could report you.
- Hmm.
- I don't ...
You are making me very ...
What are you doing?
- Er, I'm just thinking
like, who could you be?
For example, I'm an art expert.
I go by Rachel Fox
and I picked Rachel
because it's my mom's name
and it's easy to remember.
- I know, my aunt's name, Sofia.
- Ooh, I like Sofia.
- Yes.
- That's nice.
- Okay.
- And you're an accountant.
- Okay, well I
need a new outfit.
- No, I think you look great.
- So you're saying I've
looked like an accountant?
Wow, okay, well,
any other insults?
- Okay, looking like an
accountant is not insulting.
Okay, so here's the plan.
I'm an art expert
and I am in for
a high-end piece, for my
boss who lives in Miami.
- And I am there
to make sure you
don't spend too much
of the boss's money.
- Exactly.
- Yes.
- Look at you, good.
Okay.
- Okay.
- All right, let's go.
- All right.
(upbeat rock music)
(gentle string music)
- Hello, welcome to
the Ridgestone Gallery.
Is there something
I can help you find?
- Perhaps there is.
I'm shopping for my boss
and she's out of state.
She's looking for
something extraordinary,
very high end.
- How high end?
- She's in the 10 million range.
- Well, that
wouldn't be something
we can help you with here.
We don't carry works
at that price point.
- Could you possibly put us in
touch with someone who might?
- Quinn Carlyle is who you want.
She only deals in
art at that level.
- And how do we get
in touch with her?
- Well, she works within her
private network of clients.
- I have to say, I
absolutely love your ring,
it's a beautiful antique.
- Oh.
- I'm guessing early 1920s.
- Yes, that's right.
It was my great grandmother's.
- An emerald in a
Tiffany setting,
she had amazing taste.
- Oh, thank you.
(gentle string music continues)
You know, actually
I do happen to know
Quinn is having a
small holiday gathering
for the city's
biggest art patrons.
At her gallery,
tonight at seven,
incredible renovation, cost
her over a million to do it.
- Wow.
That was very helpful.
- Sure, good luck.
- Thanks.
- Thanks.
(door clatters)
(traffic rumbling)
(sighs) I can't believe
people still fall for that.
- Well, people love compliments.
- Oh, people are suckers.
- Yeah.
Oh, by the way.
- Hm?
- Really great work in there.
- Oh, thanks.
Hey!
(Harper laughs)
- Hey, do you mind if I take
off for about an hour or so
and head to the museum?
It helps me think.
You know, I've solved
more than one case
just looking at a
beautiful work of art.
- Ha, kickboxing
does that for me.
I pretend the bag is my ex.
- Oh.
(gentle guitar music)
I don't care about the scene
I don't care
about the location
All that matters now to me
That you're
wherever I go, baby
I just need you by my side
- Most people don't
notice this one.
- Oh, they should.
Until the day I die
Hm, it's you,
the lamp guy.
- Yeah, Chris North.
- I'm Harper.
- So what do you see?
- Me?
Oh, I see the bright blues
that blend with the
red and the orange.
I see the lightness
of the brush.
You know, it's like looking
into the eyes of a bride
right before she
walks down the aisle
or a child who had
just been let out
on a beautiful summer day.
It's pure joy.
- The artist committed suicide.
(melancholy music)
- (laughs) Not when
he painted this one.
His wife had just given
birth to his daughter, so
he was really happy at
this moment of his life.
Do you see the soft lines
flowing into the colors
and then abruptly stopping?
It's like he knew this
would be short-lived.
- I never noticed that.
- It's just a reminder
that life is difficult
and you should make the
most of happy moments.
- Like this one?
- Hm.
- You certainly know
a lot about art.
- Oh, my mom was a art
teacher and an artist.
You know, I must have
taken after my dad
because I cannot draw a tree.
(they laugh)
My mom's work was wonderful.
You know, I used to love
to go into her studio
and watch her mix together
the most amazing colors
as the morning sun came
through the window.
Oh, it was magical.
- Yeah, I know a little
bit about that feeling.
My grandfather is
very much into art.
- Oh, was he an artist too?
- Er, something like that.
- Hm.
Okay, what are the chances
that we would run into
each other again, here?
- It's crazy, right?
- Yeah.
- It's the universe
of connectivity.
- The universe of connectivity?
- Yeah, you know, like er,
when you come across
an unusual word
and then the next
day someone uses it
or when someone's on your mind
and then suddenly they just
show up out of nowhere.
That's all part of the
universe of connectivity.
Somehow, I believe you were
meant to be in my universe.
- Hmm, it's interesting,
or it could just
be a coincidence.
- (laughs) I don't
believe in coincidences.
(phone buzzes)
Well, unfortunately
that's gonna be enough
art for me today,
but for me, this
was a happy moment.
- Me too.
- Well, I'm sure our
paths will cross again,
but just in case,
say we meet here, same
time, same place, next week?
- Hm, sure.
- Then it's a date.
- Okay. (giggles)
(traffic rumbling)
It's Christmas time again
(door squeaking)
Kids around playing
- Oh, you just clean
up really nice.
- Oh, (giggles) thanks.
I actually had to go
shopping this afternoon,
it's been a long time
since I've been out.
So, now what?
- We grab some wine.
- Oh.
- And then we mingle
with the other guests.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
And then we look for
the star of the show,
Ms. Quinn Carlyle. (giggles)
(indistinct chattering)
Oh wow,
oh, the St. Nicholas
pipe, it's beautiful.
Did you know he
wasn't even Nordic?
- I never even
thought he was Nordic.
- He was born in
270 AD in Patara.
- Huh, Patara?
- Turkey.
- Oh.
- He was the patron saint of
children and repentant thieves.
- Ooh, thieves?
Was St. Nick a crook?
- No, more like a Robin
Hood minus the stealing.
- Oh.
- He was really rich
and gave to the poor.
In fact, the tradition
of leaving a stocking
came from a legend
that he would throw
real gold pieces
into the poor families' homes
and it would land in a shoe.
- Is there anything
you don't know?
Kind of annoying.
You know that, right?
- Yeah, I know.
- Huh, of course you do.
- I'm sorry, I just have
one of those memories
that really annoys people.
- Hmm.
- I just, I read something
and I just have to share it.
I can't help myself.
- No, it's okay
and I'm actually
learning something.
You know, to be honest,
I thought working with
you was gonna be awful,
but it,
it's actually been kind of fun.
- Hmm, well thanks,
Detective Lopez.
- Oh, you can call me Carly.
- You can call me Harper.
- Okay, but don't get the
wrong impression, all right,
we're just, we're not,
we're not partners or anything.
- Of course not.
- We're not gonna be
braiding each other's hair
and talking about boys,
okay?
- Yeah for sure,
- Yeah.
- Okay, no.
- So, are you seeing anyone?
(they laugh)
- But yeah, just
having this job,
a relationship is a
little challenging.
- Oh, I hear that, (laughs)
but er, this job can be tough.
You know, it'd be nice to
have someone to come home to,
you know, someone
who gets what we do.
- Like Captain McDowell?
- What?
No, I guess you don't
know everything.
- Hm.
(glasses clattering)
I'm gonna take that
as a yes. (laughs)
- [Carly] Ah, I'm guessing
that's Ms. Carlyle.
- Yes, I'd say so.
- Hm, welcome to
the Carlyle Gallery.
I'm the owner of the
gallery, Quinn Carlyle.
- It's a pleasure, Ms. Carlyle.
I'm Rachel Fox, and this is
my associate, Sofia Valenti.
- We heard you might
be able to help us.
- Perhaps.
- I'm in the market for
a high end art piece,
well my boss is.
And the value of the piece
is much more important to her
than the provenance
and paperwork.
- Hmm.
- Of course, we
want a good price.
- What's the range?
- Oh, we're thinking 10-20.
- Er no, we're thinking
15 million tops.
- Oh, remember you
get what you pay for.
I'm sure I can find something
for you and your boss
and your accountant here, hm?
- Thank you, Ms. Carlyle.
- Please, call me Quinn.
- Quinn.
- Really?
I'm the cheapskate
at 15 million?
What kind of crazy
world is this?
- The art world.
(gentle Christmas music)
(indistinct chattering)
O come all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye
O come ye to Bethlehem
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing
Santa?
- [Quinn] (giggles) What Santa?
I didn't hire a Santa.
The St. Nicholas pipe!
(guests gasp)
It's gone!
- Oh!
(energetic music)
- Stop!
Santa, stop!
(door clicks)
(feet tapping)
(door clatters)
- (sighs) Locked.
(energetic music continues)
One, two, three.
(door crunches)
(Carly groans)
(sighs) What?
(they giggle)
- You've got to be kidding me.
(Carly sighs)
(Harper laughs)
(traffic roaring)
(Christmassy music)
Good morning.
- (sighs) You know you don't
have to bring in treats
every time you walk in here.
- Yes, she does.
(Harper giggles)
Please tell me these
are Little Miss Muffins.
- I'm sure they are.
- They're not, I'm sorry.
- (gasps) Oh.
- These are Crowne Cruffins.
- Crowne Cruffins?
- Mm-hm.
- Oh.
- It's a cross between a
croissant and a muffin.
They were written up in
today's food section,
they don't open
for another week.
I know, because I
marked my calendar.
- (laughs) Okay.
- Well, I know a guy and
they're doing a soft opening,
so they're trying something.
- May I?
- Hmm.
(Matthew gasps)
(gentle music)
- Oh hell, now
you are not crying
over a cruffin, Captain?
- What, no.
Maybe.
(Carly laughs)
- Well, he's right.
You have to savor these
little moments in life.
- Excuse me.
- What is happening
to this place?
- Try one.
- Oh.
(gentle music)
Okay well, if I work
with you much longer,
I'm gonna need a new wardrobe.
(they laugh)
Wow.
- Okay, so look,
I was thinking.
- Mm-hmm.
- This whole calling card
thing, the lump of coal?
- Well yeah, coal
of course means
you're on Santa's naughty list.
Ooh, could it be that he
knows he's being naughty?
(gasps) At some level,
maybe he wants to get
caught and punished.
(gasps) There was
that serial killer
who tattooed his victims'
names all over his body.
- I don't think he
wants to get caught.
- [Carly] Okay.
- I think he's saying that
his victims have been naughty.
Take a look at this.
This is an article
profiling Capital Finance.
It mentions, they
just had layoffs.
- What?
- Mm-hmm.
- Right before the holidays?
- Hm.
- Geez, there's never a
good time to lose your job,
but that is just extra cold.
- Really cold.
So the Capital Finance CEO,
Alex Sykes says, get this.
"We regret the timing of
these right-sizing measures,
but the future health of
our company depends on it."
- Oh, right-sizing
me. (whistles)
- Well, it looks like it
is time to head back out.
- Ooh, where are we
going, the North Pole?
- (laughs) Nope, a
little closer to home.
Let's go talk to a former
Capital Finance employee.
- Okay.
- All right.
- Well, I'm taking my cruffin.
- Oh, please.
You look really cute today.
- I know, I'm just trying
to look like Harper.
- Ooh.
- A little bit.
(traffic rumbling)
(birds singing)
(dog barking)
- There you go.
- Oh, thank you.
- Yes.
- Thank you.
(employee clears his throat)
So, we understand that
there were layoffs
at Capital Finance recently.
- There sure were,
out of nowhere.
I've been there nearly 15 years
and they let me go two months
before I'd become
eligible for my pension.
- Geez, that's tough.
There's no loyalty in
these companies anymore.
- Tell me about it.
I wasn't the only one,
nearly all of us were
nearing pension eligibility.
It just doesn't seem legal,
but that's why you're
here, isn't it?
- Oh no, I'm afraid not.
We're here investigating theft
of valuable art from
the Sykes residence.
- Sykes?
Alex Sykes?
- Yes, I'm afraid so.
- You mean, you're
helping him and not us?
This interview is over.
- Oh, that went well.
(creepy music)
Who are we gonna offend next?
- Oh.
(waves crashing)
- [Quinn] Would you
two care for some wine?
- [Carly] Yeah, please.
- I have to apologize
about last night.
The party was a little
more exciting than planned.
- Did they catch the thief?
- Oh, I'm afraid not.
- Oh well, I'm sure
that artifact was worth,
what millions?
- Mm-hmm.
- But I'm guessing
you had insurance.
- Surely you two understand?
My clients, like your boss,
are very high profile and
they don't like to
involve the police
or the insurance companies.
I can assure you, we
are very discrete here,
if that's what
you're hinting at.
Have you given any more thought
to what your boss might
be in the market for?
- This acquisition
is a vanity purchase.
She's looking to
purchase something
for a New Year's party
that she's hosting.
- Remind me of the price range.
- 10 to 20 million.
- 15, 10 to 15 million.
- None of the other
galleries in the area
can help you at
that price point,
so you've come to the
right place. (giggles)
- Well, that's why we're here.
- Hm.
I would recommend
something like these.
These three artists
are extremely sought
after these days
and are sure to be the
next Vemeers or Rembrandts.
