Original subtitles

Oh, boy.

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus Lane.

Fixin' and blixin' and all his reindeer's pullin' on the reins.

They'll sing and children sing and all is merry and bright.

Excuse me, wait.

Oh, of course. Thank you. Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,

down Santa Claus Lane.

He's got a bag that's filled with toys for boys and girls again.

Hear those sleigh bells jingle, jangle. Oh, what a beautiful sight.

So jump in bed and cover your head, cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Well, is this the business or what?

You actually look quite sexy as Santa.

Oh, I should hope that it is Claus.

Oh, Santa.

Now, that's a little ride on my sleigh.

Ah, cheers, baby.

Yeah, so this is the actual outfit that I wore in the Christmas video.

I mean, most people didn't know who I was. It was just a bit of a cameo for a

laugh, you know. So, does it bother you it never got to number one back in the

day? No chance.

I made shedlugs out of writing that song. I mean, it's the Christmas gift

keeps on giving.

I mean, it was never really about the charts or the record sales.

The biggest buzz I gave hearing it being played over the radio every Christmas

or over a supermarket tannoy or somebody banging it out on a karaoke, you know

what I mean?

A Christmas paradise in the sun.

For me and you Uh -oh, uh -oh, uh -oh My Christmas

paradise is you Uh -oh, uh -oh, uh -oh He

has really made an effort with his outfit.

Oh, Stuart, it's nothing if not committed.

At least he's not out of tune like others I can mention.

Can you send me the sales figures for the last quarter, please?

How you doing, Mr. Connell?

You fancy having a go?

Oh, not sure it's quite my scene.

Still working?

You're supposed to be on holiday.

What about a rum punch to loosen you up, eh?

Or maybe I'll just leave you to it.

mind you.

Bed.

Yeah,

Kaz, I swear, he's sound asleep, in bed, eight o 'clock, on the dot, just like

you said. Excuse me, you haven't seen a small boy, brown hair, freckles, playing

with some other kids, have you?

I think they're down on the beach.

Yeah, Kaz, I promise you, I have not lost our son.

Kaz?

Kaz?

You down there, mate?

Dad?

It's bedtime.

The other kids are staying up.

Yeah, well, their parents haven't got your mum on their back, have they?

Please let me stay up.

Look, you don't want to blow it with Santa after you've been so good this

right? Come on.

Let's go.

Yep. Yes, Cass. Yeah, I promise you'll be in bed within five minutes.

Give him up for Stuart, everyone!

It's still time for you to get your aneum down if you want to sing.

But right now, we're going to do Christmas Caribbean style.

Oh, my gosh, you're so good, you're brilliant.

Sweaty buckets in this. I might go get changed. I told you to be too hot, you

big idiot.

You can't call Father Christmas an idiot.

Cheers, Guy.

Hey, let me know about the transmission, yeah?

Hi there.

Excuse me.

Who's the dead man on the beach?

Dad?

We've got a body at the Paradise Bay Hotel.

All right, Darlene.

I'm on my way.

Commissioner, you've heard.

Yes.

I thought we could head over there together.

How are we going to do this, sir?

Without a replacement for D .I. Parker yet.

There's no local senior detective available.

So I put in a call to London requesting a day I be sent over as soon as

possible.

Did they tell you how long it will take for someone to get here? No. But with

the Christmas holidays upon us, it won't be any time soon.

So, what do we have?

The victim is Stuart Forwell.

Here on a Christmas break with his fiancée.

He got dressed up to go to the bar for a drink last night.

Half past nine, he headed back to his bedroom to get changed.

Wasn't seen again until his body was spotted by one of the other guests.

Excuse me.

Okay. Commissioner Patterson speaking.

Commissioner Patterson, it's Marcus from Resources and Staffing. Some good news

for you. We checked our records and it turns out we already have a detective

there.

Here?

On the island?

Yeah, I'm at the airport now.

If I can actually get out the taxi.

Listen, mate.

I don't want to say it's been the holiday from hell.

But it's not far off.

No, no, the... No, the people are nice enough, but... It's like everything

moves at half the normal speed.

Seriously, it's like stepping back in time.

Excuse me.

The important thing is I managed to change my flight.

Yeah.

Of course it cost me extra, but worth it if it gets me out of here, right?

Hello?

Great.

You still there?

Yeah, that's the other thing. The signal out here is terrible.

God knows how they manage.

Listen, I'm calling the gov the second I land, mate.

Let him know I'm returning early.

What? Hang on, mate.

That's funny. That's him calling now.

Listen, let's grab a beer when I get back, all right?

Yeah, see ya.

Gov, I was just talking about you.

Yeah, yeah, I am in San Marie now, but I'm... Me?

Listen, Gov, I would love to, but the thing is I'm actually leaving early.

Can't someone else do it?

But I'm actually on the plane right now. It's literally about to take off.

Come on, Gov. You're not here to get off the plane now, are you?

Yeah, no, it's all good, Gov.

Like you said, hopefully it'll be done and dusted and I'll be home in no time.

OK.

Unbelievable. Come on, Ollie.

Don't be shy. Tell him what you saw.

So you're a sheriff?

Me? No, I work for the local council.

Oh, sorry, him, yes, yes. He loves cowboys, all that stuff.

We're kind of like sheriffs.

See?

And you want to help the good guys, right?

You were asleep, weren't you, bud?

Yeah. There was a bang outside like a gun, so I went onto the balcony.

I saw this man. He looked hurt. He fell back, didn't move again.

And was anyone else there?

Someone ran away, but I couldn't see who it was, so I went downstairs to the

reception. There was a dead man on the beach.

Do we know what time this was?

Darlene checked the security camera footage and it was 17 minutes past 10

Ollie appeared.

It only takes a couple of minutes to get to reception.

That means the shooting must have happened about 10 .15.

