Original subtitles

[gasps]

EMILY (V.O.): There's nothing worse than a nightmare

so intense that even after you're awake,

you can't be sure it wasn't real.

[Emily exhales]

[cats meowing]

-Good morning, boys!

Mama loves you. Yes, I do.

♪

♪

♪

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

EMILY (V.O.): ...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.

SUE: That was the end of the pot.

Grab a seat. I'll brew you another.

[1940s band music]

EMILY (V.O.): 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?

-[chuckles]

And... that's a wrap! Here you go.

-Thank you. It's perfect.

-VIOLET: 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!

[cat meows]

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

JUNE: 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! -[cat meows]

JUNE: If anything changes, you call me right away.

I don't care if I'm, uh...

walking down the aisle?

-No! [gasps]

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!

[chuckles]

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa la la la la la la la la... ♪

[laughter and chatter]

MARCUS: Not too cold, are you?

JUNE: 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?

GORDON: Whoa-ho, up there!

Okey-doke, folks, that is the end of the line!

Woo!

[people clapping]

GORDON: 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.

MARCUS: 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.

♪

GORDON: 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.

[bright, jazzy Christmas music]

♪ 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... ♪

[door bells jingling]

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh, hey! ♪

♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way... ♪

EMILY: 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.

♪

[theme music]

EMILY: 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.

[sighs]

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.

♪

[door bells jingling]

-Do you... need some help with that?

-No, I got it, I think... Um...

[door bells jingling]

-Actually, yes. -Ah.

[door bells jingling]

-Thanks for your help, Ms. Lane.

-It's just Emily.

-Okay. Emily.

-Bye, Sam.

♪

♪

[door bells jingling]

EMILY (V.O.): I suspect my perfectly ordinary life

just got more complicated.

But that's nothing compared to the loss

my friend June must be feeling.

♪

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

[sighs]

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...

[June screams]

-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?

MARCUS: 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.

EMILY: 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.

SAM: 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.

[order bell dings in background]

-[cats meowing] -Hi, boys.

-[sighs] -[cats meowing]

-Mama missed you.

[cats meowing]

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

[computer chimes]

[keyboard clicking]

♪

-Hello, Lizzy Kleiein.

EMILY (V.O.): 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!

LIZZY: 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... [sighs]

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.

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

EMILY (V.O.): I kind of feel bad for the guy.

I know a blistering hangover when I see one.

[intriguing music]

♪

♪

♪

♪

[phone ringing]

-Wilner.

Yeah. Came in just now?

Okay, thanks for the heads up.

Pentobarbital?

Oh...

[intriguing music]

♪

♪

♪

♪

EMILY: Ah...

♪

EMILY (V.O.): This is a boot scuff.

I think Marcus climbed this tree,

which means he was likely either hiding from someone...

or spying on someone.

♪

♪

♪

♪

[shutter clicks]

-[gasps]

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.

[mysterious music]

♪

[door opens]

-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.

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

♪

♪

[shutter clicks]

-Found some! -Oh, great!

-Is that enough for you?

-Yeah, that'll do it. -Great.

SAM: 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.

[mysterious music]

♪

[cheerful Christmas music]

♪ There's something in the air... ♪

EMILY (V.O.): Joey Vaughan...

Why can't I find you?

-Whatcha workin' on over there, Em?

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

[phone buzzing]

-Hey.

JUNE: [phone] Emily, are you busy?

-Emily! -Oh, hi!

-Your regular order?

-Yes, but I will take it to stay this time.

[laughter]

SUE: 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.

BROOKE: Emily!

EMILY (V.O.): Brooke Carmichael.

BROOKE: Come say hi!

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

-[laughs awkwardly]

JUNE: Hey, Emily. 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.

[police radio chatter]

SAM: June.

You need to come with us.

-Sam, not like--

-Ms. Lane, you have to let me do my job.

JUNE: It's okay, Emily. I'll be fine.

SAM: 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.

♪

[knock at door]

SAM: 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?

-[sighs]

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.

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

RAY: 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?

EMILY: 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.

-[chuckles] 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.

-[quietly] Joey Vaughan...

SAM: 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?

EMILY: 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?

-[sighs] I will see what I can do.

-See?

I told you I was an excellent judge of character.

♪

-[chuckles]

JUNE: 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.

[dog barking in distance]

♪

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

[lock clicks]

♪

-Still got it.

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

♪

♪

EMILY (V.O.): I've seen a lot of things used as bookmarks

in my day...

but this is a new one.

♪

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

♪

-[exhales] Well, hello.

[front door opens]

[police radio beeps]

SAM: 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.

[suspenseful music]

-Yeah.

♪

♪

[suspenseful music]

♪

[floor creaks]

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

♪

EMILY (V.O.): That was way too close for comfort.

-[exhales]

♪

EMILY (V.O.): Okay, let's see what we've got.

♪

♪

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

[intriguing music]

♪

♪

♪

♪

-Oh...

Wait a second.

No freakin' way.

What were you up to, Marcus?

VIOLET: 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?

-[chuckles]

EMILY (V.O.): 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. -[chuckles]

-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.

EMILY (V.O.): 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.

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.

[unsettling music]

♪

♪

♪

-They seem nice.

[car driving away]

-Hello? Gordon? -[horse whinnies]

-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.

[horse snorts]

-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.

[horse snorts]

ANNA: Rowen, you know we don't want to do this, okay?

It's just the farm is struggling right now.

ROWEN: Ridiculous.

ANNA: Rowen.

EMILY: Is everything okay?

ANNA: 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.

[horse neighs]

EMILY: Oh!

ANNA: That's strange.

Dad would never let Shadow out of the stalls unattended.

ROWEN: 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!

ANNA: Dad, wake up...

EMILY: We just found him. He's unconscious.

He's still breathing.

-Please, wake up, Dad.

Please, wake up!

Come on, Dad, wake up!

OFFICER: 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... ♪

EMILY: Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I can hear them now.

[sirens approaching]

EMILY: Okay. Okay.

Alright, they're almost here.

-Okay. -Yeah.

[sirens approaching]

EMILY (V.O.): 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 ♪

[sirens in distance]

♪ Next year all our troubles will be miles away... ♪

[countdown beeping]

[explosion]

♪

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