All language subtitles for The.Christmas.Detective.2023.720p.MAX.WEB-DL.DDP5.1.H.264-MoneyStudios

[Christmas music playing]

♪ La-la-la-la ♪

♪ La-la-la-la-la-la ♪

♪ Whoa, oh, oh, oh, whoa ♪

♪ Christmastime
Is the very best time ♪

♪ To take my baby dancin' ♪

♪ Sing along now
Let the church bells ring ♪

♪ Ding dong
Singalong groove ♪

♪ Dancing around the mistletoe
Covered by the amber glow ♪

♪ Underneath
The sugarplum sky ♪

♪ Sing along now
Let the church bells ring ♪

♪ Ding dong
Singalong groove ♪

♪ We all need somebody
To hold ♪

♪ Because
The streets outside ♪

♪ Are finally cold ♪

♪ Christmastime
Is a wonderful time ♪

♪ Ding dong
Singalong groove ♪

[Kate humming along]

♪ Ding dong singalong
Ding dong singalong ♪

♪ Ding dong
Singalong groove ♪

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

♪ Snow falling down
Around us ♪

♪ Sing along now
Let the church bells ring ♪

♪ Ding dong
Singalong groove ♪

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

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

♪ Ding dong, ding dong
Sing, sing ♪

♪ Sing-along groove ♪

[Kate] Come on.

♪ We all need
Somebody to hold ♪

♪ Because streets outside
Are finally cold ♪

♪ Christmastime
Is a wonderful time ♪

[knocks on door]

-Yoo-hoo.
-Jingle, jingle.

[Michelle laughing]

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

We just wanted
to say a quick hello.

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

Hey, we don't wanna interrupt.

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

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

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

You don't have any associates.

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

Um, may I?

It would be a crime
if you didn't.

Hmm. Hey.

Mmm, mmm, mmm.

Oh, I could get used to this.

[both chuckle]

Laying out the evidence,
putting the pieces together,

solving the crime.
What a life.

-Hey, nice snowflakes.
-Thanks.

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

Yeah. I thought
it was festive.

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

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

Honey, I wish you'd let me

find you an office space.

I could have found you
something more central,

you know, on a main floor

where people could
actually find you.

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

Our clients want discretion.

I just keep thinking
of your offices
back at Sunrise Pageants

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

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

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

-Michelle!
-Hmm?

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

Yeah.

[cell phone ringing]

[Kate] Oh.

Bennett and Associates.

Hey, Leilani.

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

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

Yeah. Yeah.

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

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

There's something up
over at the Cobblestone Vista.

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

-Where the bar used to be?
-Yeah.

That is a great location.

Right across
from that central plaza.

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

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

[upbeat music playing]

[Kate] Excuse me. Excuse me.

What happened?

[suspenseful music playing]

[footsteps approaching]

Excuse me. What are you doing?

Hey, Bennett.

-Should've known.
-Oak.

Is this a new suit?

-Yeah. Why?
-It looks good.

I mean, it's fresh,

nice cut through
the shoulders.

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

You're trying to distract me
with flattery.

-Is it working?
-Not a chance.

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

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

Okay, let's go.

Okay, okay. Listen. Listen.

Something used to hang here,
didn't it?

Do you know what it was?

Does that make it a burglary?

You're contaminating
my crime scene.

Come on.

Just give me
the lay of the land.

For old times' sake?

-Don't do that.
-Do what?

That thing you're doing
with your eyes.

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

Is it irresistible?

More like irritating.

Come on, Oak. Okay.

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

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

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

the door was smashed,
one painting was missing.

-I knew it.
-Best guess is it occurred

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

Any surveillance?

Cameras hadn't yet
been installed.

Hey. What about suspects?

-Okay. Party's over.
-Oh.

Okay. But call me
if you learn anything more.

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

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

-Excuse me.
-Rude.

Hey. Hi.

[chuckles]

Who are your associates?

[suspenseful music playing]

[Kate] Hey, there.

Hi, I'm Kate.

Ian.

You hear about what happened
here at the gallery?

Yeah. It's my mom's place.

Sue's your mom?

She must be upset.

She's totally freaking out.

She thought things
would be different here
than in Chicago.

That's where you're from?

Until my mom had
the brilliant idea
to come here.

-You play ball?
-Not in the winter.

Oh, really?
You should give it a try.

It makes sliding
a lot less painful.

Listen, starting over is hard,

I get that, believe me,

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

Just have to give it a chance.

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

Come with me.

I understand,

but I don't have
a police report yet.

It just happened this morning.

We are eight days out
from Christmas Eve

and we have a whole
grand opening gala planned--

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

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

I've never been robbed before.

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

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

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

-Hello? Hello?
-[phone line beeping]

Insurance company?

-Supposedly.
-Yeah.

They're frustrating
on a good day.

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

Bennett and Associates.
I'm a private investigator.

-Okay.
-I was talking to Oak,

Detective Oakley.

I was talking
to him downstairs

and he was telling me
what happened.

-I'm so sorry.
-Thanks.

You know Detective Oakley?

Oh, yeah. We go way back.

But it sounded like
you all could use some help.

Can I ask you a few questions?

Just don't put me on hold.

[chuckles]

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

We were going to start putting
up our Christmas decorations.