Miss Reed, can you think of any reason as to why someone would want to do this

to your fiancé?

No.

We've only been here for a few days. We don't know anyone.

Excuse me.

Hi. I didn't want to say anything in there because it might be nothing, but

about Miss Reed.

Yesterday afternoon, I overheard her on the phone to her friend.

I don't know what to do, Ali.

Yeah, but I just want it all to go away.

She was in a state.

What am I going to do?

Saying she didn't want to be with her fiancé anymore, but she didn't know how

end it.

I just thought I should mention it.

Thank you.

Shall I go speak with her, sir?

Who's that, Curtis?

Commissioner, we've had another murder called in.

Only, the thing is, this one is also dressed as Santa Claus.

Yeah, I know I checked out this morning.

But now I need my room back again.

Yeah, well, believe me, we all get thrown curveballs from time to time.

Listen,

you got my number, yeah?

Well, just call me or text me if there's a problem.

OK? OK? Thank you. Thank you.

Commissioner Peterson.

Patterson.

Patterson? Yeah.

Oh, must have misheard.

The signal, Randy, was well dodgy.

This is Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas.

Inspector? There isn't anywhere, Randy, I can get a takeaway coffee, is there?

Actually, you know what?

Forget that stupid question.

Let's go and see this dead Santa of yours, yeah?

Right.

Well, this is a first.

And the other guy, the other Santa, he was shot as well?

Both in the chest.

We've asked the lab to prioritize comparing both bullets once they've been

recovered. But the likelihood is the same person shot both of them?

Inspector Officer Darlene Curtis.

A pleasure to meet you, sir.

And you.

Our second victim's name is Tony Hurst. And get this, he's a songwriter.

He only went and wrote my favorite Christmas song ever, A Christmas

Bit of a legend, then.

There's a framed platinum disc on the wall.

So, what do you make of it, Inspector?

Inspector?

Inspector?

Where's he gone?

Inspector!

Clubs.

I want to see what gift

That Santa is holding in his hands. His hand?

Pen.

Tell.

I once chased a Santa Claus down Oxford Street.

Shoplifting.

The department store staff thought he worked in the grotto.

But he was just some bloke in a Santa outfit.

Talk about hiding in plain sight.

Do you think the killer has something he wanted us to see?

Please.

Don't do this.

I'm begging you.

You don't have to do this. Just tell me what it is you want and we can start it

out.

Sir, look.

10 .15.

The same time our first victim was shot.

For real?

If both murders happened at the same time, then we're dealing with two

killers. Who seemingly agreed to kill their victims the exact same time, in

exact same manner, wearing the exact same costumes.

Interesting.

I... Just wanted to say that we appreciate you agreeing to stay on the

and help us with the investigation.

Inspector?

Sorry, where are we now?

A police station.

That's a police station.

Oh, that is the police station.

Right.

You're used to somewhere bigger?

Well, kind of.

And the team?

It's not just the two of them, is it? There is another uniformed officer,

Dwayne, but he's taken his Christmas holidays early.

Yeah, I'm sure he's earned it.

You do still have air con in there, though, right?

Excuse me, Commissioner.

The press are wondering when there's going to be a statement made.

There's already been talk of there being a Santa serial killer.

So who's your media and comms liaison officer?

We don't have one of them either.

Inspector, we are a small island with a small team, a small budget. The sooner

you get used to that fact, the better.

Tell them I'll make a statement in due course.

Okay, sir.

Commissioner.

I've updated Miss Reed on our second murder, and we're struggling to find any

link between her fiancé and Tony Hearst.

I swear, Sue never met this guy.

We've checked Mr.

Folwell's texts, call register, e -mails, checked his bank account,

only thing we do have... ..is this.

D .S. Thomas mentioned about what Tony Hearst did, about how he wrote that

A Christmas Paradise, and...

This was last night at the party.

But we think it must be a coincidence.

So what's this I hear about you not wanting to marry your fiancé?

What? Sorry, who are you?

D .I. Mervyn Wilson.

Nice to meet you. So apparently a witness heard you saying you wanted to

things with Mr. Falwell, but didn't know how to? That's right, isn't it?

It is.

So come on then, what's the deal?

Do you like to speak to me like that?

Is it true?

I just, I wanted it so much.

You know, to be married and to have kids like everyone else. I just do what I

always do and stayed with someone for the wrong reasons.

So you didn't love him, you just convinced yourself you did?

Yes.

That's why I had to call my friend because I didn't know what to do.

You know, calling off the wedding, that was so huge and disappointed my family.

Again, another relationship down the drain and it all got too much.

And now all that's gone away?

What? No.

No, I didn't. I wouldn't. That is not what happened.

Commissioner, Inspector Saj, the lab's just called.

There's something you might want to know.

Sorry, that again?

The bullets recovered from both victims' bodies have been compared.

And stress marks indicate they were fired from the same gun.

But that can't be. Both victims were shot at the same time.

How can the same gun be used in two separate murders who committed it the

same time miles apart from each other?

I don't know, but that is what the lab is saying.

It's over.

Do it, you stupid idiot.

I feel I ought to say, on behalf of the rest of the island, this really isn't

one of our better hotels.

In fact, I wouldn't go as far as to say it's possibly the worst.

Well, let's hope so, eh?

I'm still trying to work out what this one star is for.

If you start to tire of this chance, there is somewhere we can go.

Good to know.

Anyway... If you don't mind me asking, how did you end up here?

I was all a bit last minute, really.

And this was the only place that still had a room.

I guess with it being Christmas.

I meant, um... St. Mary's.

Oh, right.

A mate recommended it.

I see.

Yeah, no other reason than that, really.

But you haven't warmed to the island.

You couldn't feel in it, you know?

I'm in some places you take to and some you don't, right?

