Mistletoe Murders (2024) s01e01 Episode Script

1
There's nothing
worse than a nightmare
so intense that even
after you're awake,
you can't be sure
it wasn't real.
Good morning, boys!
Mama loves you. Yes, I do.
They
say Fletcher's Grove
is the kind of small town where
time moves a little slower,
where everyone knows
everyone else's business
and people keep
their doors unlocked,
because you never know
when a friend might pop by
for a visit.
I haven't been here long
enough to confirm or deny this,
but as someone who strongly
values their privacy
Hi.
Well,
let's just say,
I keep my door double-bolted.
Large black coffee, order up!
Oh, thanks, Sue,
you're a life-saver.
Whoa hey!
That one's actually mine.
I ordered before you.
Well, I guess chivalry is dead.
Not dead, just on a
case-by-case basis.
I'm sure yours will be right up.
That was the
end of the pot.
Grab a seat. I'll
brew you another.
There are
days when I think to myself,
"Who is this socially awkward,
caffeine-obsessed cat lady?"
But most of the time, I
see myself as your average,
unassuming, small-town
retail store owner,
who leads a perfectly
ordinary life.
Then again, a shop that worships
at the shrine of Christmas
365 days a year may
be considered by some
to be far from ordinary.
In which case
I'm a rock star.
Violet, crank it!
I love this song!
Emily, I'm begging you to
let me pick a new playlist.
Maybe with some songs
from this century?
And that's a
wrap! Here you go.
Thank you. It's perfect.
- Em?
- Yeah?
I was thinking, you
could train me on cash.
Not that I don't love
stocking shelves,
but I've been here
almost three weeks
No, no, no, you're
right, you're ready.
Uh, we'll start next shift.
Why not right now?
I actually have to close
the store early today.
June's coming by to
give Doyle his check-up.
You know, I should actually
bring something for her
What
Yeah!
June
Hubble is not just
the best veterinarian I know,
she's also one of the
few people here in town
that I consider a true friend.
Hey, us cat people
have to stick together.
Everything looks good.
His incision has healed nicely,
and I see his
weight is up a bit.
Oh, yeah, he's definitely
got his appetite back,
that's for sure!
You've been a good patient, huh?
Yeah!
If anything changes,
you call me right away.
I don't care if I'm, uh
walking down the aisle?
No!
Marcus proposed!
We're talking about
a May wedding.
Congratulations! I'm
so happy for you both.
It doesn't even feel real.
Marrying my ex-husband,
I mean, who does that?
People who deserve
a second chance.
Oh, I have something
for you, actually.
Um
Oh!
You didn't have to do that.
You kidding me?
You saved my sweety, you
get cookies for life!
Aw, well, I'll save
it for tonight.
Marcus is taking me on
a horse-drawn wagon ride
at the Christmas tree farm.
Sounds romantic.
Sounds like we're gonna
freeze our butts off.
All the more reason to
snuggle up together.
Oh! I like the way you think!
Deck the halls with
boughs of holly ♪
Fa la la la la
la la la la ♪
Not too cold, are you?
Not at all.
It's beautiful here.
Not as beautiful as you.
Troll the ancient
Yuletide carol ♪
Fa la la la la
la la la la ♪
Um, after the ride,
I've got a bit of business to
take care of here at the farm.
- What kind of business?
- It's nothing.
It's just bank stuff.
Marcus!
Okay, you got me.
The truth is, it's a surprise.
For you.
And I promise you're
gonna love it.
You trust me?
Whoa-ho, up there!
Okey-doke, folks, that
is the end of the line!
Woo!
Now, we got some hot
chocolate waiting for you
by the gift shop,
and, oh, don't forget,
Christmas trees are now
available for pre-order.
Rowen!
Watch your step.
Thank you.
My lady.
Here. It'll warm you up.
Um, I'm gonna handle
that bit of business
that we talked about first.
But, when I get back
wanna grab some dinner?
I am starving.
Here.
Something sweet
to tide you over.
Thank you. I'll be right back.
Marcus.
We need to talk.
Not now, Gordon. I've
done what I can for you.
You're just gonna have
to be patient, okay?
Alright.
Dashing through the snow ♪
On a one-horse open sleigh ♪
O'er the fields we go ♪
Vy?
I need your help.
I'm trying to place
this special order
for this lovely lady,
and it's frozen.