- Carlotti, Hammerstein,
and Vox; gorgeous.
- You know them, I'm impressed.
- Now these are close,
but my boss prefers to
have a female artist,
like a Hawkins or a McInnis.
- Great choices,
but I would need some time.
Can your client give
me about a week?
- Oh, I'm sure that'll
be fine with her.
- I'll have something
for you to look at then.
- Perfect.
- Hm.
- Your gallery's gorgeous.
- Oh, thank you.
(laughs) Can you
believe this place
was once a women's shelter?
I think that they used the
salon as the TV room, ugh.
It took me eight months
and over a million dollars
to restore this place
to its natural grandeur.
- What happened to
the women's shelter?
- I don't actually know.
In fact it was the owner
of the St. Nicholas pipe
that helped me with all this.
Let's just say it helps to
have friends in high places.
- I guess so.
- Besides, could you imagine
having a women's shelter
in this neighborhood?
Ooh, I did everyone
a favor. (laughs)
- Except maybe the
women in the shelter.
- Hm, it's good wine.
- Hm, yeah.
(door creaking)
- Hm, she's a peach.
(phone ringing)
- Something like that.
Oh, the lab says,
Santa's spy glasses
were shipped to a local
company called SmartTech,
two months ago.
- Really?
- It's 20 minutes from here.
- Let's go.
It's pretty impressive.
- It's all right.
- Do you wanna come
right this way?
- Oh.
- Sure.
- All right, Ben.
- It looks much
better than I thought.
- Thank you, I clean up nicely.
- (laughs) No, not you.
The lamp, the nasty old
thing you found in the alley.
- Yeah, it's a treasure.
I like to find those.
The universe of connectivity.
- The what?
- We keep running
into each other.
- You do?
- So, it looks like fate
brought us together again.
- Fate or forensics.
- Forensics?
- Chris, my name is
Agent Winslow, I'm FBI.
I'm a part of the
Art Crime Team.
- Detective Lopez,
Los Angeles PD.
- Why don't you have a seat.
- A pair of custom smart glasses
that were used in a crime were
delivered here to SmartTech,
about two months ago.
- Smart glasses delivered
here is not unusual,
hence the name SmartTech.
- Well, what is unusual
is the very same glasses
were worn by a most
wanted art thief
that likes to dress
up as Santa Claus.
- So you think your Santa
thief is one of my employees?
That's ho, ho,
ho-larious.
(Carly sniggers)
- That's actually funny.
- Well, let's just
say that there's
Clause for concern.
- (sighs) Touche.
Well, I assure you that
each of my employees
goes through the strictest
of background checks.
It's highly unlikely that
your most wanted
Santa works here.
- With all due respect,
we'll determine what's
unlikely and likely.
- Fair.
In that case, my company
is at your disposal.
- Do you mind if I take a look?
- Be my guest.
- Thank you.
Hawkins, so beautiful.
It must be worth ...
- It's priceless.
It was a gift from
my grandfather,
taught me everything I know,
including how to value
beautiful things.
(Carly clears her throat loudly)
- Well, it is our duty to
safeguard these precious things.
And if they are lost,
return them to the
rightful place.
- I wholeheartedly agree.
- I'm glad we're
on the same page.
Thank you for your
time, Mr. North.
- My pleasure.
Oh er, Agent Winslow,
can I interest you in
some of the finest art
LA has to offer?
- Sounds tempting.
- Join me tonight, 7:00 p.m.
at the museum where we met,
it's a small but important
fundraiser, formal attire.
- Sounds lovely, I'll be there.
- So are we not gonna talk about
what just happened in there?
- What, that we're
one step closer
to a little something
like solving this case?
- Ah, that you're one step
closer to a little something.
Something
- What, no, please.
He is a suspect.
- Mm-hmm.
- Okay, don't be silly, no.
- Oh, don't be silly.
Are you kidding me?
I would not have been surprised
if one of you had started
to giggle. (giggles)
- Are you done?
It's all a part of a plan.
- Right, what plan exactly?
To get yourself a
hot, young tech exec?
- Whatever Carly,
Christopher North
is up to something.
I'm gonna find out what it is.
- I bet you are.
- So, what did you find?
- She checks out.
- Oh,
quite impressive,
this Rachel Fox.
How have I never heard of her?
Anyone can create a profile,
do a background check,
find out if she really
went to these schools
and worked at these museums.
(bells jingle)
- Will do.
(upbeat drum music)
- It's the finest
art LA has to offer,
all created by local
children with cancer
in an art therapy class.
The total event is
sponsored by SmartTech,
we'll auction off the paintings
and use the money for research.
- Very impressive, Mr. North.
- I agree.
(Harper laughs)
Would you like to
take a closer look?
- Oh, yeah.
Look at this one, it's gorgeous.
- It's my favorite, that's
why I made a bid on it.
- $100,000, that's
very generous.
- It's a very important cause.
I wanted to make
sure I wasn't outbid.
And if I am, I'll just bid more.
(Harper laughs)
So, what are your
plans for the holidays?
- No big plans.
- Just something
low-key with the family?
- No family.
Not anymore, my mom ...
- Oh, the teacher and artist.
- Yes.
She died several
years ago of cancer
and my father was
a police officer
and he was killed in
the line of duty, so
just me.
- I'm sorry.
- Thank you.
- But you are the perfect
combination of both of them,
Ms. Art Cop.
- Yeah, I guess I am.
Actually I was adopted, so
I might have some
biological family out there.
You never know, we
might be related.
- I certainly hope not.
(they laugh)
- Actually, me too.
- Ms. Winslow,
you're making me blush.
(Harper laughs)
- But you did mention your
grandfather a few times.
- Yes, he was erm,
polarizing to say the least.
- Hmm.
- It divided the family.
Most of them couldn't understand
his obsession with art.
- Hm, look at us,
a couple of loners.
- From one loaner to another.
- Mm-hmm?
- May I have this dance?
- I don't know if I should.
- Is it because you
don't know how to dance
or because you can't hide
your feelings from me.
- (laughs) Oh, I
know how to dance.
- So is that a yes?
(gentle dancing music)
So you're FBI,
couldn't you find your birth
mother, if you wanted to?
- I don't think I want to.
One amazing mom is enough.
Plus, some things are best
left the way that they are.
- But wasn't it you that said,
once you find
something of value,
you should return it
to its rightful place?
- My parents were
the rightful place.
- Do you know what I think?
- Hm?
- I think you are afraid.
I think the big tough FBI agent
might be scared.
- I am not scared.
Maybe a little.
- Of what exactly?
- I'm not sure.
- Of loss?
When you lost your mother,
you lost your father.
If you do get to know
your birth mother
and you lose her too,
that could be a lot for
one person to handle.
- Oh, maybe you're right.
- But isn't that what love is?
Potential for loss?
Love doesn't last forever.
- Yes it does,
well the right kind of love.
- And what exactly is
the right kind of love?
- Mm, I think you just
know when it happens.
(gentle music)
Erm, I should go.
- Wait, what is your coach
turning into a pumpkin?
- Something like that.
- Well, how will you
know if I win my bid?
- Oh, I think you'll get it.
I have a feeling you
always get what you want.
(indistinct chattering)
- I certainly hope so.
(birds singing)
(traffic rumbling)
- You're late!
- Sorry.
(Carly moans)
(Harper sighs)
- So.
- Mm-hmm?
- How was ridiculously hot
Mr. I-Own-a-Tech-Company?
- I was just getting
information for the case.
- Oh yes, of course.
So what did you find out?
- Well, I found out
that he is absolutely
warm and kind of amazing.
- Excellent work, Agent Winslow.
We should be able to crack this
case wide open in 10 years.
- Okay, believe me,
I am not falling for
this great guy act, okay.
- You know, people
say, "Believe me,"
when you actually
can't believe them
because they are lying.
- Are you calling me a liar?
- Yes.
Your pants are on fire. (laughs)
Ah-hah.
- Oh, heads up.
I'm coming.
- Hello, ladies.
- Hello.
- How are you this fine day?
- Good.
- Somebody's in a good mood.
- Yeah.
- Yes,
a quarter of million
dollars will do that.
- Wait, what?
- $250,000 wired
directly into my account
from the North Pole.
- The North Pole?
- Santa was very
good to me this year.
- Was there any
more information?
- Nope, but apparently
all of us got it,
all 60 former employees
of one Mr. Sykes.
- Huh.
- That's why I came down here.
I thought you might
have an explanation.
- No, this is news to us.
- Oh.
- Well, Merry Christmas.
- Here, take a cookie.
- Oh, thank you, yeah.
(indistinct chattering)
- Wait, so 60
employees were laid off
and each received $250,000.
That's a total of $15 million.
That's the value of the
painting stolen from Alex Sykes.
(Carly laughs)
So, Santa is stealing
from the rich
and giving to the poor, huh?
- A modern day Robin Hood
dressed as Santa Claus?
You know, in this business,
people rarely surprise
me, in a good way, I mean.
I kinda like this Santa guy.
- Well, he still stole $15
million from Mr. Sykes.
- Yeah, like I said,
I like this Santa guy.
Oh, I know it's bad, I'm sorry.
Stealing's bad.
But don't tell me that
Scrooge didn't deserve it.
- Yeah,
but okay, so if the former
Capital Finance employees
got reimbursed for
their pensions,
then what about the
women's shelter?
What happened to them?
(indistinct chattering)
Okay, so apparently
that shelter was called
the Horizon House and
it was closed down.
The former executive
director is now working
for St. John's
Hospital, Rose Clemens.
- Looks like we
need to meet her.
- Let's go.
- All right.
(traffic rumbling)
- Ladies, I have a box of
5,000 of these downstairs.
Use them liberally.
- We're looking
for Rose Clemens.
- I'm Rose.
- I'm Detective
Lopez, this is my,
well, partner,
FBI Agent Winslow.
- FBI, big deal.
I didn't do it! (laughs)
Not that you're not a big deal.
I'm sure you're a very big deal.
- We're just here to
ask you a few questions.
- Ah.
- It looks like Santa's
workshop in here.
- I know, right?
We just received a
huge donation of gifts,
so we're trying to
get them all wrapped
in time for Christmas.
- Would you like any help?
- Yes. (they laugh) Please.
We're low on bows,
would you like to make
some bows while we talk?
- We're on it.
- Sure.
- Excellent.
- Erm, so you
mentioned a donation.
How big was this donation?
- Well, it was no
less than $50,000
worth of toys and
games and clothes
and electronics,
just everything,
enough so that every
child at the hospital
will at least get something.
- That's a very
generous donation.
- Mm-hmm.
- Santa's pipe was valued
at more than a million.
Did he just pocket the rest?
- Hmm.
- Oh, I think I know
why you might be here.
When we received all
of this, Horizon House,
which is my pet project,
received a million
dollar monetary donation
because we had just
lost our women's shelter
and we're trying
to find a new one.
- We do know about that and yes,
we are here about the donation.
- Oh dear.
Was it illegally gained?
- That's what we're
trying to figure out.
- I knew it was too
good to be true.
- Rose, do you have any
of those sticky bows?
Thank you, okay.
(bow whacking)
Now that's a bow. (laughs)
So, er what happened
to the old shelter?
- Quinn Carlyle happened.
Our building was
rent-controlled,
which made it very
affordable for us.
And naturally, Quinn
Carlyle decided
she wanted it for her gallery.
So she petitioned,
bribed
someone at City Hall and
we were zoned out of there.
I always try to see the best
in everyone, but I'm really
struggling with Ms. Carlyle.
Naturally, we were
all devastated.
Can you imagine all those women
now back out on the street?
Of course, we were just thrilled
when out of the blue,
we received such a
generous donation.
- Rose, can you tell us
who made the donation?
- Santa Claus.
I know, it sounds ridiculous,
but I just assumed that
whoever made the donation
wanted to remain
anonymous, hang on.
- Santa Claus?
- Mm-hmm.
- They sent a card,
even wrote a little note.
"For a new safe house and more.
Keep up the good work, ho-ho-ho,
love Santa."
- How was the donation received?
- Five trucks pulled
up to the hospital
with all the gifts and the
card. And at the same time,
a monetary donation
to Horizon House
was wired into its
account directly.
And we were sent an email
from the North Pole,
advising us of the transfer.
- If you don't mind,
can we get a copy of that email
and your bank account number?
- Oh of course, absolutely.
I mean, this is
just devastating,
how am I gonna tell the staff?
- Oh, don't say
anything just yet.
This is a preliminary
investigation.
- Well, if you ladies
have any more questions,
do not hesitate to ask me.
- Thank you, we will.
- Wow, can you believe
this Santa guy?
15 million to the
fired employees
and now a million
to Horizon House.
- Yeah, he's very generous
with money that
doesn't belong to him.
- (laughs) I thought
I was the cynical one.
- Let's go.
(traffic rumbling)
(they laugh)
Okay, so erm,
we're still missing this guy.
- Mm-hmm.
- The one who's
buying the stolen art,
the middleman.
- Hmm.
- Or in this case,
the middle woman.
- Huh.