Oh. And that's why you decided to leave us.

Mm -hm.

Sorry,

got to get a bit.

Hello? Oh, hi. Is that Mr. Wilson?

Speaking. Hi, Mr. Wilson.

It's Angelique from Kariba Car Hire.

Just to say we dropped your car off and left the keys with reception.

It's the same one you had the last few days. The blue one.

Okay.

Thanks very much. Cheers.

Is that the police?

My name is Brianna Clementson.

I saw the news this evening about the two murders

I think I know who the killer might be.

No, I don't know his name, but I got the registration number.

It really is the season.

Old man.

Have a look at this.

Old man.

Oh, God. Where he gone now?

Good morning,

Bertries Winton.

Hope you'll make it this evening.

Good morning,

Duane.

You coming to the Christmas fair?

No, sorry, Catherine.

Me and my father are going out on the boat, and we won't be back till Boxing

Day.

I wonder if the commissioner might have got you working on this double murder

case. Why?

What did he say? It was him who signed off on my holiday, you know. And as far

as I'm concerned, that's legally binding.

I haven't seen Selwyn.

I just know they're very busy.

Well, I've made plans to go fishing with my father, and that's what we are

doing, if I can find him.

Oh, he's over there, talking with Tyrus.

Tyrus, that toe rag is shadier than a palm tree at high noon.

Excuse me, Catherine.

How's this, you?

An extra five dollars?

Me throwing a box of crack on.

Me talking luxury brand.

Hey, what's going on here with you two? You all right, son?

No. Officer Myers, always a pleasure.

Pleasure? You still owe my auntie Delilah a refund for that old drop -down

rickety radio you sold her?

She didn't get a peep out of it.

Well, if she have the receipt, me me glad to exchange it. But me nah do

You don't do receipts either, so go figure that.

And now you trying to fleece my father?

Just some Christmas supplies, Dwayne.

A couple of bottles of rum, some cigars, so we can enjoy ourselves.

Right.

It's bootleg.

Really?

Now you give him back his money?

or I'm going to arrest you for selling counterfeit goods.

Your choice.

And a Merry Christmas to the both of you. And a Happy New Year to you.

Why are you dressed like that, anyway?

I'm just in the news.

What? No.

Me TV don't work. Why?

Then try reading a newspaper, then. And you.

You didn't even tell me you were going.

Ah, Dad.

Come on. Stop it. I'm all right.

Your hands on.

Let me see that for a second.

I tell you, the island is really shaken up by these murders.

And I have a list as long as my arm of people think that they know who the

murderer is.

I wouldn't be surprised if Santa himself doesn't make an appearance at some

point.

They're in early, sir.

We've got another one.

I was heading home after work.

That was the night before last, when the other shootings happened.

No problem.

May I have it all lined up? I just need this started before Christmas.

Tell her what time it was.

10 .15, I remember noticing.

And any reason why you were... are... dressed...

like this?

Me own a stall down the Arba.

Always life is spruce myself up this time of year.

Get the people in the spirit.

Too much gloom in the world, right?

So what exactly happened?

Heard some movement over there.

Somebody there?

Then?

First shot meets me.

Second one clip me.

Man have to get out the way before the turn.

And then what?

The car came round the bend.

Reckon they spoke to whoever was shooting at me.

I saw them running off.

Okay, Tyrus.

It's been two days, man.

Why are you only reporting this now?

And... Don't go thinking you can fob me off.

I'm not as easygoing as this lot.

You see, in my experience, people tend not to keep quiet about being shot

they've got something to hide themselves.

Well, I might owe a local money if you get me.

So at first I thought it was someone giving me a scare, a warning, you know.

But then I read about the other shooting.

Inspector, I've located one of the bullets.

I'll get it down to the lab and then I'll keep looking.

But what if whoever did this, what if they're still out there?

What if they want to finish off what they started?

Is my life still in danger?

He's right.

I mean, how can we know for certain they won't come back and try again?

But how are we expected to do that, sir?

We're spread thin enough as it is.

So, old man, what do you reckon?

Some fishing and then a beer?

Or a beer and then some fishing?

Definitely the second option.

Yes, sir.

So, this is the life, huh?

You, me, and the sea.

Yeah.

Lady Honoré.

Lady Honoré, this is the Coast Guard calling.

You receive.

Wesley.

You there, Dwayne?

Everything all right, Wesley?

Not for you, it isn't. I've got Commissioner Patterson here. He needs to

with you.

It's okay.

I can take care of myself.

Nelson, honey?

Don't you worry about that.

You can come and stay with me and my aunties.

As long as you don't mind spending time in a house full of women.

I don't mind at all.

Dwayne, come on. We need to get going.

We may contact and update you as and when.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

I'm spending Christmas in a house full of women.

Catherine.

Oh. Ready for the Christmas fair this evening? We're ready.

But whether it should still go ahead, I don't know.

You're not going to cancel? People are nervous, scared.

Then perhaps a few familiar faces might offer some reassurance.

You really feel good in orbit, sir.

You know what? As quaint as that looks, I'll just stay here and...

Commissioner,

I called Darlene. She's on her way home.

And the inspector?

He's building up to it.

Commissioner?

It's Brianna Clemerson.

You probably don't remember me, but we've crossed paths at church a couple

times. Yes, of course.

I wondered if you had a moment.

I spoke with one of your officers about the two murders last night.

But I know how busy you all are.

There's someone I think you'll need to be considering as a suspect. Let's go

find somewhere quiet to talk.

Imagine that.

Of all the people I get to spend Christmas with, Tyra's the tea leafy

Oh, you think I'm true about this?

Take a look at the sleeping arrangement.

So where you sleeping?

Inna the bed.

I think we should take turns on the sofa.

What sofa?

There's no way on earth I'm sharing that tiny thing with you.