Why does technology hate me?
This thing is ancient.
Here, let me try rebooting.
Jingle bells,
jingle bells ♪
Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪
In a one-horse
open sleigh, hey! ♪
Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪
Jingle all the way ♪
Let me guess.
You're here to apologize for
taking my coffee yesterday.
Not quite.
I'm actually here in
an official capacity.
Detective Sam Wilner.
- Oh, um
- What are you doing here?
Checking up on me or something?
I'm actually here about a case.
Could you give us a minute?
You got it.
Violet's last name
is Wilner too.
- She's my daughter.
- Right, yeah.
Should have put that
together sooner.
Uh, I'm Emily Lane.
It's nice to
officially meet you.
I wish it were under
better circumstances.
Are you familiar with a
man named Marcus Donavan?
Yeah, he's my friend
June's fiancé.
Why do you ask?
There was an incident at the
Chalmers Tree Farm last night.
Marcus is dead.
Uh
I can't I can't believe
it. How did you say he died?
I didn't.
Yeah, but you're
here investigating,
so you must suspect foul play.
"Under the Mistletoe."
This came from your
store, did it not?
Uh, yeah.
Don't know what it's doing
in an evidence bag, though.
This wrapper was found
next to Marcus's body.
The cookie was ingested
just prior to his death.
I'm sorry you're telling me
that my cookie killed Marcus?
I'm sorry, that was
taken out of context!
Our cookies are very
safe! Come again!
Did I hear you say someone died?
It doesn't concern you.
It does if there's a maniac
loose on the streets.
Do I look like final
girl material to you?
- Violet.
- Whatever.
I'll just get Emily to
tell me after you leave.
Sorry about that. Where was I?
You were explaining
that Marcus was poisoned
by one of my cookies.
Who said anything about poison?
What other way is there
for a cookie to kill a man?
I can't discuss the
details of the case.
Is this your entire stock?
No, I have a bunch
more boxes in the back.
Well, I'm gonna have
to take them with me,
if you're okay with that.
And if I'm not?
I'll come back with a
warrant and take them anyway.
Great, yeah, I'll go get
those packed up for you.
That's all of 'em.
Okay, thank you. I will, uh
get these back to you if I can.
See you after your shift, Vy.
Later, Dad.
Do you need some
help with that?
No, I got it, I think Um
- Actually, yes.
- Ah.
Thanks for your help, Ms. Lane.
It's just Emily.
Okay. Emily.
Bye, Sam.
I suspect
my perfectly ordinary life
just got more complicated.
But that's nothing
compared to the loss
my friend June must be feeling.
There was a
time I would have been curious
about a man leaving the home
of a dead man's fiancé,
but today I'm just here
to comfort a friend.
It's a veggie
casserole from Sue's.
She sends her condolences.
Those are nice.
They were from his
coworkers at the bank.
Marcus's supervisor
Trent delivered them.
They were close.
I saw him on his way out.
I thought I recognized him.
I have an account
at that branch.
I didn't know what
to say to him.
I just still can't believe
that Marcus is just gone.
I know. It's
just so unfair.
At the farm, you didn't
you didn't notice anything,
or anyone unusual?
No.
After the wagon ride,
Marcus said he had something
to take care of and
that he'd be right back.
When he didn't return, we
searched the grounds, and
- I'm sorry.
- No, no, no, don't be.
This is
impossible.
I should have asked
more questions.
Especially after
After what?
Marcus and I were
apart for three years.
We both dated other
people in that time.
But Marcus was seeing
someone till right before
we rekindled things.
Lizzy Klein.
What is she even
doing here, anyways?
No clue.
It's a coincidence.
Really, I mean
what are the odds?
I know it's not
your fault, but
Listen to me.
If there's one thing I
learned during our time apart,
it's that I don't want
to be with anyone else.
I love you.
Only you.
So
he brought his ex-girlfriend
along for the wagon ride?
No, no, it wasn't
like that at all.
They didn't even
talk to each other.
Let me make you some tea.
Don't you dare.
You go sit down.
I got it.
Oh, Sue, that
was delicious.
So glad you liked it.
I'll, um, bring
you both some pie.
Not for me, thanks.
I'm stuffed.
Same here.
I got way too many blueberries
and no room in my freezer.
Pie is happening.
Deal with it.