You know what, I think
I'm gonna have to pay
Ms. Quinn another visit,
but this time on my own.
(gentle music)
- Take a picture,
it'll last longer.
- What, I'm not looking at you.
- And then what
are you looking at?
- There are cookies?
- Uh, there were cookies,
Harper took the last one.
- Oh.
- Sorry.
- You might remember
this at job review time.
- You know, you've always
an "exceeds expectations"
with me, Carly.
- Oh, "exceeds
expectations," hmm?
- Yeah, whatever.
- Huh, I can cut that
"whatever" with a knife in here.
- Okay, weren't you gonna go and
pay a visit to what's
her name, Quinn?
- You can't even remember names.
Look at you all flustered.
- Stop.
- I'm going.
- This one is an incredible
find, look at the detail.
- It is extraordinary.
(gate creaking)
Who is it?
- Hawkins.
She's not only a painter,
she designs jewelry too.
- Really?
I didn't know that.
- Yes you did,
why do you do that?
- It's fun to mess with you.
(they laugh)
- Quinn, Rachel Fox
is here to see you.
- And the background check?
- She's good,
everything checks out:
education, employment.
- That's a relief.
Something about her
didn't feel right.
Send Ms. Fox in.
- Already in.
Hello, Quinn.
- Do you two know each other?
- No, I would remember.
Hi, Christopher North,
pleased to meet you.
- Thank you, Rachel, Rachel Fox.
- Chris is one of my
most valuable clients.
- Christopher North, you're
with SmartTech industries.
- That's right.
- Your reputation for being
a patron of fine
arts proceeds you.
- Well, Rachel,
you're in good hands
here with Quinn.
- Thanks for stopping by, Chris.
- Pleased to meet you, Rachel.
- Nice to meet you.
- The art community is
such a tight-knit group.
- Hm.
- You two have never met?
- No.
- Interesting.
Anyway, I think I may have
found what you're looking for.
It's currently at a
gallery in Antwerp.
- Hm-mm.
- Please.
A Hawkins, just as
your boss requested.
- That is absolutely beautiful.
- Mm.
- She'll love it.
- Mm, I'm so thrilled.
I'll let the gallery know
and you should have it in a
few days. The price is 16.
Would that be a problem
with your accountant?
- No, that's fine.
- Hm, lovely.
Then we have a deal.
- We have a deal.
Thank you, Quinn.
- Hmm.
- Take care.
- Do me a favor, dear.
I know that she
checks out, but er,
please try and find out more
about our new Ms. Rachel Fox.
Follow her if you need to.
I just wanna be sure about this
before we close the deal, hm?
(gentle music)
(traffic rumbling)
(upbeat music)
- Coming.
We don't need to worry
We can sit around and play
I've been waiting
for so long
Hey.
- Hi.
You have a package here.
- Thank you.
Agent Winslow, what
a pleasant surprise.
- Imagine my surprise.
- Yeah, oh, just got back
from my morning swim.
- Oh, I just wanted to come by
and say thank you for
not blowing my cover.
- Of course,
you know, I'm nothing
if not discreet.
Won't you come in?
- Er, yeah, thanks.
Maybe all you wanted
So, I know what you're doing.
Santa Claus, stealing from
the rich, giving to the poor.
- Santa?
Sounds more like Robin Hood.
- Exactly.
But this Robin Hood likes
to dress as Santa Claus.
- Well, why wouldn't he
just dress as Robin Hood?
- I don't know.
Maybe he likes to wear red?
- And so you think
I'm your Santa Claus?
- Well, I mean,
you are wearing a red suit.
(Harper sighs)
- I'm pretty sure I just
tampered with your evidence.
- It, I-I could
arrest you for that.
- Now we're talking.
- Uh, so what do you know
about an offshore account
that identifies on the
server as the North Pole,
that wires large
deposits directly into
individual accounts,
individual accounts that
are in need, that is?
- Sounds charitable.
- Why do you know Quinn Carlyle,
how do you know Quinn Carlyle?
- Okay, Harper there
is a few things
that you and I need to clarify.
- (sighs) Yes, we do.
- And I propose we have
this conversation when I'm,
you know, wearing pants.
- Fair enough,
fair enough.
(gentle music)
- Well, let's meet in two hours
near Lake Arrowhead.
I'll text you the address.
- Hm, you don't have my number.
(phone chimes)
Maybe you do.
That seems a little
remote for a conversation,
don't you think?
- Oh, on the contrary,
it's the perfect location
for this time of year.
Who says you can't have
a white Christmas in LA?
- Sounds perfect.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Well, it's a date.
- It's a date, no it's,
it's not a date.
- No.
- No, it's an investigation.
- Oh.
- It's my investigation
on you, it's not a date.
- Well, that sounds
way more fun.
Yeah, okay.
(door squeaks)
I will see you
in two hours.
- Two hours.
- Yeah.
- It's not a date though.
- No, not a date.
- Not a date.
(gentle music)
(hopeful music)
(birds singing)
(engine humming)
(ax chopping)
Ah, hm.
What's the ax for?
- It's a surprise.
- Hm.
It's a little secluded.
I'd be a little nervous,
if I couldn't easily kill
you with my bare hands.
- I bet you say that
to all the guys.
- Oh, they're just facts.
(they laugh)
- So erm,
I brought you out here
for a couple of reasons,
but the big one is a secret
that I have to tell you.
- Well, you can
tell me anything.
- I know.
- Just remember.
- I know, anything
I say can and will
be used against me
in a court of law.
- Hey, just so you
understand your rights.
- You're not wearing
a wire, are you?
- No.
- Okay.
Well then, here goes.
- (laughs) What,
what's your secret?
- You're looking at it.
- This, this is your secret?
- The most perfect place on
earth to find a Christmas tree.
- Okay.
- What do you think
about this one?
- Wow, it's actually perfect,
for the first try, hm.
- Yeah well, if you look around,
you'll see that all the
trees out here are perfect.
- They are.
Wait, Chris, you can't do that!
- I can't do what?
Get the most beautiful
Christmas tree in the world,
for the most beautiful
woman in the world?
- But no, seriously,
there are a lot of tree
lots throughout this city
where you can get a tree,
even places you can
cut your own tree down,
but you can't just come out
here and cut down a tree.
There is literally
a gate with a sign
that says, "Private
property, no trespassing."
So, no cutting down a tree
on said private property.
Okay Chris,
(ax chopping)
I really appreciate the gesture,
but I can't let you
cut down this tree.
Okay, I am not kidding.
(ax chopping)
I will arrest you.
- Wow, you must be a lot
of fun at parties. (laughs)
- Okay, FBI freeze.
- Oh.
- You cannot cut down
this tree! (Chris laughs)
What are you doing?
- I stand corrected.
You are fun, but
you should relax.
I own it.
- Own what?
- The tree, the
private property,
all this land.
- All of this?
- Hmm.
- You own all of this?
- Yeah.
(gentle music)
- Okay, what are you,
what are you doing?
- Erm, I think it's
called kissing.
Nice, no?
- (sighs) Yeah, it
was nice. (sighs)
- Okay well,
I also brought you out here
because I have
something to tell you.
- Yeah, I know.
- You know?
- You have a confession
to make, right?
- Yeah, I do.
I love you.
- You're Santa.
- What?
- What?
- Well,
you thought I
brought you out here
to tell you that I'm Santa?
- Yes.
You love me?
- From the very first
moment I laid eyes on you.
I know it's probably too
soon to have these feelings,
but I have never experienced
anything like this before.
I know art,
and you are the most beautiful
art I have ever seen.
All right, I know.
I-I, ah I said too much,
I know women hate that.
Men hate that.
- No, yes, but ...
- But Harper,
you can't deny that you
have these feelings too,
that you feel what's
happening between us.
I know you do.
Remember that day in the museum,
the universe of connectivity.
- Yeah, I remember.
And I can feel it, but I
can't act on it, Chris.
I'm an FBI agent and
you're our suspect.
You're suspect number one.
Besides, you lied to me.
- I lied to you?
- Yeah, a big fat lie.
- I have never lied
to you, not once.
- You said it would snow.
- Huh.
(traffic rumbling)
(birds singing)
- I followed Rachel and
you're not gonna like it.
- She's a cop.
- Her friend is too.
- I knew it, it all
seemed too coincidental.
- There's more.
- Oh, Chris.
- [Peter] I told you
he's no good for you.
- And you were right.
Thank you, Peter, there'll
be an extra little something
in your Christmas bonus.
- I hope so.
- Hmm.
(gentle piano music)
(Quinn sighs)
(water splashing)
- So, this is what we've got.
Santa steals a painting,
sells the painting.
Er, gives the money
away, thank you,
And he er, tells me
that he loves me.
- I'm sorry, what?
- Yeah.
And here's the
complicated part about it,
I think I love him too.
- Okay, wow.
Er, that is complicated.
- Yeah.
- Well, did you tell
him that you love him?
- No, he's a
suspect, the suspect.
- Yeah.
I don't know, I think
you should tell him.
- Oh.
- And you should probably
take yourself off this case.
(laughs) Wow, a
week ago I would've
loved saying that and now,
no, hell, what's
happening to me?
- Uh thanks, you're not helping.
- I'm sorry.
Look, your curse is
that you can't help
but tell people
everything you know,
and mine is that
I can't help, but
tell it like it is,
also annoying by the way.
Harper, he loves you
and you love him.
Isn't that bigger than
any of this art stuff?
Let me answer that, it is.
You've gotta follow
your heart, Harper.
- Are you following your heart?
- Huh?
- Oh come on,
it is so obvious that
you and the Captain
have feelings for each other.
- Uh no, no that's
different, okay.
He's my boss.
And no, no, end of story,
case closed, I can't.
Right, I can't?
- Yes, you can.
You should follow
your heart too.
You could always go to
a different precinct.
(phone vibrating)
That's Quinn.
Hello, Quinn.
- [Quinn] Hello, Rachel
dear, wonderful news.
I have the painting, just
arrived from Holland.
You said you wanted
it right away,
rather than wait for delivery,
so take down this address.
Our warehouse at
1128 Bristol Avenue.
Meet me there tonight at eight.
I'll give you the account number
to transfer the funds
when you arrive,
the door will be unlocked.
Does that work for you?
- Yes, yes the
timing is perfect.
My boss is going
to be very pleased.
- Hmm.
- [Quinn] See you then.
- See you then.
Oh, we've got her,
she has the Hawkins.
- Yes!
(Harper laughs)
(hands clap)
Oh wait, I thought we
were gonna quit this case
and follow our hearts.
- Oh we are,
but after we solve this.
(they laugh)
(traffic rumbling)
(tense music)
- All right, places folks.
Give me an all clear,
if you're clear.
- All clear.
- When they transfer the money
for the Hawkins, we move.
(door clattering)
(tense music continues)
- She said she would leave
the door open for us.
- I don't see Quinn.
I don't feel good
about this, be careful.
- Quinn, are you here?
- [Matthew] Look
alive, I see movement.
(metal clanging)
(guns clicking)
(tense music continues)
- Freeze, put the painting down!
Put your hands up
and turn around!
- Chris?
- It's not what you think.
- I think it is.
- Quinn set us both up.
- You have the Hawkins.
- Here, it's yours.
- We've got eyes on the
target, back of the warehouse.
(feet clumping)
- Wait Chris, stop!
Chris!
(gentle music)
- We've got the Hawkins,
suspect fleeing, move in.
- We've got nothing
out here, we lost him.
(Carly sighs)
- It's my fault,
I let him get away.
- Well, at least
we got the Hawkins.
- It's a fake,
it's the replica from
the Sykes burglary.
Damn.
(gentle music continues)
(traffic rumbling)
(gentle music)
- Excuse me, are
you Harper Winslow?
- Yes.
- A gentlemen asked me
to give this to you.
- Thank you.
- Ma'am.
- [Chris] "You're
right of course,
there is a Santa
Claus and it's me.
I steal art, but it's art
that's already been stolen
and I return it to
where it truly belongs.
We're both working for
the Art Crime Team,
risking everything for
art and its survival.
The art collectors I steal
from know it's stolen
and they're not good people.
So, I sell their art
on the black market
and transfer those
funds to people
they've wronged in some way.
In my opinion, it's win-win.
The only guys who are
out are the bad guys.
I also do this as a
way of making amends.
The grandfather I adored
made his fortune
as an art thief.
The Hawkins paintings
you saw in my office
were priceless to me because
my grandfather gave them to me,
but he stole them and I realized
I must return them to
where they belonged.
Meeting you has forced
me to look at my life
in a whole new way.
No one has ever been higher
on my nice list, than you.
I think it's almost time
to hang up the Santa suit.
I just have a few more
ends to tie up first.
I hope you'll find
it in your heart
to believe in Santa
Claus, love Chris."
(gentle upbeat music)
- Hey.
- Hey.
- It looks like that
little break helped.
- Yes, it really did, okay.
(indistinct police chatter)
Huh, get this.
- Hm?
- The pipe belonging
to St. Nicholas.
- Mm-hmm?
- Was returned to a
museum in Oslo yesterday.