Dwayne, I know it's not the Christmas you wanted.

Seriously?

You need to stop being such a baby about it. It's obviously used to a more

cosmopolitan environment than here.

Is that the eye -fancy pants you're talking about?

Naomi was just saying he can be a little frank in his opinion.

Plain rude is what he is.

Honestly, he makes another comment about how nothing out here works properly.

I swear I'm going to get the pepper spray out.

Serious? I just keep telling myself it's just one kiss, and then he'll be gone.

What?

Okay, thank you.

Inspector, let me introduce you to Catherine. She's our town mayor and owns

best bar on the island.

All right.

So nice of you. That was a laugh on the phone. The third bullet is a match for

the other two, which means we're deaf and up. All three victims were shot by

same gun at the same time in three separate locations.

So riddle me that, dear Thomas.

Excuse me, I'm a host this evening.

A pleasure meeting you, Mervyn.

Thank you to the Honorary Town Steel Band.

And now, a very special treat for us all.

Singers from St. Xavier's Church.

And this man who has been parking on your street?

Lurking. Why do you think he's a possible suspect for the recent murders?

Because of the house he's parked outside.

All Mr. Blanchard lives there. And he works at a Father Christmas for the

at the supermarket up in Port Royal.

Can you give me a description of the man you've seen on your road? Yes, he's...

right there that's him that man over there in the green

hat he's the one who has been committing these murders i promise

what's

going on i think they're saying that you're the kilo sir

This is crazy.

You don't actually believe her, do you? Of course not.

But I do need to know why you were hanging around this street.

Unless you deny it.

Look, it's not illegal, is it?

And I'm not actually breaking any laws, so what's the big deal?

This is a small island, Inspector.

People talk.

And the last thing I need is them talking about you as a suspect in our

case. This is ridiculous, all right?

I mean, it's nobody's business what I was doing here, including yours, with

respect. So if you don't mind, Inspector.

And with equal respect, I'm afraid to say it is my business, as your senior

officer, heading up an investigation in which your name has gone under the

spotlight. I have every right to insist.

You explain yourself.

Inspector.

Please.

Tell me.

Well, I, um... I, um...

I think...

I think that's my mother's house.

Sorry.

My mum lives there.

I think.

Well,

I mean, I'm sure she does, but without actually knocking on the door and

I can't be 100%. I've never met her.

Yet.

Ever.

So... that's why you came out here.

And that's why I was about to fly home.

Because I realised it was all a big mistake coming here, yeah?

And then my boss called and asked me to stick around and help with your

investigation.

Look, I'm sorry, yeah? I'm sorry if I scared that woman.

But right now, I'd rather put this behind her so I can get on with the job

catching your killer and then I can get the hell out of here.

I'm going to walk back to the hotel.

Thank you.

Tyra, please, not today.

Good morning to you. It's a beautiful Christmas Eve here on St. Marie. And I

hope you are feeling excited and looking forward to the big day tomorrow. Like a

hole in the head.

Morning, Mrs. Emma.

Hi. Just to let you know, I'll be checking out this morning, unexpectedly.

I've got a flight back to the UK today.

Okay, madam.

Work reasons.

Morning, Inspector.

Oh, wow.

That's a big breakfast you've got there.

So, that was, uh, funny yesterday evening.

Everyone thinking you were the killer.

Funny?

Well, I mean, not funny, haha, exactly, but, um... Funny.

Unexpected.

Right. The commissioner said that there had been some mix -up, but it's all

sorted now.

Pretty much.

Pretty so, isn't it?

Why she thought you were the killer.

So, look, a new leader's come in.

A publisher in the UK's been in contact.

Apparently, Tony Hurst was writing his memoir. They asked us to email over the

latest draft.

Said it was saved on his laptop.

Only, when I checked the crime scene log Officer Curtis made, there's no laptop

on it.

See?

You think his laptop was stolen? Oh, we're leaving?

But you haven't even finished your breakfast.

Off we go again.

So I went back to Tony Herr's villa, dusted the desktop and surrounding area

fingerprints. And did you find anything?

Carla Hammond, shoplifting charge, back in the UK in her teens.

And who's she?

She's a successful businesswoman, runs an online luxury design company, but

who she was that's of more interest.

40 years ago, under a different name, Carla Hammond recorded A Christmas

Paradise.

She sang that? Mm -hmm. And a few days ago, she arrived on this island.

Carla Hammond.

D .I. Wilson.

D .S. Thomas.

Like to have a little chat?

And we'd also like to take a look into those suitcases.

Well?

It's definitely his.

So at the very least, we're looking at theft.

Do you want to tell us what you're doing in possession of Tony Hearst's laptop,

Miss Hammond?

Carla, we know about the memoir Mr Hearst was writing, which I'm assuming

must get a mention or two in.

You look very different these days.

I mean, to how you looked when the song came out.

Unrecognisable. It was 40 years ago, Inspector.

Yeah, I know that, but it's more than that. It's more than just age.

I looked at the website for your business.

Impressive. But there isn't one mention of who you used to be.

You know, your past celebrity.

In fact, I'd go as far as to say you tried very hard to pretend it never

happened.

Which makes me wonder if there's something in that memoir you didn't want

out.

And what might that be exactly?

That it wasn't me that sang the vocal on A Christmas Paradise.

That a session singer recorded the song and I was just the pretty face that

climbed along.

And by that look on your face, I'm guessing he wasn't making that up.

I was a model back in 1984.

And the real singer...

We paid her off, but she didn't have the looks.

Tony's words, not mine.

And I was offered the opportunity instead.

So why reveal it now?

Well, despite appearances, Tony was in need of money.

His royalties didn't bring in what they used to, so he did a deal on his memoir.

Publishers wanted all the juicy secrets.

So you flew out here to convince him not to go through with it?