Guess we're having pie.
Oh, hey, before I forget,
tickets for the
Festival of Lights
go on sale this week.
Do you have a preference
for what night you wanna go?
Oh, we don't have to do that
this year if you're too busy.
What are you talking about?
It's a family tradition.
Yeah, but the light show
was always more Mom's thing.
What is it you say every year?
"I'd hate to get
that electric bill!"
Do I really sound like that?
Oh yeah, I nailed it.
Hey, I know things are
different this year,
but just 'cause it's
only the two of us,
it doesn't mean we can't do
all the fun holiday stuff
we usually do. Alright?
Absolutely.
Hi, boys.
Mama missed you.
Everyone knows
that when someone is killed,
the first person the
investigation will focus on
is the significant other.
Which means June is likely at
the top of Sam's suspect list.
But after spending
time with her,
really getting to know her,
I have to say, that just
doesn't sit well with me.
Which is why I can't
help but feel obligated
to temporarily fall
back on some old habits.
Hello, Lizzy Klein.
As I dug
into Lizzy Klein's past,
I admit, I made some
assumptions about her character.
Most of them revolved around a
jilted lover blind with envy.
This is why we shouldn't assume.
Good morning!
Hi, there.
Can I help you?
Yeah, I hope so.
Uh, I have a friend who's
moving into the area.
I'm just scouting out
childcare options.
You don't have any
spots available, do you?
We absolutely do.
I'm Lizzy.
I'm Emily. I own
"Under the Mistletoe."
Of course, the Christmas store.
I popped in when
you first opened.
Oh.
You said you're
here for a friend?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, she
just got a job at the bank
right down the
street from my shop.
Oh
I used to date someone
who works there.
I just learned he passed away.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Wait, was his name Marcus?
Yes, exactly.
We dated for a year, but we
broke up a few months ago.
Must have been hard.
I think it was inevitable.
We wanted different things.
Aw, you're expecting!
Oops.
It's getting harder to hide.
- Oh, I shouldn't pry.
- No, not at all.
It's nice to open up to someone.
I met someone new, and, well
things happen.
Wait, so did Marcus
know about
What am I doing? I am I am
such a busybody, I'm sorry!
It's okay.
That's what I meant when I said
we wanted different things.
- So you just went your own ways?
- Exactly.
Although I saw him at the
tree farm the other night,
and his new lady kept
giving me the evil eye.
Not that I can blame her.
You were there with
your new boyfriend?
Um
just me.
I'm considering
taking the kids there,
and I wanted to go myself
first to make sure it was safe.
Listen to me going
on about myself.
You wanna know
about the daycare.
I can already tell they're
in excellent hands.
My friend will be in touch.
I don't love lying
to people to get them talking,
but when it comes to her reason
for being on that wagon ride,
Lizzy is also playing fast
and loose with the truth.
Morning!
Oh Can I help
you with something?
Yeah, I was hoping to sign up
for one of the wagon rides.
I tried to do it online, but I
couldn't figure out how to
I got almost 60 years without
using a computer, young lady.
Ain't about to start now.
As for the wagon ride,
sorry, we're booked up
solid through Christmas.
Oh! I see.
Um, I'd heard that there
was a death on the property.
I thought maybe that
would hurt business.
Just just wanted
to show my support.
Well, that's kind
of you. Yeah.
We did have a few cancellations,
but those slots filled
up pretty quickly.
The families around here
have been coming forever.
I guess those folks
understand that
tragedy can strike anywhere.
It's very true.
I'm sorry, um
Are you okay?
Ah, I, uh, lost my footing
coming down off the wagon.
Anyway, you, uh, still want
your name on the waitlist,
my daughter Anna can set
you up in the gift shop.
Great, appreciate it.
I kind of
feel bad for the guy.
I know a blistering
hangover when I see one.
Wilner.
Yeah. Came in just now?
Okay, thanks for the heads up.
Pentobarbital?
Oh
Ah
This
is a boot scuff.
I think Marcus
climbed this tree,
which means he was likely
either hiding from someone
or spying on someone.
Where did you come from?
There's a shortcut through here
that leads up to
the gas station.
They sell sandwiches.
Oh, good to know.
I think I took a wrong turn
on the way to the gift shop.
Do you work here?
Goin' on 10 years.
Do you know what
that ribbon's for?