It was stolen from
them 40 years ago.
Wow, and the Hawkins
belonging to Alex Sykes,
that was turned in to the
Cleveland Museum of Art.
That was stolen from
them 10 years ago.
- Huh, so no harm,
no foul, right?
I mean, if everything's
been returned,
then the only guys out are
the operatives in
the black market.
- Like Quinn.
- He's really something, huh?
- Yeah.
He really is.
(phone chiming)
- Oh no.
- What?
- Another Santa burglary.
- What?
Where?
- (laughs) It says an
artist's private studio.
- Which artist?
- Celina Hawkins.
(indistinct chattering)
- The thief broken overnight.
- Mm-hmm.
- All he took was a
pendant I made years ago.
The security camera
shows it was a man,
dressed as Santa.
- Ms. Hawkins, I think we
know who stole your pendant.
The FBI has been
tracking this Santa
for quite a while now.
- The FBI,
I'm guessing that my necklace
is already on the black market.
- No, not if we can
help it, Ms. Hawkins.
- Please call me Celina.
- Well Celina,
(Celina laughs)
I cannot tell you
how much it means
to me to meet you.
My mom used to love your work
and so she introduced me to
you when I was very young.
I am a very big fan.
- Oh, stop it, you're
embarrassing me.
(they all laugh)
- Did he, Santa,
leave anything behind?
- Yes he did, actually, he left
this.
- Oh. (laughs)
- That's different.
- He usually leaves coal.
- Oh, and I am sure
I can identify him.
This young man came to
visit me a few days ago.
He was very sweet and handsome,
so I didn't mind that he was
asking so many questions.
- Is this the man?
- Yes, that's him.
- Erm, what kind of
questions was he asking?
- Oh, pretty personal
questions, actually.
We started talking about
art, but before I knew it,
I was telling him about my past.
- Would you mind
sharing that with us?
- It could help.
- When I was an art
student, I got pregnant.
I wasn't ready to have a child,
so I gave my baby
girl up for adoption.
It was (sighs)
the most difficult
thing I have ever done.
I still think about
her all the time.
I guess the idea of her
inspires my art to this day.
He claimed that he knew
who my daughter was
and that he would
arrange for us to meet.
(gentle music)
(Harper clears her throat)
I should be more careful.
- I guess being famous
comes with a price.
- Thank you, Ms. Hawkins.
- Ah, Celina.
- Sure.
- [Celina] (laughs) Thank you,
and I'm sorry for
the circumstances,
but it was really
extraordinary to meet you both.
(gentle music)
(birds singing)
- Okay, what?
You gotta spill it,
what is the connection between
you and Celina Hawkins?
You two were like long lost ...
- Mother and daughter?
Yeah,
I think Santa
found my birth mom.
(traffic rumbling)
- Ladies, I've got a hot
tip on your stolen necklace.
- Really?
- Yes.
Tonight at the Carlyle Gallery,
I have it on good authority
that one Quinn Carlyle is
going to attempt to sell
a Hawkins necklace to, well, me.
- What?
How did that happen?
- Who called him the hot tip?
- Santa Claus.
Your Santa Claus.
And,
hooked me up with this sweet
new identity, check it out.
Mr. Matthew Sterling.
- Fancy, looks like
someone needs a new suit.
- Why, what's wrong with this?
- It's a little more
stainless than Sterling.
(Harper laughs)
- Stainless?
That's a good thing, right?
(eerie music)
Lopez, Winslow,
do you have eyes?
- We do.
- Okay, we're going in.
- [Carly] Be careful, sir.
(door squeaks)
- Mr. Sterling, welcome.
Please come in.
- Thank you.
- Hm.
(door clatters)
This way.
(tense music)
Would you like some wine?
- Do you have anything stronger?
- How about an
18-year-old Scotch?
- Perfect.
- Mm-hmm.
(Scotch pouring)
This is an exquisite piece.
- Hm.
- I'm tempted to
keep it for myself.
Who's it for?
- My fiance.
- Lucky lady.
You have excellent taste.
Do you know much
about Celina Hawkins?
- Oh, just that she's
very expensive and
a great investment.
- I believe that we agreed
to two and a half million.
Here is the account number
to make the transfer.
- Voila.
- Fabulous.
Cheers.
- Cheers.
(glasses clink)
- Oh, and also, LAPD,
you're under arrest.
- [Harper] Got you, Quinn.
- Come on, hands behind
your back, come on.
- All right, that is
not a stolen item,
I have lawyers.
- I'll bet you have lawyers.
I have lots of lawyers,
I have a team of lawyers.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Oh, Lucy and Ethel?
Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
- Hm.
- Hey, Lucy and Ethel
made a great team.
- So you're saying
we make a great team?
- I am.
- Wait, so am I Lucy or
Ethel in this scenario?
- You have the right
to remain silent.
- What, I wanna ...
- Anything you say
can and will be used against
you in a court of law.
You have the right to an
attorney ... (siren wailing)
- [Carly] I kind of love it
when bad things happen to
bad people, is that bad?
(they laugh)
- Oh, god.
- Oh.
- Like the look on her
face was priceless.
(they laugh)
- Good stuff.
- Yeah.
- Well, good work
team, merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas, Captain.
(upbeat music)
- Give me a sec.
- Hm?
- Come with me.
So, I was thinking.
- Mm-hmm?
- Life is short,
it's now or never.
So I think you should go for it.
- Seriously?
You had mistletoe in your desk?
- Er, it's me. (laughs)
It came with the
gingerbread cookies.
- Of course.
- Go get your guy.
- Here goes nothing.
- Everything.
(gentle music)
(Harper giggles)
(knuckles rapping on the window)
- Captain,
do you have a minute?
- Sure.
- Um, I need to
tell you something.
- What's up?
- I erm, I wanna
apply for a transfer.
- What, why?
(Carly sighs)
Detective, stand down.
- I, I'm sor ...
- All right, don't. (sighs)
(tense music)
I'm still your boss, you
haven't applied anywhere else.
I'm okay with it if you are.
(they laugh)
(Harper sighs)
(Christmas bells ringing)
- Chris?
(Harper sighs)
(gentle music)
(water splashing)
(bell ringing)
- Ho, ho, ho.
Merry Christmas, ho, ho.
Merry Christmas, pretty lady.
- Merry Christmas, Santa.
- And what do you
want for Christmas?
- (laughs) What I
want, I can't have.
- Are you sure about that?
(bell jangling)
Merry Christmas, Harper.
- You know, you've been
on my most wanted list
for a very long time.
- Well, you got me
and I'm giving it
all up for you.
(gentle music)
- Thank you for my
painting, you did get it.
- You were right, I
do get what I want.
- Hm.
- I got something else for you.
- Something else?
- Oh yeah.
- How did you get that?
That's supposed to be on its
way back to Celina Hawkins.
- Well, as it turns out, she
wants her daughter to have it.
- I have loved her
work for so long.
I still can't believe
she's my mother.
- Well, believe it.
The universe of connectivity.
- And the magic of Christmas.
- Yeah.
(indistinct chattering)
(Celina sighs)
- Oh,
I knew that it was you
from the moment we met.
- I did, too.
- I've loved you from afar,
every day of your life.
- You did the right thing.
You gave me the most amazing
parents in the world,
I couldn't have loved them more.
- I'm so grateful,
my heart is so full.
Look at you.
You are my greatest work of art.
Santa, thank you for
returning her to me.
- So now, do you
believe in Santa?
- I do.
(bell jangling)
(they kiss)
(gentle music)
- If you could have
anything for Christmas,
what would it be?
(bell ringing)
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
(hopeful music)
(upbeat music)
(hopeful music)
(waves rumbling)
(upbeat bossa nova music)
(keypad beeping)
- What to wear, what to wear?
Yeah, this is perfect.
(upbeat music continues)
(drink pouring)
Merry Christmas to everybody.
- I'd like to say
happy holidays.
As you know, Capital
Finance started
as a small but proud company
and now we have a long and
successful track record.
But last year we
had some challenges.
We had to do some right-sizing,
but I promise you this.
It will only strengthen us,
to make us more
profitable in the future.
So here's to profits.
(gentle bossa nova music)
(keypad beeps)
(safe beeping)
(bossa nova music continues)
- Hold it right there, Santa.
- Ooh, well er,
what would you like the
Christmas, young lady?
Whoa, now look,
that would make the
holidays merry and bright.
(indistinct chattering)
(camera clicking)
Santa's gonna be
careful to put you
on my naughty, but nice list.
And Merry Christmas to all,
to all, goodnight.
(door clicks)
(water splashing)
(bells ringing)
(gentle background piano music)
(woman sighs)
(indistinct chattering
and laughing)
- Thank you, lovely lady.
(woman giggles) And what
is it that you want most?
- Oh, I don't want anything.
- Oh come now, everyone
wants something.
If you could have anything for
Christmas, what would it be?
- What I want, I can't have.
- Try me, I'm Santa after all.
- How about Van
Gogh's "Starry Night"?
(giggles) I'd put
it by my bedside
and I would fall asleep
every night looking at it.
- Van Gogh?
- Mm-hmm.
- Ho, ho, ho.
(woman giggles)
I don't think it's a Van
Gogh that you really want.
- Yeah, like I said,
what I really
want, I can't have.
- I don't know about that.
Have faith in the
magic of Christmas.
- Hm.
Goodnight, Santa.
- M'lady.
(woman giggles)
(sleigh bells ringing)
(woman sighs)
(sudden tense music)
(man crashes into the woman)
(footsteps scampering)
- Hey, stop!
(feet tapping on the ground)
(hand whacks the bag)
(man whacks the dumpster)
(man groaning)
Now, as a Christmas gift,
I'm gonna give you
a second chance,
but I don't ever
wanna see you out here
doing something like this again.
You got me?
Get out of here!
(woman sighs)
You've got to be
kidding me. (sighs)
- Wow, excuse me,
lady, that was ...
(knee whacks the man)
(man groans)
Impressive.
(woman sighs)
- Who are you?
- I'm just here to help,
an innocent bystander.
Although, I'm not
standing at the moment.
- I'm sorry, are you okay?
- Well now, that depends.
Am I hallucinating?
(woman giggles)
(man groans)
Apology accepted.
- I thought you were
one of his friends.
- My friends don't
snatch purses.
- Well, thank you
for trying to help,
I appreciate it.
- Well, you clearly
didn't need my help.
- Hm.
- Where are you headed?
- Office holiday party.
- Sounds fun.
- Yeah,
as much fun as you getting
the wind knocked out of you.
- Oh, I don't know,
I didn't hate it.
- Yeah well, happy holidays.
- Same to you.
- Hm.
Erm, by the way,
what are you doing in an alley
behind a dumpster anyways?
- Um, you know, I
couldn't resist this lamp.
Yup, this, there look at that.
- Do you like that?
- Yeah, I mean, it's an antique.
It's gotta be worth something.
- It looks like an
ugly old lamp to me.
- Well, sometimes you have
to look beneath the surface
to find the true value.
- Have a good night.
- Good night.
(helicopter whooshing)
(siren wailing)
(energetic music)
(indistinct police voices)
- Well, it's not a great party
until the cops show
up, right? (laughs)
- Ma'am, this is an
active crime scene,
I'm gonna have to ask you
to wait in the living room
with the other guests.
- I'm FBI, Agent Winslow.
Harper Winslow,
Art Crime Team.
- That was fast.
- I was in the neighborhood
when the call came in,
and pardon the fancy attire,
office holiday party.
Even the FBI likes to get
into the holiday spirit
around this time of the year.
- (laughs) Anyway,
I'm Detective Lopez,
and to get you up to speed,
the original artwork
was locked in the safe
behind the replica
that was on display.
Why would anyone do that?
- Well, it's like
expensive jewelry.
Knock-offs are created,
so they can be worn for
our security reasons.
- Uh, how much did the
original set you back?
- 15 million.
- 15 million.
- 15 million?
- It was a Hawkins.
Some people may not
realize that art
can be a much better investment
than a stock or a real estate.
- And it brings
you joy to look at?
- Yeah, that too.
- Why did Santa
steal the replica
if he already got
the real thing?
- Santa?
- Oh, the suspect was
dressed as Santa Claus.
- So, we meet again.
- You know Santa?
- Oh yes,
he made off with about 30
million last Christmas.
(gentle music)
Excuse me, dust brush.
Hm, it's gonna take
about a billion years
and 720,000 pounds of
pressure per square inch
in order for this to
be worth anything.
- Again?
- It's coal.
- Uh-oh,
so what'd you do to get
on Santa's naughty list?
- Well, I don't believe in
Santa, so we could start there.
- And I'm guessing
that there's no video
of this Santa, right?
- That's right, he hacked
the security system
and turned off all the cameras,
but a guest did get
a selfie with him.
We reached out to
the party planner
and she's tracking him down.
- And she'll find that the Santa
that was scheduled to
show tonight did not.
He's not our guy.
- (huffs) The system
is state-of-the-art.
It's designed to have
500 million ...
- 500 million
possible combinations
on a variable sequence.