There's nothing I can do about it.

The publishers have got it.

Please, Tony.

I'm begging you.

And you're right.

The last thing I need is to be thrust into the spotlight after all these

Press at my door.

Photo in the news.

Out in me as a liar. I don't need to be made a fool of, Inspector.

The ditzy model who mimed along to a pop song.

Well, obviously, I'm not her anymore.

So how did you get hold of his laptop then?

That night, I admit, I went to see Tony again.

Tony, I am not going to take an offer. But when I got to his villa, he was

already dead.

And I realised nobody else knew I was here on the island.

And if I took the only copy of the memoir, no -one would ever know where it

went. And your secret would be safe?

of Tony Hearst's memoir.

You need to tell us exactly what it says about Carla Hammond.

Doing it right now, honey.

See you soon.

What does he want now?

Duane?

Is everything all right?

Yes, darling.

I'm just having something soup.

And you called me to tell me that.

Honestly, honey, I am in the middle of a murder investigation here.

Okay, look.

I was asking after my father.

How's he doing?

He's at my auntie's right now.

But why don't you just give him a call?

I'm sure he's missing you.

Is everything okay?

Everything's just great, Dwayne.

Darlene's family are really looking after me.

Oh, lucky you.

That's good of you, Tanisha.

It's very noisy there.

Is that a party going on? I guess you could call it a kind of party. I mean,

a big one.

Be right with you.

Look, I'd better go, son. Sounds like my barbecued lobster's ready.

Lobster? Bye, Dwayne.

Cyrus? Cyrus?

Oh, you legend.

Really appreciate you doing this for me, man.

Me owe you. Hey.

What in blazes is going on here? Who's that?

Oh, just a friend of mine.

He gets me some last -minute Christmas shopping.

A few presents me asking to pick up.

And how did he know you was there?

Well, I might have used your phone for calling when you weren't looking.

And compromised your own safety?

Not Marcel's corner, man. He not tell.

Who are these presents for?

No one.

Just gifts.

Show me.

Nose personal.

Tyrus.

What kind of Christmas present is that?

It's for my daughter.

She really wanted a puppy.

I didn't know you had a daughter.

Well, now you do.

So how was you going to get them to her if you stuck out here with me?

You were going to make a break for it, wasn't you?

Now I'm going to have to confiscate the puppy. No way, man.

Cyrus, I'm here to protect you.

And I can't do that if you go off gallivanting.

Now I've got to look after the both of you, huh?

So what have we got? We've got three victims in Santa Claus outfits, all of

were shot with the same gun at the same time in three different locations.

Stuart Falwell was at his hotel.

Tony Hearst was at his villa.

And Tyrus DeMille was walking home.

So, questions.

How?

How did our killer manage to fire the same gun in three different locations at

the exact same time?

And what does our killer have against people dressed as Santa Claus?

I have another question.

Um, why are we here?

And I don't mean in a...

what's the meaning of life kind of way. Just why are we here in the market

and not at the police station? That's usually where we do this kind of thing.

Yeah, right.

I just prefer it here.

Right. Yeah, it reminds me a bit of being back in London. I find it easier

think when there's busyness, you know, people about bustle, noise.

You're missing it there?

I'm looking forward to getting back for you that way.

So what's the Mervyn Wilson Christmas like back in London?

Nothing special, really.

I'm quiet.

Thought you didn't like quiet.

I work over Christmas, usually. I take the Christmas day shift.

How come?

I live alone.

So, yeah.

What about you?

What does a D .S. Thomas Christmas look like?

Well, if I can, I go back to St. Barnabas.

That's where I grew up.

Spend it with my family, my uncle's family.

Nothing special, you know. We spend the day cooking, talking.

That's what Christmas is about.

Spending time with the people who love you.

Right?

Yeah, yeah, yes, sir.

So what's he called, then?

The puppy?

Tyrus.

You named him after a fool?

If so, she remembers me.

Jasmine.

Me and her mother aren't together anymore, so she not see me as much.

That's why I got her all those presents.

I just really wanted to make her a special day, you know?

I'd made plans like that myself.

Me and my father.

Just the two of us.

Well, I guess we're both missing out this Christmas.

Stuck in here.

Everything all right?

Commissioner Patterson say you know someone on the street?

It's not Dorna, is it?

Dorna Bray, yeah. You know her?

I just came to visit her.

I'm sorry, but Dorna passed away.

A few months back it was.

Are you a friend of hers?

Um, no, not really.

Thanks. Anyway, sorry to disturb you.

Excuse me, I'll come back. I have to take this.

Is everything all right?

Hey!

How's the party going?

It's all right, you know.

Everyone's enjoying themselves.

You okay?

Don't forget, if you're not feeling well, take one of your tablets, you

No, I'm all right.

It's just... It's not the same, is it?

It's someone else's family.

At Christmas, anyway.

Tell me about it.

I know it wasn't what we planned, you know.

But, hey, maybe next year, huh?

Yeah.

Maybe next year.

Commissioner. May I come in?

Yeah, sure.

Excuse the, uh, mess.

I think it's actually worse on the inside than the outside.

Yeah, quite an achievement, right?

I didn't realize the mother was Donna Bray.

I didn't know her well, but...

I'm so sorry.

Don't worry about it.

It's all good.

I'm fine.

Really.

I mean, I didn't actually know her, did I?

So, um, nothing's changed as far as I'm concerned.

It's hard to know what to do in such circumstances, but I've always believed

that actions do speak louder than words.

We should move you somewhere more comfortable.

All right, mate.

What's your name, then?

Yes, Thomas.

What have you got?

Merry Christmas, sir.

Oh. Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. Um, same for you.

Merry Christmas, Inspector.

Is this, um... Just Caesar's Greens, or is this a work call?

You need to get over here, sir. I've got the lead for you.