Yeah, that's so
customers can handpick
their own Christmas trees.
They put a ribbon around
it with their contact info,
and we, uh, hack it
and pack it for 'em.
Although I don't know
why that's there.
These trees aren't for sale.
No.
Ah, come on, I'll walk
you to the gift shop.
Great, thanks.
You must be Anna?
Your dad told me
to come find you.
Poor guy looked like
he was set to collapse.
Yeah, he runs himself ragged
trying to keep this
place together.
That's nice you can
be here to help.
Mmm, not as much as I'm needed.
I'm away at college
most of the week.
Oh, what's your major?
Agriculture.
My hope is to make the
farm more efficient.
Of course, Dad doesn't
exactly embrace change.
I suggested we go
green and he said,
"The trees are green enough."
- That's a pretty good line.
- Sure.
The first time you hear it.
So, how can I help you?
Uh, there was talk
of a waitlist.
Ah, yes, let me just check
our big, red computer here.
Did you have a date in mind?
Uh, you mind if I
just take a look?
- Have at 'er.
- Great.
What I'm
actually after here
is a comprehensive list
of names of everyone
who rode on that wagon with
Marcus the night he died,
which is kind of hard
to get with an audience.
Oh my gosh, I love this!
Make a great gift
for my riding club.
Do you have more of these?
Let me check the back.
- Found some!
- Oh, great!
Is that enough for you?
- Yeah, that'll do it.
- Great.
Emily!
What brings you out here?
Uh, just
picking out my tree.
The big one in your
shop's not enough?
Pssht. You can never have
too many Christmas trees.
Unless you have more than
five, then that's too many.
Hah.
Ah
I hear this place
is pretty popular.
You ever done the wagon rides?
Only every year.
Until recently.
But even after my
wife and I split up,
we'd still all come as a family.
Nice that you could
still do that together.
Yeah, we somehow managed
to stay on good terms.
Of course, the last
few times we came,
Violet barely looked
up from her phone.
Oh, well, the age when
nature doesn't hold a candle
to social media.
Exactly.
Well, I should
Yeah, I gotta also.
Okay.
There's something
in the air ♪
Joey Vaughan
Why can't I find you?
Whatcha workin'
on over there, Em?
Doing a search
of all the names of the people
who were on the wagon with
Marcus the night he died.
Just looking at cute cat videos.
Please tell me this isn't what
my 30s are gonna look like.
Hey.
Emily, are you busy?
- Emily!
- Oh, hi!
Your regular order?
Yes, but I will take
it to stay this time.
Brooke and her friends.
They take up a big
booth for two hours
and they only order water.
And then they wonder why
I have to raise my prices.
Emily!
Brooke Carmichael.
Come say hi!
The
neighbourhood alpha retailer.
I'm pretty sure she despises
me, but that hasn't stopped her
from trying to recruit me into
her book club/gossip circle.
Brooke. Ladies.
You know, one of these days,
you are gonna accept my invite
and join us, Emily.
We have a real steamy one
this month, don't we, girls?
Well, I do appreciate
a good bodice-buster,
but lately I've been on
more of a mystery kick.
You know, something
with a body count.
Oh! Well, we are
open to all genres.
Maybe we will let you
pick January's title.
I'll have to think about that.
Have a good one.
- Hey, Emily.
- Oh, hi, June!
I couldn't stay there while
the police tore my place apart.
Of course. Anything you need.
What are they even looking for?
I don't know.
They just said it was part of
a routine police investigation.
There's nothing "routine" about
tearing someone's life apart.
But if it helps them figure
out what happened to Marcus
it'll be worth it.
I miss him so much already.
I always loved him,
even in our time apart.
June.
You need to come with us.
Sam, not like
Ms. Lane, you have
to let me do my job.
It's okay,
Emily. I'll be fine.
June Hubble,
you are under arrest
for the murder of
Marcus Donavan.
You have the right
to remain silent.
Anything you say can and
will be used against you
in a court of law.
Emily. How can I help?
I would like to discuss
what happened at the diner.
You mean with June?
I mean with your
very public arrest
of an innocent woman, yes.
Have a seat. You
want some coffee?
No, I don't want
coffee. I want answers.
Why are you so convinced
she's innocent?
You said it yourself, you
only met her a short time ago.
For starters, I am a very
good judge of character.