- [Alex] That's right.
- How frequent was the sequence?
- Every 60 seconds.
- Every 60 seconds?
Ah, he didn't make a
list and check it twice.
He's hacking the
password in realtime.
(helicopter whirring)
- She just struts right in
wearing her designer stilettos,
and she just takes
over my investigation.
- Well, she is an expert on
the FBI's Art Crime Team.
- Oh.
- Don't let the shoes
fool you, she's tough,
she has to be.
- Tough?
Art crime, come on,
what, do you need a
badge or a museum pass?
- You know, art crime
is dangerous business.
We're talking hundreds
of millions of dollars,
the mob, money laundering.
That's why I put you on it.
No one is tougher than you,
except maybe her.
(laughs) Hey look, this heist
is serious FBI territory,
you know that?
- I know it, but I
don't have to like it.
I can't even begin to describe
to you how annoying she is.
Just wait, you'll
see, oh my god.
"Oh, I'm FBI Barbie
and I spent my entire paycheck
on this two feet of material
that is my little black dress.
Oh, and I know everything,
including the half
life of carbon."
Oh, what an f-ing nightmare.
- Actually there isn't
an FBI Barbie yet,
but I did write
Mattel requesting one.
And also my dress was
50% off final sale,
I never pay full retail.
- Agent Winslow, Captain
Matthew McDowell.
- Nice to meet you.
- And you.
- Okay, you 100% could have said
that she was standing
right behind me.
- Yes I could have.
Did you know that Agent
Winslow was responsible
for breaking the security breach
at the Smithsonian last year?
- Oh wow. (laughs)
I didn't even know they had
a breach at the Smithsonian.
Did someone steal Judy
Garland's slippers.
- Actually, they did,
but I wasn't on that case.
So, this Santa, he's
on our most wanted list
and we think that he can
lead us to the black market
on arts and antiquities.
I mean, it's not only
valuable, but it's our history.
- Huh.
Yeah, I guess I never
thought of it like that.
- Hm.
- Well, I brought
you all, some donuts.
- Are these DaVinci Donuts.
- Oh yes, they are.
- Stop it, the line is around
the block at that place, 24/7.
- Well, a friend of a
friend is the owner.
- Oh, Taste of LA says,
"The Candy Cane Truffle
is all the proof you
need Santa's real."
- Front row, Candy Cane Truffle.
- Okay, maybe you're
kidding me, right?
I mean, are we cops
or food critics now?
- Okay people,
I'm going to need a minute
alone with this donut.
- Everyone, yeah just FYIs,
I made a batch of
my Grandma Louise's
Christmas sugar
cookies, help yourself.
- Hm, did you substitute the
salt for the sugar again?
- Oh my god, that
happened one time!
Once, nobody here can forget it.
- An officer cut his
lip on a Budnt cake
she made for our summer picnic.
- The icing glaze turned
out a little sharp.
- He had to be raced to the
hospital, seven stitches.
The picnic table looked
like a crime scene.
- Apparently, Joe
was on some sort
of blood thinner at the time.
- I'm not saying don't
try Carly's cookies.
I'm just saying if your
tetanus shot isn't up to date,
you might not want to risk it.
- Okay, well you are all
horrible, horrible people
and I hate you all.
(Harper laughs)
Let me try one of these
candy cane truffle thingies,
see what the fuss
is about, okay.
Huh, see this.
(happy music)
Okay, wow.
(Harper giggles)
- Okay well, I'm just gonna
leave you too busy elves
to find Santa.
Have yourselves a
merry little time.
(Harper giggles)
Bye.
(traffic rumbling)
- So, the er, woman
took a live photo,
so there were multiple shots.
- Can we look at that one?
- Mm-hmm.
- Both of his eyes are open.
A little closer on the eyes.
- [Carly] Oh, they're dreamy.
- Even more, on his right eye.
A backward five
and part of a two.
- Yeah, it looks like
it's part of the passcode
to the Sykes security system.
He's wearing customized
smart glasses.
Now, a low-beam laser
projects an image
directly into his retina.
He would have been
fitted for these glasses
based on the distance
between his pupils
in order for them to work.
And the shape of the lenses
is also quite unique.
- I'll see if the lab can help.
- Great.
- Hm.
(indistinct radio chattering)
And you were right about the
Santa assigned to the event.
I talked to the party planner,
she used an entertainment
service called Party People
that hires performers
for parties and events.
Kyle Anderson was
scheduled to work,
but he received an email saying
that the event was canceled
and so Party People said
they didn't send ...
De-de, you don't, you
don't have to do that.
- What, are you crazy, who
doesn't love sugar cookies?
They're wonderful.
Do you mind if I take
some for the road?
- Uh, yes please, take
as many as you'd like.
- Thank you.
- Where are you going?
- I have to go
undercover to find
a $15 million Hawkins
somewhere in the exciting
art world of Los Angeles.
- Er, not without me you're not.
- Yeah, I work best alone.
- Ditto babe, but around here
we've got a little
something we call teamwork.
- I have spent years developing
this undercover identity
and I am not going to
let you jeopardize it.
- Oh, wow, yeah.
Well, I happen to
go undercover a lot
and er, maybe I don't want
you jeopardizing my cover?
- Oh, what's your cover?
- Er, er well,
usually it's erm
(clears her throat)
a hooker or a homeless person.
- (sighs) Okay.
Well, I mean, could
you pick something
a little less professional?
- So, you're saying I can go?
- (breathes in) Let's see, hm?
- Okay, well this
is really awkward
and uncomfortable for me.
You know, we do have
an HR department
and I could report you.
- Hmm.
- I don't ...
You are making me very ...
What are you doing?
- Er, I'm just thinking
like, who could you be?
For example, I'm an art expert.
I go by Rachel Fox
and I picked Rachel
because it's my mom's name
and it's easy to remember.
- I know, my aunt's name, Sofia.
- Ooh, I like Sofia.
- Yes.
- That's nice.
- Okay.
- And you're an accountant.
- Okay, well I
need a new outfit.
- No, I think you look great.
- So you're saying I've
looked like an accountant?
Wow, okay, well,
any other insults?
- Okay, looking like an
accountant is not insulting.
Okay, so here's the plan.
I'm an art expert
and I am in for
a high-end piece, for my
boss who lives in Miami.
- And I am there
to make sure you
don't spend too much
of the boss's money.
- Exactly.
- Yes.
- Look at you, good.
Okay.
- Okay.
- All right, let's go.
- All right.
(upbeat rock music)
(gentle string music)
- Hello, welcome to
the Ridgestone Gallery.
Is there something
I can help you find?
- Perhaps there is.
I'm shopping for my boss
and she's out of state.
She's looking for
something extraordinary,
very high end.
- How high end?
- She's in the 10 million range.
- Well, that
wouldn't be something
we can help you with here.
We don't carry works
at that price point.
- Could you possibly put us in
touch with someone who might?
- Quinn Carlyle is who you want.
She only deals in
art at that level.
- And how do we get
in touch with her?
- Well, she works within her
private network of clients.
- I have to say, I
absolutely love your ring,
it's a beautiful antique.
- Oh.
- I'm guessing early 1920s.
- Yes, that's right.
It was my great grandmother's.
- An emerald in a
Tiffany setting,
she had amazing taste.
- Oh, thank you.
(gentle string music continues)
You know, actually
I do happen to know
Quinn is having a
small holiday gathering
for the city's
biggest art patrons.
At her gallery,
tonight at seven,
incredible renovation, cost
her over a million to do it.
- Wow.
That was very helpful.
- Sure, good luck.
- Thanks.
- Thanks.
(door clatters)
(traffic rumbling)
(sighs) I can't believe
people still fall for that.
- Well, people love compliments.
- Oh, people are suckers.
- Yeah.
Oh, by the way.
- Hm?
- Really great work in there.
- Oh, thanks.
Hey!
(Harper laughs)
- Hey, do you mind if I take
off for about an hour or so
and head to the museum?
It helps me think.
You know, I've solved
more than one case
just looking at a
beautiful work of art.
- Ha, kickboxing
does that for me.
I pretend the bag is my ex.
- Oh.
(gentle guitar music)
I don't care about the scene
I don't care
about the location
All that matters now to me
That you're
wherever I go, baby
I just need you by my side
- Most people don't
notice this one.
- Oh, they should.
Until the day I die
Hm, it's you,
the lamp guy.
- Yeah, Chris North.
- I'm Harper.
- So what do you see?
- Me?
Oh, I see the bright blues
that blend with the
red and the orange.
I see the lightness
of the brush.
You know, it's like looking
into the eyes of a bride
right before she
walks down the aisle
or a child who had
just been let out
on a beautiful summer day.
It's pure joy.
- The artist committed suicide.
(melancholy music)
- (laughs) Not when
he painted this one.
His wife had just given
birth to his daughter, so
he was really happy at
this moment of his life.
Do you see the soft lines
flowing into the colors
and then abruptly stopping?
It's like he knew this
would be short-lived.
- I never noticed that.
- It's just a reminder
that life is difficult
and you should make the
most of happy moments.
- Like this one?
- Hm.
- You certainly know
a lot about art.
- Oh, my mom was a art
teacher and an artist.
You know, I must have
taken after my dad
because I cannot draw a tree.
(they laugh)
My mom's work was wonderful.
You know, I used to love
to go into her studio
and watch her mix together
the most amazing colors
as the morning sun came
through the window.
Oh, it was magical.
- Yeah, I know a little
bit about that feeling.
My grandfather is
very much into art.
- Oh, was he an artist too?
- Er, something like that.
- Hm.
Okay, what are the chances
that we would run into
each other again, here?
- It's crazy, right?
- Yeah.
- It's the universe
of connectivity.
- The universe of connectivity?
- Yeah, you know, like er,
when you come across
an unusual word
and then the next
day someone uses it
or when someone's on your mind
and then suddenly they just
show up out of nowhere.
That's all part of the
universe of connectivity.
Somehow, I believe you were
meant to be in my universe.
- Hmm, it's interesting,
or it could just
be a coincidence.
- (laughs) I don't
believe in coincidences.
(phone buzzes)
Well, unfortunately
that's gonna be enough
art for me today,
but for me, this
was a happy moment.
- Me too.
- Well, I'm sure our
paths will cross again,
but just in case,
say we meet here, same
time, same place, next week?
- Hm, sure.
- Then it's a date.
- Okay. (giggles)
(traffic rumbling)
It's Christmas time again
(door squeaking)
Kids around playing
- Oh, you just clean
up really nice.
- Oh, (giggles) thanks.
I actually had to go
shopping this afternoon,
it's been a long time
since I've been out.
So, now what?
- We grab some wine.
- Oh.
- And then we mingle
with the other guests.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
And then we look for
the star of the show,
Ms. Quinn Carlyle. (giggles)
(indistinct chattering)
Oh wow,
oh, the St. Nicholas
pipe, it's beautiful.
Did you know he
wasn't even Nordic?
- I never even
thought he was Nordic.
- He was born in
270 AD in Patara.
- Huh, Patara?
- Turkey.
- Oh.
- He was the patron saint of
children and repentant thieves.
- Ooh, thieves?
Was St. Nick a crook?
- No, more like a Robin
Hood minus the stealing.
- Oh.
- He was really rich
and gave to the poor.
In fact, the tradition
of leaving a stocking
came from a legend
that he would throw
real gold pieces
into the poor families' homes
and it would land in a shoe.
- Is there anything
you don't know?
Kind of annoying.
You know that, right?
- Yeah, I know.
- Huh, of course you do.
- I'm sorry, I just have
one of those memories
that really annoys people.
- Hmm.
- I just, I read something
and I just have to share it.
I can't help myself.
- No, it's okay
and I'm actually
learning something.
You know, to be honest,
I thought working with
you was gonna be awful,
but it,
it's actually been kind of fun.
- Hmm, well thanks,
Detective Lopez.
- Oh, you can call me Carly.
- You can call me Harper.
- Okay, but don't get the
wrong impression, all right,
we're just, we're not,
we're not partners or anything.
- Of course not.
- We're not gonna be
braiding each other's hair
and talking about boys,
okay?
- Yeah for sure,
- Yeah.
- Okay, no.
- So, are you seeing anyone?
(they laugh)
- But yeah, just
having this job,
a relationship is a
little challenging.
- Oh, I hear that, (laughs)
but er, this job can be tough.
You know, it'd be nice to
have someone to come home to,
you know, someone
who gets what we do.
- Like Captain McDowell?
- What?
No, I guess you don't
know everything.
- Hm.
(glasses clattering)
I'm gonna take that
as a yes. (laughs)
- [Carly] Ah, I'm guessing
that's Ms. Carlyle.
- Yes, I'd say so.
- Hm, welcome to
the Carlyle Gallery.
I'm the owner of the
gallery, Quinn Carlyle.
- It's a pleasure, Ms. Carlyle.
I'm Rachel Fox, and this is
my associate, Sofia Valenti.
- We heard you might
be able to help us.
- Perhaps.
- I'm in the market for
a high end art piece,
well my boss is.