Sir?

Sir, can you... I think you already hung up.

What you doing out here?

Hi.

I was just sitting here thinking, Christmas is such a precious thing.

And I don't think me and my father have many left.

He's healthy, you know?

Sorry.

I'm worried this might be the last Christmas day we spend together.

He's on time.

Punctuality has never been his strongest point.

What's going on?

Tyrus, I want to spend Christmas Day with my father.

And you want to spend it with your daughter.

So we're going to make it happen.

What?

Yes.

Now that's what I call a Merry Christmas.

Yes, I.

Yes, I.

Yes, I. Yes, I.

So I've been speaking with Tony Hearst's record company, and Kenny Simmons

sampled the chorus from A Christmas Paradise and used it in a track he

on social media.

Six million likes. It was going to be a big hit for Kenny. Going to be.

Well, Kenny initially released the track without ever seeking Tony Hearst's

permission to use the sample.

When the song started getting some attention, the record company became

And Tony Hearst refused to grant it, right?

Unless it was for the right fee, which Kenny couldn't afford.

And now Tony Hearst is dead.

According to Kenny's lawyers, the record company are keen to get the process

moving again.

I'll bet they are.

Do we really have to do this now?

It's Christmas, dear. There's children in there waiting for their presents.

And how thrilled will their parents be if they find out the police let an

unknown killer play Santa's little helper? I didn't kill anyone.

But... You have benefited from Tony Hearst's death, haven't you?

Your song.

Tony Hearst ruined any chance of it being released.

But that's all changed now, hasn't it?

Now he's no longer with us. Well, nothing's been signed, all right?

These things are complicated.

Well, not in your case, they're not.

You see, we've spoken to the record company, and we know they're keen, and

you're definitely keen. So let's skip the modesty, yeah?

Because you're about to become seriously minted, right?

I could do all right for myself.

Give me what I've always wanted.

A singing career.

Make something of my life.

Leave all this behind, yeah?

I guess.

Look, you can deny actually murdering Mr. Hearst, because of course you would.

But don't tell me his death isn't something you desired.

Because it's about to change your whole life.

I didn't kill him.

I have to get back to work.

Inspector?

I found something in Tony Hirst's memoir to do with Jamie Barton.

It's got on your file for a bit, bud, OK?

But you said you'd pay.

Yeah, I will.

As soon as I get back, all right?

Promise.

I won't be long.

This can't be a coincidence that he's here on the island and never even

mentioned it to us.

Sir, that's not going to make it come any quicker.

It's the police.

Do you remember me from the other day, dear Thomas?

Happy Christmas.

Did Santa bring you that?

You look like a real sheriff now.

You want to get to the point?

What do you think, Inspector?

Maybe you're sleeping right now.

Is your dad not here?

He's downstairs.

OK.

Why don't you guys go and look if you find Mr Barton, and I'll stay here with

Folly.

Please don't do that, Mr Barton!

Put the gun down. I wasn't going to. I swear, I'm not going to hurt you. That's

not who I am. Then put it down.

Now step away.

This isn't what you think. I know it looks bad now, but... We know about your

mum, Mr Barton.

She sang that famous song that Tony Hearst wrote.

Are you telling me it's pure chance that you're here on this island and he's

been shot?

And now we find a gun?

Is that what you're telling me?

I just wanted money.

That's all.

What she's owed.

He made a fortune off that song and she got nothing.

The only reason I came here was for the money.

All mum wanted was to sing.

That was a dream.

And when a big chance came along, he goes and steals it from her. It's

of him, it's because of what he did, that she started drinking.

And now she's ill.

She needs help and I can't afford it.

But he can.

Yeah, what you got?

Apparently Jamie has a gun.

Did Ollie tell you that?

He found it the night of the murder, thought it was a toy, only...

He said he was playing cowboys with Mr. Falwell that night and that he pretended

to shoot him with it.

My Christmas paradise.

Hey, you can't shoot Father Christmas. I'll put you on the naughty list.

OK, thank you.

What's going on?

Ollie said he found your gun the same night Mr. Falwell was shot.

Mr. Barton, your kid is now involved.

Do you understand?

That's where we are now.

So the truth, please.

Now.

Oh.

He knew what he was getting for Christmas.

It's a cowboy set, you know, toy guns.

He went looking and he found it and... And... So you're saying that it was

that... No, no, no, no, no. I swear that's not what happened. But no.

What then?

Stuart.

He saw Ollie with the gun and he realized it wasn't a toy.

Wait a minute. Let me see that.

Now, if Mr. Falwell threatened to go to the police, that gives you motive. No, I

would never do that. I would never do that. And now you've got motive to kill

Tony Hurst. I told you, I just wanted to scare him. I just wanted to pressure

him into giving my mum what he owes her. I didn't want to kill him. I didn't

want to kill him. Inspector.

I think you might be telling the truth.

What? This gun.

It didn't fire the shot recovered from Tony Haas' body.

All stood for wealth.

Sorry, what?

I measured the barrel of the gun, sir.

It's not a match for any of the bullets we found.

It's a different caliber.

He is not the killer.

He's not the killer.

At every single turn, with every piece of evidence we uncover, it makes less

less sense.

It's so damn quiet here.

I mean, look, there's literally no one around.

Well, it is Christmas Day, sir.

And do you have to keep criticising every single thing about the silence?

Because when you do, it's very hard for us not to take it personally.

Pull over.

What? Pull over.

Now.

Basketball.

F .Y .I.

It isn't personal.

All right? And I'm sorry you felt that. It wasn't intended.

Because... For the record, the only thing that's made it vaguely bearable

last few days is the fact that you and Officer Curtis do actually seem to know

what you're doing.

Anyway, as I was saying, basketball.

But why are you going to the... Really, we should stop doing that.