I don't doubt that. What else?
Okay, during my first week here,
one of my cats had
a medical emergency.
I thought I wouldn't be able
to get him in to see anyone
till the next
morning, but somehow
I managed to get a
hold of June at home
and she insisted that
we come over right away.
Turns out, it was
a ruptured ulcer.
Doyle wouldn't have made
it through the night
if June hadn't acted so quickly.
She put his life
over her own needs.
That is who June Hubble is.
I'm glad your cat
pulled through.
That is your only takeaway?
June's arrest was justified.
Okay.
Well
you pretty much told me
that the cookie is poisoned,
so, what, you've got
eyewitnesses at the farm who
saw June give Marcus the cookie?
I can't answer that.
You were searching her home.
What were you looking for?
It doesn't concern you.
You were looking for
the poison, right?
And since you arrested
her immediately after,
you must have found it. So,
what kind of poison was it?
Are you seriously
asking me that?
I'm guessing it's not one
of the biggies like arsenic
or strychnine.
She wouldn't have
that lying around.
But, hey, maybe something a
little more related to her job,
like, um like, like
like the drug used
to euthanize animals.
What is that called again?
It's pento-something, right?
You're wasting your time.
Pento, pentobarbital.
Right?
I can't confirm that.
Oh, but your face just did!
You know what? I have
to get back to work,
but thank you for
coming by, Emily.
You got the wrong
person, Detective Wilner.
I understand
that Sam has to follow
departmental procedure,
but I've never been
one to sit back
and hope for a good outcome.
Not when I can
roll up my sleeves
and get the job done myself.
And in my experience,
the best way to get into
the mind of a criminal
is to consult one.
Every charming little town
has a dark underbelly,
if you know what to look for.
It's not the kind of thing
that's usually advertised
with a big sign
But lucky for me,
there are exceptions
to that rule.
That is real mahogany
and you picked my
pocket on the price!
Okay, now, you don't tell
anybody you caught me
in a moment of weakness, okay?
Hi, Ray.
Emily!
Make yourself comfortable.
Now
If you're here about
that, uh, special order
you placed last month,
it hasn't arrived yet.
In fact, it was, um,
rather tough to source, hm?
But, uh, I'll give
you a good discount
if you finally tell me how you
found out about my
little side business.
Game recognizes game.
I love that answer.
It doesn't tell me
anything, but I love it.
I need some information, Ray.
Sure. Usual terms, of course?
Yeah, just add it to my account.
Do you know anyone local
named Joey Vaughan?
I know a couple of
Vaughans, but "Joey"?
I don't think so, why?
- You heard about Marcus Donavan?
- Oof, poor guy.
Yeah, I knew him a little.
Was he into anything shady?
Not as far as I know.
I have heard that some drunk
was mouthing off about him
at an underground poker
game recently, though.
You know, uh, Gordon Chalmers?
Uh, the guy that owns the
Christmas tree farm, right?
Hm, yeah, that's him.
Apparently Marcus turned
him down for a bank loan.
Yeah, his daughter mentioned
that the farm was
struggling financially.
That is the least
of his worries.
I mean, that guy is up to
his neck in gambling debts
to dangerous people.
So, Marcus turned Gordon down
for a loan, and days later,
he's found poisoned
on Gordon's property?
Hmm.
I don't suppose you'd consider
sharing this with the police?
Well, don't even joke about it!
I mean, do you know how fast
my sources would dry up?
Don't worry, Ray. Your
secret's safe with me.
Oh, I'm glad to
hear you say that,
because taking
care of each other,
that's how people
like us survive.
See ya 'round.
Joey Vaughan
I'm not surprised to
hear about the drinking.
It's the gambling I
find more troubling.
Who did you say told you this?
Uh, no one in particular.
Just overheard a
conversation at the diner.
Right.
Well, I appreciate you
bringing it to my attention.
You gotta admit, this does
make Gordon a credible suspect.
Why, because he was
turned down for a loan?
I mean, it's not
exactly a smoking gun,
but you'll look into it, right?
Was there anything else?
Yes, actually.
I would like to come
and visit June tonight.
Uh, that's not a good idea.
I could always go through
her lawyer, if you prefer.
Or you could just be a
nice guy and help me out?
I will
see what I can do.
See?
I told you I was an
excellent judge of character.