And the value of the piece
is much more important to her
than the provenance
and paperwork.
- Hmm.
- Of course, we
want a good price.
- What's the range?
- Oh, we're thinking 10-20.
- Er no, we're thinking
15 million tops.
- Oh, remember you
get what you pay for.
I'm sure I can find something
for you and your boss
and your accountant here, hm?
- Thank you, Ms. Carlyle.
- Please, call me Quinn.
- Quinn.
- Really?
I'm the cheapskate
at 15 million?
What kind of crazy
world is this?
- The art world.
(gentle Christmas music)
(indistinct chattering)
O come all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye
O come ye to Bethlehem
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing
Santa?
- [Quinn] (giggles) What Santa?
I didn't hire a Santa.
The St. Nicholas pipe!
(guests gasp)
It's gone!
- Oh!
(energetic music)
- Stop!
Santa, stop!
(door clicks)
(feet tapping)
(door clatters)
- (sighs) Locked.
(energetic music continues)
One, two, three.
(door crunches)
(Carly groans)
(sighs) What?
(they giggle)
- You've got to be kidding me.
(Carly sighs)
(Harper laughs)
(traffic roaring)
(Christmassy music)
Good morning.
- (sighs) You know you don't
have to bring in treats
every time you walk in here.
- Yes, she does.
(Harper giggles)
Please tell me these
are Little Miss Muffins.
- I'm sure they are.
- They're not, I'm sorry.
- (gasps) Oh.
- These are Crowne Cruffins.
- Crowne Cruffins?
- Mm-hm.
- Oh.
- It's a cross between a
croissant and a muffin.
They were written up in
today's food section,
they don't open
for another week.
I know, because I
marked my calendar.
- (laughs) Okay.
- Well, I know a guy and
they're doing a soft opening,
so they're trying something.
- May I?
- Hmm.
(Matthew gasps)
(gentle music)
- Oh hell, now
you are not crying
over a cruffin, Captain?
- What, no.
Maybe.
(Carly laughs)
- Well, he's right.
You have to savor these
little moments in life.
- Excuse me.
- What is happening
to this place?
- Try one.
- Oh.
(gentle music)
Okay well, if I work
with you much longer,
I'm gonna need a new wardrobe.
(they laugh)
Wow.
- Okay, so look,
I was thinking.
- Mm-hmm.
- This whole calling card
thing, the lump of coal?
- Well yeah, coal
of course means
you're on Santa's naughty list.
Ooh, could it be that he
knows he's being naughty?
(gasps) At some level,
maybe he wants to get
caught and punished.
(gasps) There was
that serial killer
who tattooed his victims'
names all over his body.
- I don't think he
wants to get caught.
- [Carly] Okay.
- I think he's saying that
his victims have been naughty.
Take a look at this.
This is an article
profiling Capital Finance.
It mentions, they
just had layoffs.
- What?
- Mm-hmm.
- Right before the holidays?
- Hm.
- Geez, there's never a
good time to lose your job,
but that is just extra cold.
- Really cold.
So the Capital Finance CEO,
Alex Sykes says, get this.
"We regret the timing of
these right-sizing measures,
but the future health of
our company depends on it."
- Oh, right-sizing
me. (whistles)
- Well, it looks like it
is time to head back out.
- Ooh, where are we
going, the North Pole?
- (laughs) Nope, a
little closer to home.
Let's go talk to a former
Capital Finance employee.
- Okay.
- All right.
- Well, I'm taking my cruffin.
- Oh, please.
You look really cute today.
- I know, I'm just trying
to look like Harper.
- Ooh.
- A little bit.
(traffic rumbling)
(birds singing)
(dog barking)
- There you go.
- Oh, thank you.
- Yes.
- Thank you.
(employee clears his throat)
So, we understand that
there were layoffs
at Capital Finance recently.
- There sure were,
out of nowhere.
I've been there nearly 15 years
and they let me go two months
before I'd become
eligible for my pension.
- Geez, that's tough.
There's no loyalty in
these companies anymore.
- Tell me about it.
I wasn't the only one,
nearly all of us were
nearing pension eligibility.
It just doesn't seem legal,
but that's why you're
here, isn't it?
- Oh no, I'm afraid not.
We're here investigating theft
of valuable art from
the Sykes residence.
- Sykes?
Alex Sykes?
- Yes, I'm afraid so.
- You mean, you're
helping him and not us?
This interview is over.
- Oh, that went well.
(creepy music)
Who are we gonna offend next?
- Oh.
(waves crashing)
- [Quinn] Would you
two care for some wine?
- [Carly] Yeah, please.
- I have to apologize
about last night.
The party was a little
more exciting than planned.
- Did they catch the thief?
- Oh, I'm afraid not.
- Oh well, I'm sure
that artifact was worth,
what millions?
- Mm-hmm.
- But I'm guessing
you had insurance.
- Surely you two understand?
My clients, like your boss,
are very high profile and
they don't like to
involve the police
or the insurance companies.
I can assure you, we
are very discrete here,
if that's what
you're hinting at.
Have you given any more thought
to what your boss might
be in the market for?
- This acquisition
is a vanity purchase.
She's looking to
purchase something
for a New Year's party
that she's hosting.
- Remind me of the price range.
- 10 to 20 million.
- 15, 10 to 15 million.
- None of the other
galleries in the area
can help you at
that price point,
so you've come to the
right place. (giggles)
- Well, that's why we're here.
- Hm.
I would recommend
something like these.
These three artists
are extremely sought
after these days
and are sure to be the
next Vemeers or Rembrandts.
- Carlotti, Hammerstein,
and Vox; gorgeous.
- You know them, I'm impressed.
- Now these are close,
but my boss prefers to
have a female artist,
like a Hawkins or a McInnis.
- Great choices,
but I would need some time.
Can your client give
me about a week?
- Oh, I'm sure that'll
be fine with her.
- I'll have something
for you to look at then.
- Perfect.
- Hm.
- Your gallery's gorgeous.
- Oh, thank you.
(laughs) Can you
believe this place
was once a women's shelter?
I think that they used the
salon as the TV room, ugh.
It took me eight months
and over a million dollars
to restore this place
to its natural grandeur.
- What happened to
the women's shelter?
- I don't actually know.
In fact it was the owner
of the St. Nicholas pipe
that helped me with all this.
Let's just say it helps to
have friends in high places.
- I guess so.
- Besides, could you imagine
having a women's shelter
in this neighborhood?
Ooh, I did everyone
a favor. (laughs)
- Except maybe the
women in the shelter.
- Hm, it's good wine.
- Hm, yeah.
(door creaking)
- Hm, she's a peach.
(phone ringing)
- Something like that.
Oh, the lab says,
Santa's spy glasses
were shipped to a local
company called SmartTech,
two months ago.
- Really?
- It's 20 minutes from here.
- Let's go.
It's pretty impressive.
- It's all right.
- Do you wanna come
right this way?
- Oh.
- Sure.
- All right, Ben.
- It looks much
better than I thought.
- Thank you, I clean up nicely.
- (laughs) No, not you.
The lamp, the nasty old
thing you found in the alley.
- Yeah, it's a treasure.
I like to find those.
The universe of connectivity.
- The what?
- We keep running
into each other.
- You do?
- So, it looks like fate
brought us together again.
- Fate or forensics.
- Forensics?
- Chris, my name is
Agent Winslow, I'm FBI.
I'm a part of the
Art Crime Team.
- Detective Lopez,
Los Angeles PD.
- Why don't you have a seat.
- A pair of custom smart glasses
that were used in a crime were
delivered here to SmartTech,
about two months ago.
- Smart glasses delivered
here is not unusual,
hence the name SmartTech.
- Well, what is unusual
is the very same glasses
were worn by a most
wanted art thief
that likes to dress
up as Santa Claus.
- So you think your Santa
thief is one of my employees?
That's ho, ho,
ho-larious.
(Carly sniggers)
- That's actually funny.
- Well, let's just
say that there's
Clause for concern.
- (sighs) Touche.
Well, I assure you that
each of my employees
goes through the strictest
of background checks.
It's highly unlikely that
your most wanted
Santa works here.
- With all due respect,
we'll determine what's
unlikely and likely.
- Fair.
In that case, my company
is at your disposal.
- Do you mind if I take a look?
- Be my guest.
- Thank you.
Hawkins, so beautiful.
It must be worth ...
- It's priceless.
It was a gift from
my grandfather,
taught me everything I know,
including how to value
beautiful things.
(Carly clears her throat loudly)
- Well, it is our duty to
safeguard these precious things.
And if they are lost,
return them to the
rightful place.
- I wholeheartedly agree.
- I'm glad we're
on the same page.
Thank you for your
time, Mr. North.
- My pleasure.
Oh er, Agent Winslow,
can I interest you in
some of the finest art
LA has to offer?
- Sounds tempting.
- Join me tonight, 7:00 p.m.
at the museum where we met,
it's a small but important
fundraiser, formal attire.
- Sounds lovely, I'll be there.
- So are we not gonna talk about
what just happened in there?
- What, that we're
one step closer
to a little something
like solving this case?
- Ah, that you're one step
closer to a little something.
Something
- What, no, please.
He is a suspect.
- Mm-hmm.
- Okay, don't be silly, no.
- Oh, don't be silly.
Are you kidding me?
I would not have been surprised
if one of you had started
to giggle. (giggles)
- Are you done?
It's all a part of a plan.
- Right, what plan exactly?
To get yourself a
hot, young tech exec?
- Whatever Carly,
Christopher North
is up to something.
I'm gonna find out what it is.
- I bet you are.
- So, what did you find?
- She checks out.
- Oh,
quite impressive,
this Rachel Fox.
How have I never heard of her?
Anyone can create a profile,
do a background check,
find out if she really
went to these schools
and worked at these museums.
(bells jingle)
- Will do.
(upbeat drum music)
- It's the finest
art LA has to offer,
all created by local
children with cancer
in an art therapy class.
The total event is
sponsored by SmartTech,
we'll auction off the paintings
and use the money for research.
- Very impressive, Mr. North.
- I agree.
(Harper laughs)
Would you like to
take a closer look?
- Oh, yeah.
Look at this one, it's gorgeous.
- It's my favorite, that's
why I made a bid on it.
- $100,000, that's
very generous.
- It's a very important cause.
I wanted to make
sure I wasn't outbid.
And if I am, I'll just bid more.
(Harper laughs)
So, what are your
plans for the holidays?
- No big plans.
- Just something
low-key with the family?
- No family.
Not anymore, my mom ...
- Oh, the teacher and artist.
- Yes.
She died several
years ago of cancer
and my father was
a police officer
and he was killed in
the line of duty, so
just me.
- I'm sorry.
- Thank you.
- But you are the perfect
combination of both of them,
Ms. Art Cop.
- Yeah, I guess I am.
Actually I was adopted, so
I might have some
biological family out there.
You never know, we
might be related.
- I certainly hope not.
(they laugh)
- Actually, me too.
- Ms. Winslow,
you're making me blush.
(Harper laughs)
- But you did mention your
grandfather a few times.
- Yes, he was erm,
polarizing to say the least.
- Hmm.
- It divided the family.
Most of them couldn't understand
his obsession with art.
- Hm, look at us,
a couple of loners.
- From one loaner to another.
- Mm-hmm?
- May I have this dance?
- I don't know if I should.
- Is it because you
don't know how to dance
or because you can't hide
your feelings from me.
- (laughs) Oh, I
know how to dance.
- So is that a yes?
(gentle dancing music)
So you're FBI,
couldn't you find your birth
mother, if you wanted to?
- I don't think I want to.
One amazing mom is enough.
Plus, some things are best
left the way that they are.
- But wasn't it you that said,
once you find
something of value,
you should return it
to its rightful place?
- My parents were
the rightful place.
- Do you know what I think?
- Hm?
- I think you are afraid.
I think the big tough FBI agent
might be scared.
- I am not scared.
Maybe a little.
- Of what exactly?
- I'm not sure.
- Of loss?
When you lost your mother,
you lost your father.
If you do get to know
your birth mother
and you lose her too,
that could be a lot for
one person to handle.
- Oh, maybe you're right.
- But isn't that what love is?
Potential for loss?
Love doesn't last forever.
- Yes it does,
well the right kind of love.
- And what exactly is
the right kind of love?
- Mm, I think you just
know when it happens.
(gentle music)
Erm, I should go.
- Wait, what is your coach
turning into a pumpkin?
- Something like that.
- Well, how will you
know if I win my bid?
- Oh, I think you'll get it.
I have a feeling you
always get what you want.
(indistinct chattering)
- I certainly hope so.
(birds singing)
(traffic rumbling)
- You're late!
- Sorry.
(Carly moans)
(Harper sighs)
- So.
- Mm-hmm?
- How was ridiculously hot
Mr. I-Own-a-Tech-Company?
- I was just getting
information for the case.
- Oh yes, of course.
So what did you find out?
- Well, I found out
that he is absolutely
warm and kind of amazing.
- Excellent work, Agent Winslow.
We should be able to crack this
case wide open in 10 years.