No, the boy's mother is already on a flight over. We just need some care of

temporarily.

He's in the hotel creche at the moment.

Yes. Thank you.

Bye.

Inspector Wilson.

No idea.

He and D .S. Thomas should have been back a while ago.

Where are you both?

Sorry.

What's going on?

I wish I knew, sir. He just stood there staring for a while, then moved around

the court a bit, and now... He's not very good, is he?

Commissioner!

Inspector! Is it normal for you to play basketball in the midst of a murder

case? I've never played before in my life, to be honest with you.

Probably explains why I keep missing, right?

That doesn't answer my question.

Visualization. Three victims, one gun, three hoops, one ball.

How can I shoot three hoops with one ball at the exact same time? You can't.

Exactly.

Inspector, this case is proving to be... How increasingly

challenging.

I know, right?

I came here because I've been in contact with the team in London and they have a

detective ready to fly over here this evening.

What?

Why? To take over the case.

Why would I do that?

In light of your personal circumstances, I feel I have a duty of care.

And considering all you've been through in the last few days,

Perhaps you are not the best person to be leading such a demanding

investigation.

Maybe it was just not meant to be.

I swear, I'm not going to hurt you. That's not who I am.

Half past nine, he headed back to his bedroom to get changed.

I measure the barrel of the gun, sir.

It's a different caliber.

Inspector.

Maybe it wasn't meant to be.

And if it wasn't meant to be, then what was? And when?

Okay.

Victim number one.

I have no idea what's going on right now.

And just by the commissioner's fear, he doesn't either.

But something tells me he does.

I need the other ball.

Come on!

It wasn't meant to be.

Your words.

And that's the point, isn't it? Yeah, because if things don't go the way you

expect it to, then all you can do is play the hand you're dealt. And that's

our killer did.

Victim number two.

When I say shoot, I want you to shoot, yeah?

Please, sir.

Victim number three!

Ready?

Shoot!

That's how!

That means the shooting must have happened about 10 .15.

10 .15.

10 .15, I remember noticing it.

All three victims were shot by the same gun at the same time in three separate

locations.

That's exactly how... It is not impossible.

You know how it was done?

I know how it all was done.

But, um, Officer Curtis, I need you to do something for me first, please. Um,

Jamie Barton's gun. I need you to check it for fingerprints, because...

I don't think it's Jamie's gun.

Sure, Inspector.

If I'm right, and I think I am, then we should go and make an arrest.

Actually, Inspector, we tend to do things a little differently here.

Sorry?

What do you mean?

Look, why can't I just write it up in the case file?

I mean... That is standard procedure, right?

Let's say it's a matter of tradition.

If you would.

I assume you're wondering

why you're gathered here.

Like this.

I'm wondering the same thing myself, to be honest.

But as this case is...

Confounded us at every turn. I suppose one last surprise shouldn't be too

unexpected.

And you know what? In a funny way, that's what this has all been about.

Expectation. What we think is going to happen and what does.

I mean, take me for instance.

A few days ago, here I was on this island, a mere tourist.

And yet now, I'm heading up one of the most puzzling murder cases I've ever

encountered.

Didn't see that one coming a mile off.

But then, as I said to Commissioner Patterson, we play the hand we're dealt.

And that's the key to understanding this case.

Because as planned as it may seem, three victims in Santa Claus outfits, all of

whom were shot at the exact same time in three different locations with just one

gun.

As contrived as it may appear, none of it was meant to happen.

Let's go back to the evening it all started.

At 9 .30, Stuart Falwell headed back to his hotel...

Stuart Falwell headed back to his hotel to

get changed out of his Santa Claus outfit.

And on the way, he comes across a little boy.

Your son, Ollie, out playing cowboys near the beach.

And when Stuart notices, the gun that little Ollie was playing with was real.

He becomes concerned.

Now, that gun, let's call it Gun A.

That wasn't the gun we found you with earlier this morning, was it, Mr Barton?

Despite you leading us to think it was, it was a different gun you acquired to

threaten Tony Hurst.

And when Stuart confronted you about seeing little Ollie in possession of

I think you sent Ollie back to your hotel room and the two of you went

quiet to talk. I'm taking this to the police. No, please.

I'll be arrested.

No, you can't. I don't believe you intended to shoot Stuart.

Like you said, you're not a killer.

It's just not in you.

But I think you tried to get the gun off him.

You can't. You can't do this. Just... And in that tussle,

the gun went off.

I'm sorry.

I'm so, so sorry.

Well, so it was an accident.

But the other two shootings were not.

And now we know there was a second gun involved, it's not too much of a leap to

work out there was a second person involved.

Isn't that right, Kenny Simmons?

Sorry? We know you had very good reason for wanting Tony Hurst dead.

With him out of the way, his record company would let you release your song,

which was guaranteed to make you a small fortune.

And Stuart Falwell's death provided some useful misdirection for Tony Hurst's

murder. I didn't do anything.

Yes, you did, Kenny.

We found your fingerprints on the gun we recovered from Mr Barton this morning,

so we have evidence you were involved.

And assuming Mr Barton here wants to receive the smallest sentence he can

don't think he's going to take the rap for all this. Are you, Mr Barton?

No.

No. So, here's what happened.

I think Kenny witnessed what took place on the beach that night when the gun

went off accidentally.

And in that moment, his plan began to form.

I didn't mean to.

I know what to do.

A plan to make three different shootings look like they all happened at the same

time.

We know that Stuart Falwell left the bar at 9 .30 and it turns out was shot not

long after.

Not at 10 .50.

But Ollie said that he came straight down to reception after it happened. He

lied.

He simply waited and went down to reception later.

Why? Because that's what his dad told him to do.

I think there's a dead man on the beach.

And who would disbelieve a seven -year -old kid?

We certainly didn't.