It doesn't matter
what happens to me.
I don't even care anymore.
That's just your grief talking.
I promise this will all
be behind you so soon.
I was wondering
how well did Marcus
know Gordon Chalmers?
They had a bank relationship.
There was an argument
over a bank loan,
but Marcus cleared the
air pretty quickly.
They were thick as
thieves after that.
What's this about, Emily?
I'm just trying to
understand Marcus better.
He was a complicated
guy behind that smile.
All I know is that I saw
a real change in him.
He was less interested in work,
and I became the main
focus of his attention.
That's what won me back.
And then someone took
him away from me.
There
are certain muscles
I haven't stretched
for a while
but I'm hopeful that I haven't
completely lost my touch
in the time that I've been here.
Still got it.
Despite
getting back together,
Marcus and June still
have separate homes.
And what better way to learn
more about Marcus's death
than to see how he lived?
I can tell the police have
been through here already,
probably for the same
reason I'm here now:
to learn more about Marcus.
Interesting bedtime reading.
I've seen a lot
of things used as bookmarks
in my day
but this is a new one.
Strange.
I haven't seen any
other toys in the house.
People who display collectibles
typically don't stop at one.
Unless
it has a more
practical application.
Well, hello.
Forensics
already did a sweep,
but I wanna go through every
inch of this place again, so
why don't you take
the front here,
and I'll start at the back?
Yeah.
That was
way too close for comfort.
Okay,
let's see what we've got.
Oh, boy.
Gonna be a long night.
Marcus was even more
organized than I imagined.
I could learn
something from him.
He kept a digital copy
of every bank form,
loan application,
and lunch order
that ever crossed his desk.
Oh
Wait a second.
No freakin' way.
What were you up to, Marcus?
You really clean
every decoration on this tree
once a month?
Of course.
Christmas is all
about the sparkle.
Dust is the enemy of sparkle.
So it's not just a gimmick.
You're really cuckoo
for Christmas, huh?
You better believe it.
What about you?
Sure.
It's the one time of
year when my mom and dad
would spend time together
after their divorce.
They'd go out of their
way to do all of these
holiday activities with me.
It was pretty special.
You don't do it anymore?
My mom took a new job
in the city last spring.
This is our first holiday apart.
- I'm sorry.
- It's not that bad.
I'm gonna go spend
a few days with her.
But my dad's being a
little weird about it.
It's like he thinks he
needs to personally make up
for the fact she's not here.
What about you?
What kind of family stuff
did you do at Christmas?
You know
My family situation was
a little different.
I sense you don't
wanna talk about it.
That's cool. We can
change the subject.
What are you up to after work?
Oh, big plans.
Gotta get to the bank
before it closes.
I got some business
to take care of.
You lead a very
exciting life, huh?
I wasn't
totally honest with Violet.
While I do have business
here, it's not with the bank
so much as a specific banker:
Trent Hadley, Marcus's
friend and boss.
My hope is that Trent is
the kind of guy Marcus
would confide in,
including any secrets
he may have been
keeping from June.
Well, as far as a loan
goes, I don't see any issues
from the bank's perspectives.
Uh, when were you thinking
your store renovation?
I was hoping early
in the new year.
I've been talking to
Marcus about it
before he passed.
Um, just just to clarify,
you are his direct
supervisor, right?
Correct, although I never
really got used to that.
Really? Why is that?
He and I came up through
the ranks together.
It's only recently I was
promoted ahead of him.
I'm still processing.
I'm so sorry.
You were close?
Not always.
In the early days, when we
were both young and hungry,
we were basically rivals.
But at some point, competition
turned to friendship.
I owe him, big time.
For what?
Marcus was offered
this promotion first.
When he turned it down,
he opened the door for me.
I can't imagine it
was an easy decision
to turn down a promotion.
It wasn't just the promotion.
It was his whole career.
He actually gave his notice.
- He had something else lined up?
- Yeah.
His marriage.
He said he wanted to devote
all his attention towards June.
He didn't want to make
the same mistakes.
That's really sweet.
Sounds like he had
some big plans.
Big expensive plans.
Like I told the police
when they asked,
I love the guy, but he was
making some strange decisions.
Like withdrawing the bulk
of his savings in cash.
You know how much interest
he lost doing that?
Sorry, uh, let's
get back to you.
So, are you a baseball fan?