- Okay, believe me,
I am not falling for
this great guy act, okay.
- You know, people
say, "Believe me,"
when you actually
can't believe them
because they are lying.
- Are you calling me a liar?
- Yes.
Your pants are on fire. (laughs)
Ah-hah.
- Oh, heads up.
I'm coming.
- Hello, ladies.
- Hello.
- How are you this fine day?
- Good.
- Somebody's in a good mood.
- Yeah.
- Yes,
a quarter of million
dollars will do that.
- Wait, what?
- $250,000 wired
directly into my account
from the North Pole.
- The North Pole?
- Santa was very
good to me this year.
- Was there any
more information?
- Nope, but apparently
all of us got it,
all 60 former employees
of one Mr. Sykes.
- Huh.
- That's why I came down here.
I thought you might
have an explanation.
- No, this is news to us.
- Oh.
- Well, Merry Christmas.
- Here, take a cookie.
- Oh, thank you, yeah.
(indistinct chattering)
- Wait, so 60
employees were laid off
and each received $250,000.
That's a total of $15 million.
That's the value of the
painting stolen from Alex Sykes.
(Carly laughs)
So, Santa is stealing
from the rich
and giving to the poor, huh?
- A modern day Robin Hood
dressed as Santa Claus?
You know, in this business,
people rarely surprise
me, in a good way, I mean.
I kinda like this Santa guy.
- Well, he still stole $15
million from Mr. Sykes.
- Yeah, like I said,
I like this Santa guy.
Oh, I know it's bad, I'm sorry.
Stealing's bad.
But don't tell me that
Scrooge didn't deserve it.
- Yeah,
but okay, so if the former
Capital Finance employees
got reimbursed for
their pensions,
then what about the
women's shelter?
What happened to them?
(indistinct chattering)
Okay, so apparently
that shelter was called
the Horizon House and
it was closed down.
The former executive
director is now working
for St. John's
Hospital, Rose Clemens.
- Looks like we
need to meet her.
- Let's go.
- All right.
(traffic rumbling)
- Ladies, I have a box of
5,000 of these downstairs.
Use them liberally.
- We're looking
for Rose Clemens.
- I'm Rose.
- I'm Detective
Lopez, this is my,
well, partner,
FBI Agent Winslow.
- FBI, big deal.
I didn't do it! (laughs)
Not that you're not a big deal.
I'm sure you're a very big deal.
- We're just here to
ask you a few questions.
- Ah.
- It looks like Santa's
workshop in here.
- I know, right?
We just received a
huge donation of gifts,
so we're trying to
get them all wrapped
in time for Christmas.
- Would you like any help?
- Yes. (they laugh) Please.
We're low on bows,
would you like to make
some bows while we talk?
- We're on it.
- Sure.
- Excellent.
- Erm, so you
mentioned a donation.
How big was this donation?
- Well, it was no
less than $50,000
worth of toys and
games and clothes
and electronics,
just everything,
enough so that every
child at the hospital
will at least get something.
- That's a very
generous donation.
- Mm-hmm.
- Santa's pipe was valued
at more than a million.
Did he just pocket the rest?
- Hmm.
- Oh, I think I know
why you might be here.
When we received all
of this, Horizon House,
which is my pet project,
received a million
dollar monetary donation
because we had just
lost our women's shelter
and we're trying
to find a new one.
- We do know about that and yes,
we are here about the donation.
- Oh dear.
Was it illegally gained?
- That's what we're
trying to figure out.
- I knew it was too
good to be true.
- Rose, do you have any
of those sticky bows?
Thank you, okay.
(bow whacking)
Now that's a bow. (laughs)
So, er what happened
to the old shelter?
- Quinn Carlyle happened.
Our building was
rent-controlled,
which made it very
affordable for us.
And naturally, Quinn
Carlyle decided
she wanted it for her gallery.
So she petitioned,
bribed
someone at City Hall and
we were zoned out of there.
I always try to see the best
in everyone, but I'm really
struggling with Ms. Carlyle.
Naturally, we were
all devastated.
Can you imagine all those women
now back out on the street?
Of course, we were just thrilled
when out of the blue,
we received such a
generous donation.
- Rose, can you tell us
who made the donation?
- Santa Claus.
I know, it sounds ridiculous,
but I just assumed that
whoever made the donation
wanted to remain
anonymous, hang on.
- Santa Claus?
- Mm-hmm.
- They sent a card,
even wrote a little note.
"For a new safe house and more.
Keep up the good work, ho-ho-ho,
love Santa."
- How was the donation received?
- Five trucks pulled
up to the hospital
with all the gifts and the
card. And at the same time,
a monetary donation
to Horizon House
was wired into its
account directly.
And we were sent an email
from the North Pole,
advising us of the transfer.
- If you don't mind,
can we get a copy of that email
and your bank account number?
- Oh of course, absolutely.
I mean, this is
just devastating,
how am I gonna tell the staff?
- Oh, don't say
anything just yet.
This is a preliminary
investigation.
- Well, if you ladies
have any more questions,
do not hesitate to ask me.
- Thank you, we will.
- Wow, can you believe
this Santa guy?
15 million to the
fired employees
and now a million
to Horizon House.
- Yeah, he's very generous
with money that
doesn't belong to him.
- (laughs) I thought
I was the cynical one.
- Let's go.
(traffic rumbling)
(they laugh)
Okay, so erm,
we're still missing this guy.
- Mm-hmm.
- The one who's
buying the stolen art,
the middleman.
- Hmm.
- Or in this case,
the middle woman.
- Huh.
You know what, I think
I'm gonna have to pay
Ms. Quinn another visit,
but this time on my own.
(gentle music)
- Take a picture,
it'll last longer.
- What, I'm not looking at you.
- And then what
are you looking at?
- There are cookies?
- Uh, there were cookies,
Harper took the last one.
- Oh.
- Sorry.
- You might remember
this at job review time.
- You know, you've always
an "exceeds expectations"
with me, Carly.
- Oh, "exceeds
expectations," hmm?
- Yeah, whatever.
- Huh, I can cut that
"whatever" with a knife in here.
- Okay, weren't you gonna go and
pay a visit to what's
her name, Quinn?
- You can't even remember names.
Look at you all flustered.
- Stop.
- I'm going.
- This one is an incredible
find, look at the detail.
- It is extraordinary.
(gate creaking)
Who is it?
- Hawkins.
She's not only a painter,
she designs jewelry too.
- Really?
I didn't know that.
- Yes you did,
why do you do that?
- It's fun to mess with you.
(they laugh)
- Quinn, Rachel Fox
is here to see you.
- And the background check?
- She's good,
everything checks out:
education, employment.
- That's a relief.
Something about her
didn't feel right.
Send Ms. Fox in.
- Already in.
Hello, Quinn.
- Do you two know each other?
- No, I would remember.
Hi, Christopher North,
pleased to meet you.
- Thank you, Rachel, Rachel Fox.
- Chris is one of my
most valuable clients.
- Christopher North, you're
with SmartTech industries.
- That's right.
- Your reputation for being
a patron of fine
arts proceeds you.
- Well, Rachel,
you're in good hands
here with Quinn.
- Thanks for stopping by, Chris.
- Pleased to meet you, Rachel.
- Nice to meet you.
- The art community is
such a tight-knit group.
- Hm.
- You two have never met?
- No.
- Interesting.
Anyway, I think I may have
found what you're looking for.
It's currently at a
gallery in Antwerp.
- Hm-mm.
- Please.
A Hawkins, just as
your boss requested.
- That is absolutely beautiful.
- Mm.
- She'll love it.
- Mm, I'm so thrilled.
I'll let the gallery know
and you should have it in a
few days. The price is 16.
Would that be a problem
with your accountant?
- No, that's fine.
- Hm, lovely.
Then we have a deal.
- We have a deal.
Thank you, Quinn.
- Hmm.
- Take care.
- Do me a favor, dear.
I know that she
checks out, but er,
please try and find out more
about our new Ms. Rachel Fox.
Follow her if you need to.
I just wanna be sure about this
before we close the deal, hm?
(gentle music)
(traffic rumbling)
(upbeat music)
- Coming.
We don't need to worry
We can sit around and play
I've been waiting
for so long
Hey.
- Hi.
You have a package here.
- Thank you.
Agent Winslow, what
a pleasant surprise.
- Imagine my surprise.
- Yeah, oh, just got back
from my morning swim.
- Oh, I just wanted to come by
and say thank you for
not blowing my cover.
- Of course,
you know, I'm nothing
if not discreet.
Won't you come in?
- Er, yeah, thanks.
Maybe all you wanted
So, I know what you're doing.
Santa Claus, stealing from
the rich, giving to the poor.
- Santa?
Sounds more like Robin Hood.
- Exactly.
But this Robin Hood likes
to dress as Santa Claus.
- Well, why wouldn't he
just dress as Robin Hood?
- I don't know.
Maybe he likes to wear red?
- And so you think
I'm your Santa Claus?
- Well, I mean,
you are wearing a red suit.
(Harper sighs)
- I'm pretty sure I just
tampered with your evidence.
- It, I-I could
arrest you for that.
- Now we're talking.
- Uh, so what do you know
about an offshore account
that identifies on the
server as the North Pole,
that wires large
deposits directly into
individual accounts,
individual accounts that
are in need, that is?
- Sounds charitable.
- Why do you know Quinn Carlyle,
how do you know Quinn Carlyle?
- Okay, Harper there
is a few things
that you and I need to clarify.
- (sighs) Yes, we do.
- And I propose we have
this conversation when I'm,
you know, wearing pants.
- Fair enough,
fair enough.
(gentle music)
- Well, let's meet in two hours
near Lake Arrowhead.
I'll text you the address.
- Hm, you don't have my number.
(phone chimes)
Maybe you do.
That seems a little
remote for a conversation,
don't you think?
- Oh, on the contrary,
it's the perfect location
for this time of year.
Who says you can't have
a white Christmas in LA?
- Sounds perfect.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
- Well, it's a date.
- It's a date, no it's,
it's not a date.
- No.
- No, it's an investigation.
- Oh.
- It's my investigation
on you, it's not a date.
- Well, that sounds
way more fun.
Yeah, okay.
(door squeaks)
I will see you
in two hours.
- Two hours.
- Yeah.
- It's not a date though.
- No, not a date.
- Not a date.
(gentle music)
(hopeful music)
(birds singing)
(engine humming)
(ax chopping)
Ah, hm.
What's the ax for?
- It's a surprise.
- Hm.
It's a little secluded.
I'd be a little nervous,
if I couldn't easily kill
you with my bare hands.
- I bet you say that
to all the guys.
- Oh, they're just facts.
(they laugh)
- So erm,
I brought you out here
for a couple of reasons,
but the big one is a secret
that I have to tell you.
- Well, you can
tell me anything.
- I know.
- Just remember.
- I know, anything
I say can and will
be used against me
in a court of law.
- Hey, just so you
understand your rights.
- You're not wearing
a wire, are you?
- No.
- Okay.
Well then, here goes.
- (laughs) What,
what's your secret?
- You're looking at it.
- This, this is your secret?
- The most perfect place on
earth to find a Christmas tree.
- Okay.
- What do you think
about this one?
- Wow, it's actually perfect,
for the first try, hm.
- Yeah well, if you look around,
you'll see that all the
trees out here are perfect.
- They are.
Wait, Chris, you can't do that!
- I can't do what?
Get the most beautiful
Christmas tree in the world,
for the most beautiful
woman in the world?
- But no, seriously,
there are a lot of tree
lots throughout this city
where you can get a tree,
even places you can
cut your own tree down,
but you can't just come out
here and cut down a tree.
There is literally
a gate with a sign
that says, "Private
property, no trespassing."
So, no cutting down a tree
on said private property.
Okay Chris,
(ax chopping)
I really appreciate the gesture,
but I can't let you
cut down this tree.
Okay, I am not kidding.
(ax chopping)
I will arrest you.
- Wow, you must be a lot
of fun at parties. (laughs)
- Okay, FBI freeze.
- Oh.
- You cannot cut down
this tree! (Chris laughs)
What are you doing?
- I stand corrected.
You are fun, but
you should relax.
I own it.
- Own what?
- The tree, the
private property,
all this land.
- All of this?
- Hmm.
- You own all of this?
- Yeah.
(gentle music)
- Okay, what are you,
what are you doing?
- Erm, I think it's
called kissing.
Nice, no?
- (sighs) Yeah, it
was nice. (sighs)
- Okay well,
I also brought you out here
because I have
something to tell you.
- Yeah, I know.
- You know?
- You have a confession
to make, right?
- Yeah, I do.
I love you.
- You're Santa.
- What?
- What?
- Well,
you thought I
brought you out here
to tell you that I'm Santa?
- Yes.
You love me?
- From the very first
moment I laid eyes on you.
I know it's probably too
soon to have these feelings,
but I have never experienced
anything like this before.
I know art,
and you are the most beautiful
art I have ever seen.
All right, I know.
I-I, ah I said too much,
I know women hate that.
Men hate that.
- No, yes, but ...