In fact, all throughout the case, we took little Ollie at his word, working

the basis that the first murder happened at 10 .15.

Which brings us to the second shooting, which did happen at that time, 10 .15.

It was Kenny who took that same gun that accidentally killed Stuart Falwell, gun

A, and used it to shoot Tony Hurst.

I assume having used his track on your own song, done your research?

You already knew that Tony kept the costume he wore 40 years ago.

Get inside.

It wasn't vital to the plan, but it added another layer of mystery that

add to our confusion.

And so while it was being recorded on camera... Don't do this. I'm begging

You don't have to do this. Just tell me what it is you want and we can work

something out.

Which leaves us our third and final victim, Tyrus DeMille.

The solution to which can be found in the fact that there was a second,

different gun at play.

Gun B, if you will. Which I believe belongs to you, Kenny.

And so, while you were about to murder Tony Hurst on the dot of 10 .15, you

Jamie to follow Tyrus as he headed home. And at that exact same time, at 10

.15... fire off a few rounds in his general direction with gun B, but

killing him.

Somebody there?

I believe, Jamie, once Tyrus had fled, you recovered the three bullets you'd

fired from gun B. And on the way back from Tony Hurst's villa, you released

three rounds from gun A into the same place, so that when we found them, there

would be a match for the bullets fired into the first two victims.

I assume you agreed not to talk or interact with each other when it was

not to raise any suspicion.

But it did mean you were each left with the other's gun, and that's why we found

you still in possession of it, Mr Barton, waiting to return it to Mr

But why shoot another person?

To confuse us, the police.

Were none of the victims or the suspects having any apparent connection to Tyrus

DeMille? But that was the whole point, wasn't it?

None of it was meant to make any sense at any point.

At all. You just wanted to send us on a merry dance.

Going round and round in circles endlessly.

An unsolvable case.

And you know what?

I'll admit it.

It almost, very nearly, had me beat.

Well and truly.

Then I guess it was worth the try.

You can make your arrest.

He is annoying.

But he could be.

Well done, Inspector.

Thank you.

Sure.

Is something the matter?

Well, I just don't see why that was entirely necessary.

I prefer to just write it up in the case report.

We do that here as well.

Well, he's to his own, I suppose.

Officer Curtis, would you be so good as to let Officer Myers and Tyreston know

they are free to go?

Okay, sir.

Come on.

Thanks for what you did today.

You made me daughter's Christmas.

No, you did.

With a little bit of help from the puppy.

Go on.

Listen,

if the radio's still not working, tell your auntie to bring down the arbor.

I thought it.

No receipt required.

I believe it when I see it.

Now go and spend some time with your daughter.

Yes, sir.

Driver. Howdy.

How'd it go?

Anything to report?

Nope. Cool as ice.

Just like me.

So, here's the funny thing. There I was with the inspector earlier today on the

hotel beach dealing with quite an intense situation.

Oh. I measured the barrel of the gun, sir.

It's a different caliber.

And what do you think I see?

I don't know, darling. What did you see?

Three men on a boat.

Who all... Very familiar to me.

One of them looked like your father.

One of them looked a bit like Tyrus.

And one of them looked like you, Dwayne Myers.

So much so that I almost thought it was you.

But then I remembered you were locked away in the safe house, so it can't have

been. That's the strangest thing I've ever heard in my life.

In fact, it's almost impossible to believe.

Inspector. Commissioner.

Just thought I'd pop by.

Wanted to make sure you're positive you won't join us for Christmas dinner.

Yeah, I'm positive.

I mean, thanks again, but I need to finish this case report.

Sooner it's done, soon I'm out of here, right?

Well, just to say there's no great rush for you to leave.

Meaning? We are still in need of a permanent D .I. here.

Me?

You're joking, right?

No.

No, right. Well, I'm surprised you think that's a good idea, to be honest with

you. I thought you might be.

But I think you might make a good fit here.

It's like you don't know me at all.

I know you feel this island doesn't offer as much as it did when you

Is that a reason to leave?

Perhaps by getting to know St. Marie, the island where your mother spent her

life, you might get to know a little of her.

Okay. Look, I'm flattered and everything, but it's just not an option.

I just want to get back to London ASAP.

I understand, Inspector.

Merry Christmas.

And to you, sir.

So what do you reckon?

We get back out to sea tomorrow?

Catch ourselves a few snapper. Sounds like a good plan to me. Oh, and just to

let you know that we are going to be having quite a few more days like that

ahead of us in the future.

Oh?

I've already told the commissioner.

I've officially told him that I'm going to be handing my badge in.

I just realized that there are far more important things I need to be doing in

my life right now.

Sounds like a good plan to me.

Come on, they're waiting.

Oh, here they come.

Here.

End time.

Thank you. So, where's this new detective?

Melvin declined the offer of Christmas dinner.

Oh, really?

Yeah, he's a bit like that.

Rude.

He just... Likes to do his own thing.

A little bird tells me that you're hanging up your uniform.

You're spending more time with your father.

Well, I couldn't do both things.

You know, I never thought I'd actually say this, but... You are a good man,

Dwayne Myers.

So does this mean that the...

Absolutely not.

Merry Christmas, darling.

Shall we?

I think that's everyone.

We can't thank you enough for doing this.

And the best still to come.

I've made a special rum cake for dessert.

And I'm going to flambé it.

I think a toast is in order.

Merry Christmas.

To all of you, Merry Christmas!

So, what's it been like

working with the new boy?

Well, he's, um... Yeah, definitely very... English.

Well, that's one way of putting it.

They're all the same, you know.

That's the truth.

Always so inscrutable.

I don't know what you mean.

Let a mystery in the latest installment of Strike, the Ink Blackheart.

Corman and Robin find themselves embroiled in a case that stretches them

their limit. Watch now.