- Oh, yeah.
- Yeah?
Yeah, collecting memorabilia
is kind of a hobby.
Some of them are even
signed. Check it out.
Arky Vaughan when he played for
the Brooklyn Dodgers in '42.
Arky!
That's an interesting name.
Oh, a nickname. His
real name is Joseph.
Joseph.
Joey Vaughan.
Exactly.
One of the top
shortstops of his era.
So, let's talk numbers.
I came
here for answers,
but I'm left with
a new question:
why would Trent
leave a fake name
in the reservation
log at the tree farm?
There's really only two answers:
he wanted to stay anonymous,
or he was trying to
cover his tracks.
- Okay, alright.
- Yeah, I'll see you guys later.
See you later, yeah.
Hi.
Well played, universe.
I did not see that coming.
I'm still
processing the fact
that Marcus's friend Trent
is Lizzy's baby-daddy.
I wonder if Marcus had any idea.
But before I go down that
particular rabbit hole,
there's still the
question of the contract
I found on Marcus's thumb drive.
They seem nice.
Hello? Gordon?
Whoa, whoa, not so loud.
You're making Shadow nervous.
Sorry.
She lashes out when
she gets scared.
It's a good way to get hurt.
Sorry.
I just saw the hired
muscle racing outta here.
I thought maybe you'd
had some trouble.
Don't know what you mean. I
haven't talked to anybody.
Mind that wood, it's rotting.
Whole place is on its last legs.
Had farm animals come through
the floor of the loft last year.
Had to stop using it.
Anyway, what was it you,
uh, you needed, exactly?
Uh, right, no, I wanted
to show you something.
Um
Do you recognize this?
Where did you get this?
Just found it in some
of Marcus's belongings
when I was helping June pack up.
It looks genuine.
You know, I don't wanna
trouble you with it.
I could just show it to
Anna. I'm sure she could
Yeah, yeah, no, I
don't wanna upset her.
Anyway, it doesn't matter.
The contract was never signed.
So the deal died with Marcus?
Before that, even.
Marcus pumped the brakes
on the deal himself.
He said he needed
a little more time.
I'm sure he had his reasons.
Wedding expenses, maybe?
Well, whatever it was,
paper's worthless now.
So you're keeping
the farm, then?
I was gonna ask June Hubble
if she'd honour the deal.
She come by here the
other day, only I was
under the weather.
Anyway, I think she's got, uh,
more important things
to worry about now.
I still can't believe June
would do something like that.
Well, I guess you
never really do know
what's going through
people's minds, do you?
By the way, this is
not what you think.
I lost this a
couple of days ago.
Found it in the straw while
I was muckin' out the stalls.
Must have put it down
and forgot about it.
- Hmm. Happens.
- Yeah, well
More and more, it seems.
Gettin' old sucks, kid.
I don't recommend it.
Take care of yourself, Gordon.
Yeah, you, uh you too.
Rowen, you know we
don't want to do this, okay?
It's just the farm is
struggling right now.
Ridiculous.
Rowen.
Is everything okay?
Just some
frustration bubbling over.
I asked my dad to
cut back the hours
of some of our senior employees.
I guess Rowen didn't
take it so well.
I don't blame him.
He's been here a long
time. He deserves better.
Oh!
That's strange.
Dad would never let Shadow
out of the stalls unattended.
Shadow's loose!
Somebody get her! Help!
Oh, no! Dad!
- Is he breathing?
- He's breathing.
Okay
Yeah, I need an ambulance
at the Chalmers Tree
Farm right away!
Dad, wake up
We just found
him. He's unconscious.
He's still breathing.
Please, wake up, Dad.
Please, wake up!
Come on, Dad, wake up!
Detective Wilner?
An emergency call just came in
from the Christmas tree farm.
It sounds like Gordon
Chalmers has been poisoned.
What? Who called it in?
Someone named Emily.
Have yourself a merry
little Christmas ♪
Let your heart be light ♪
Yeah. Yeah, yeah,
yeah, I can hear them now.
Okay. Okay.
Alright, they're almost here.
- Okay.
- Yeah.
There's nothing
worse than a nightmare
so intense that even
after you're awake
you can't be sure
it wasn't real.
Have yourself a merry
little Christmas ♪
Make the Yuletide gay ♪
Next year all our troubles
will be miles away ♪