- But Harper,
you can't deny that you
have these feelings too,
that you feel what's
happening between us.
I know you do.
Remember that day in the museum,
the universe of connectivity.
- Yeah, I remember.
And I can feel it, but I
can't act on it, Chris.
I'm an FBI agent and
you're our suspect.
You're suspect number one.
Besides, you lied to me.
- I lied to you?
- Yeah, a big fat lie.
- I have never lied
to you, not once.
- You said it would snow.
- Huh.
(traffic rumbling)
(birds singing)
- I followed Rachel and
you're not gonna like it.
- She's a cop.
- Her friend is too.
- I knew it, it all
seemed too coincidental.
- There's more.
- Oh, Chris.
- [Peter] I told you
he's no good for you.
- And you were right.
Thank you, Peter, there'll
be an extra little something
in your Christmas bonus.
- I hope so.
- Hmm.
(gentle piano music)
(Quinn sighs)
(water splashing)
- So, this is what we've got.
Santa steals a painting,
sells the painting.
Er, gives the money
away, thank you,
And he er, tells me
that he loves me.
- I'm sorry, what?
- Yeah.
And here's the
complicated part about it,
I think I love him too.
- Okay, wow.
Er, that is complicated.
- Yeah.
- Well, did you tell
him that you love him?
- No, he's a
suspect, the suspect.
- Yeah.
I don't know, I think
you should tell him.
- Oh.
- And you should probably
take yourself off this case.
(laughs) Wow, a
week ago I would've
loved saying that and now,
no, hell, what's
happening to me?
- Uh thanks, you're not helping.
- I'm sorry.
Look, your curse is
that you can't help
but tell people
everything you know,
and mine is that
I can't help, but
tell it like it is,
also annoying by the way.
Harper, he loves you
and you love him.
Isn't that bigger than
any of this art stuff?
Let me answer that, it is.
You've gotta follow
your heart, Harper.
- Are you following your heart?
- Huh?
- Oh come on,
it is so obvious that
you and the Captain
have feelings for each other.
- Uh no, no that's
different, okay.
He's my boss.
And no, no, end of story,
case closed, I can't.
Right, I can't?
- Yes, you can.
You should follow
your heart too.
You could always go to
a different precinct.
(phone vibrating)
That's Quinn.
Hello, Quinn.
- [Quinn] Hello, Rachel
dear, wonderful news.
I have the painting, just
arrived from Holland.
You said you wanted
it right away,
rather than wait for delivery,
so take down this address.
Our warehouse at
1128 Bristol Avenue.
Meet me there tonight at eight.
I'll give you the account number
to transfer the funds
when you arrive,
the door will be unlocked.
Does that work for you?
- Yes, yes the
timing is perfect.
My boss is going
to be very pleased.
- Hmm.
- [Quinn] See you then.
- See you then.
Oh, we've got her,
she has the Hawkins.
- Yes!
(Harper laughs)
(hands clap)
Oh wait, I thought we
were gonna quit this case
and follow our hearts.
- Oh we are,
but after we solve this.
(they laugh)
(traffic rumbling)
(tense music)
- All right, places folks.
Give me an all clear,
if you're clear.
- All clear.
- When they transfer the money
for the Hawkins, we move.
(door clattering)
(tense music continues)
- She said she would leave
the door open for us.
- I don't see Quinn.
I don't feel good
about this, be careful.
- Quinn, are you here?
- [Matthew] Look
alive, I see movement.
(metal clanging)
(guns clicking)
(tense music continues)
- Freeze, put the painting down!
Put your hands up
and turn around!
- Chris?
- It's not what you think.
- I think it is.
- Quinn set us both up.
- You have the Hawkins.
- Here, it's yours.
- We've got eyes on the
target, back of the warehouse.
(feet clumping)
- Wait Chris, stop!
Chris!
(gentle music)
- We've got the Hawkins,
suspect fleeing, move in.
- We've got nothing
out here, we lost him.
(Carly sighs)
- It's my fault,
I let him get away.
- Well, at least
we got the Hawkins.
- It's a fake,
it's the replica from
the Sykes burglary.
Damn.
(gentle music continues)
(traffic rumbling)
(gentle music)
- Excuse me, are
you Harper Winslow?
- Yes.
- A gentlemen asked me
to give this to you.
- Thank you.
- Ma'am.
- [Chris] "You're
right of course,
there is a Santa
Claus and it's me.
I steal art, but it's art
that's already been stolen
and I return it to
where it truly belongs.
We're both working for
the Art Crime Team,
risking everything for
art and its survival.
The art collectors I steal
from know it's stolen
and they're not good people.
So, I sell their art
on the black market
and transfer those
funds to people
they've wronged in some way.
In my opinion, it's win-win.
The only guys who are
out are the bad guys.
I also do this as a
way of making amends.
The grandfather I adored
made his fortune
as an art thief.
The Hawkins paintings
you saw in my office
were priceless to me because
my grandfather gave them to me,
but he stole them and I realized
I must return them to
where they belonged.
Meeting you has forced
me to look at my life
in a whole new way.
No one has ever been higher
on my nice list, than you.
I think it's almost time
to hang up the Santa suit.
I just have a few more
ends to tie up first.
I hope you'll find
it in your heart
to believe in Santa
Claus, love Chris."
(gentle upbeat music)
- Hey.
- Hey.
- It looks like that
little break helped.
- Yes, it really did, okay.
(indistinct police chatter)
Huh, get this.
- Hm?
- The pipe belonging
to St. Nicholas.
- Mm-hmm?
- Was returned to a
museum in Oslo yesterday.
It was stolen from
them 40 years ago.
Wow, and the Hawkins
belonging to Alex Sykes,
that was turned in to the
Cleveland Museum of Art.
That was stolen from
them 10 years ago.
- Huh, so no harm,
no foul, right?
I mean, if everything's
been returned,
then the only guys out are
the operatives in
the black market.
- Like Quinn.
- He's really something, huh?
- Yeah.
He really is.
(phone chiming)
- Oh no.
- What?
- Another Santa burglary.
- What?
Where?
- (laughs) It says an
artist's private studio.
- Which artist?
- Celina Hawkins.
(indistinct chattering)
- The thief broken overnight.
- Mm-hmm.
- All he took was a
pendant I made years ago.
The security camera
shows it was a man,
dressed as Santa.
- Ms. Hawkins, I think we
know who stole your pendant.
The FBI has been
tracking this Santa
for quite a while now.
- The FBI,
I'm guessing that my necklace
is already on the black market.
- No, not if we can
help it, Ms. Hawkins.
- Please call me Celina.
- Well Celina,
(Celina laughs)
I cannot tell you
how much it means
to me to meet you.
My mom used to love your work
and so she introduced me to
you when I was very young.
I am a very big fan.
- Oh, stop it, you're
embarrassing me.
(they all laugh)
- Did he, Santa,
leave anything behind?
- Yes he did, actually, he left
this.
- Oh. (laughs)
- That's different.
- He usually leaves coal.
- Oh, and I am sure
I can identify him.
This young man came to
visit me a few days ago.
He was very sweet and handsome,
so I didn't mind that he was
asking so many questions.
- Is this the man?
- Yes, that's him.
- Erm, what kind of
questions was he asking?
- Oh, pretty personal
questions, actually.
We started talking about
art, but before I knew it,
I was telling him about my past.
- Would you mind
sharing that with us?
- It could help.
- When I was an art
student, I got pregnant.
I wasn't ready to have a child,
so I gave my baby
girl up for adoption.
It was (sighs)
the most difficult
thing I have ever done.
I still think about
her all the time.
I guess the idea of her
inspires my art to this day.
He claimed that he knew
who my daughter was
and that he would
arrange for us to meet.
(gentle music)
(Harper clears her throat)
I should be more careful.
- I guess being famous
comes with a price.
- Thank you, Ms. Hawkins.
- Ah, Celina.
- Sure.
- [Celina] (laughs) Thank you,
and I'm sorry for
the circumstances,
but it was really
extraordinary to meet you both.
(gentle music)
(birds singing)
- Okay, what?
You gotta spill it,
what is the connection between
you and Celina Hawkins?
You two were like long lost ...
- Mother and daughter?
Yeah,
I think Santa
found my birth mom.
(traffic rumbling)
- Ladies, I've got a hot
tip on your stolen necklace.
- Really?
- Yes.
Tonight at the Carlyle Gallery,
I have it on good authority
that one Quinn Carlyle is
going to attempt to sell
a Hawkins necklace to, well, me.
- What?
How did that happen?
- Who called him the hot tip?
- Santa Claus.
Your Santa Claus.
And,
hooked me up with this sweet
new identity, check it out.
Mr. Matthew Sterling.
- Fancy, looks like
someone needs a new suit.
- Why, what's wrong with this?
- It's a little more
stainless than Sterling.
(Harper laughs)
- Stainless?
That's a good thing, right?
(eerie music)
Lopez, Winslow,
do you have eyes?
- We do.
- Okay, we're going in.
- [Carly] Be careful, sir.
(door squeaks)
- Mr. Sterling, welcome.
Please come in.
- Thank you.
- Hm.
(door clatters)
This way.
(tense music)
Would you like some wine?
- Do you have anything stronger?
- How about an
18-year-old Scotch?
- Perfect.
- Mm-hmm.
(Scotch pouring)
This is an exquisite piece.
- Hm.
- I'm tempted to
keep it for myself.
Who's it for?
- My fiance.
- Lucky lady.
You have excellent taste.
Do you know much
about Celina Hawkins?
- Oh, just that she's
very expensive and
a great investment.
- I believe that we agreed
to two and a half million.
Here is the account number
to make the transfer.
- Voila.
- Fabulous.
Cheers.
- Cheers.
(glasses clink)
- Oh, and also, LAPD,
you're under arrest.
- [Harper] Got you, Quinn.
- Come on, hands behind
your back, come on.
- All right, that is
not a stolen item,
I have lawyers.
- I'll bet you have lawyers.
I have lots of lawyers,
I have a team of lawyers.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Oh, Lucy and Ethel?
Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
- Hm.
- Hey, Lucy and Ethel
made a great team.
- So you're saying
we make a great team?
- I am.
- Wait, so am I Lucy or
Ethel in this scenario?
- You have the right
to remain silent.
- What, I wanna ...
- Anything you say
can and will be used against
you in a court of law.
You have the right to an
attorney ... (siren wailing)
- [Carly] I kind of love it
when bad things happen to
bad people, is that bad?
(they laugh)
- Oh, god.
- Oh.
- Like the look on her
face was priceless.
(they laugh)
- Good stuff.
- Yeah.
- Well, good work
team, merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas, Captain.
(upbeat music)
- Give me a sec.
- Hm?
- Come with me.
So, I was thinking.
- Mm-hmm?
- Life is short,
it's now or never.
So I think you should go for it.
- Seriously?
You had mistletoe in your desk?
- Er, it's me. (laughs)
It came with the
gingerbread cookies.
- Of course.
- Go get your guy.
- Here goes nothing.
- Everything.
(gentle music)
(Harper giggles)
(knuckles rapping on the window)
- Captain,
do you have a minute?
- Sure.
- Um, I need to
tell you something.
- What's up?
- I erm, I wanna
apply for a transfer.
- What, why?
(Carly sighs)
Detective, stand down.
- I, I'm sor ...
- All right, don't. (sighs)
(tense music)
I'm still your boss, you
haven't applied anywhere else.
I'm okay with it if you are.
(they laugh)
(Harper sighs)
(Christmas bells ringing)
- Chris?
(Harper sighs)
(gentle music)
(water splashing)
(bell ringing)
- Ho, ho, ho.
Merry Christmas, ho, ho.
Merry Christmas, pretty lady.
- Merry Christmas, Santa.
- And what do you
want for Christmas?
- (laughs) What I
want, I can't have.
- Are you sure about that?
(bell jangling)
Merry Christmas, Harper.
- You know, you've been
on my most wanted list
for a very long time.
- Well, you got me
and I'm giving it
all up for you.
(gentle music)
- Thank you for my
painting, you did get it.
- You were right, I
do get what I want.
- Hm.
- I got something else for you.
- Something else?
- Oh yeah.
- How did you get that?
That's supposed to be on its
way back to Celina Hawkins.
- Well, as it turns out, she
wants her daughter to have it.
- I have loved her
work for so long.
I still can't believe
she's my mother.
- Well, believe it.
The universe of connectivity.
- And the magic of Christmas.
- Yeah.
(indistinct chattering)
(Celina sighs)
- Oh,
I knew that it was you
from the moment we met.
- I did, too.
- I've loved you from afar,
every day of your life.
- You did the right thing.
You gave me the most amazing
parents in the world,
I couldn't have loved them more.
- I'm so grateful,
my heart is so full.
Look at you.
You are my greatest work of art.
Santa, thank you for
returning her to me.
- So now, do you
believe in Santa?
- I do.
(bell jangling)
(they kiss)
(gentle music)
- If you could have
anything for Christmas,
what would it be?
(bell ringing)
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
(hopeful music)
(upbeat music)
(hopeful music)