I'd just sent out invitations

for our grand opening
on Christmas Eve.

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

Mmm. Who's "we"?

My son, Ian, and I.

Okay. And where were you
all last night?

We left here just before 7:00.

I dropped him
at the community center.

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

-and then I headed home.
-Okay.

What happened when you arrived
this morning?

When I pulled up
and I saw the door,

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

and I was devastated.

Last night was the first time
I really believed

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

I've been dreaming
of this for years.

Opening my own gallery.

Turns out it is pretty easy

to keep setting aside
what you want

for what other people
think you should do.

I put everything
into opening this place.

And now...

Do you have a list
of what all was stolen?

Just the one painting.

Really? That's it?

It was the centerpiece
of our first show.

It was supposed
to be a surprise.

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

used to teach art history
in Illinois.

I specialized
in 20th century painting.

Six months ago, I was going
through a private collection

that had been locked up
in an attic for years.

I came across this.

I've seen this guy before.

That's Bertrand Melling.

Shelter Park's
first African-American mayor.

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

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

The biggest.

He is credited
with transforming

Shelter Park into the thriving
community it is today.

Painting is from 1902

by one of the most important

Detroit artists of the era.

It's a masterpiece.

It's been lost
for a hundred years.

Coming across this painting,

this trailblazer,
is what inspired me

to open my gallery here.

Broken windows
can be replaced.

That painting
is one of a kind.

And now it's gone again.

Do you have any idea
who might have done this?

No.

I have heard talk.

What kind of talk?

This building
was originally a fire station.

After World War II,

one of the firemen
turned it into a bar.

-The Fire Hose.
-The last owner,

apparently, Gunner Fisk,

he was pretty upset
when it went out of business

and he's been pretty vocal
about how someone

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

[footsteps approaching]

Ms. Carnegie.

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

Have you talked
to Gunner Fisk?

Looks like a lead to me.

Oak? Oak?

[suspenseful music playing]

Okay, here we go.

[suspenseful music playing]

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

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

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

You're gonna go home.

You should let me do
the talking.

I have way more poise.

-You have more what?
-Poise.

The three P's
of pageant success.

Poise, personality,
and perseverance.

They're also the keys
to good detective work.

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

Kate, this is not
a beauty contest.

Mmm.
My poise is very persuasive.

[machine whirring]

Gunner Fisk.

Gunner Fisk.

What's up?

Mr. Fisk,
I'm Detective Oakley,

Shelter Park
Police Department.

And Kate Bennett,
Bennett and Associates.

-How you doing?
-I'm fine.

Mind if we ask you
a few questions?

Sure.

Okay. So,
where were you last night?

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

I was at home asleep
like most people.

Can anyone vouch for that?

Why would anyone
need to do that?

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

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

Um, a while.

My father made me
learn a trade

before I took over the bar.

Is that the Fire Hose?

Yeah. Uh, it was, anyway.

Man, what are people gonna do?

That place was an institution.

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

Yeah, they didn't even
give us a chance

to put together a counter.

Pretty much sold it
right from underneath us.

-That's awful.
-Yeah.

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

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

Now, what does that do
for the community?

So, you don't like
the gallery?

The Fire Hose has been
in my family for generations.

My great-grandfather
opened that up after the war.

I should be passing
that down to my son.

But no,
you miss a few payments

because the margins get thin.
Next thing you know,

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

So, why are you really here?

Well, the gallery
was vandalized last night.

What'd did they do to it?

Smashed the front door in
for starters.

So, let me ask you again.

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

You think I did it?

We have multiple reports
stating that you threatened

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

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

but that building
means something to me.

I was practically
raised there.

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

I-I had my first kiss
in the storeroom.

Weddings, birthdays, wakes.

I would never do anything
to hurt that place,

ever.

Oh, Gunner,
if you think of anything else,

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

[Kate] Um, one more thing.

Do you know this painting?

No. Should I?

Thanks.

I don't think he did it.

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

we might actually
know for sure.

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

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

That age-old
detective technique, poise.

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

is the onstage interview.

And I've seen
enough of those go bad

to know when someone's
full of it.

I think Gunner's
telling the truth.

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

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

-Me either.
-Okay.

Well, thank you.

I got it from here, okay?

[dramatic music playing]

Yeah. [laughs]

Well, aren't you bringing
the Christmas cheer?

This is it, Leilani,
the last stop

-on the road
of forgotten dreams.
-Okay.

Wow.

-Spill it, Detective.
-Okay.

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

and what do I have
to show for it?

Past due rent notices
and no actual cases.

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

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

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

By everybody else,
you mean your mom.

She thought I was crazy
for leaving Sunrise Pageants.

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

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

I thought I was meant to do.

This guy looks familiar.

[Kate] Yeah. Bertrand Melling.

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

This was Shelter Park's
first Black mayor.

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

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

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

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

How was that?

Danny said that he saw you
at that warehouse

that does all that metal work.

Is there something going on
that I should know about?

No. He's working
the gallery case

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

So, he doesn't
know you very well.

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

Yeah, and a hot one too.

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

It's not actually my case,
not officially.

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

She is desperate
to open on Christmas Eve.

But without that portrait, I--

Did you offer your services?

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

What?

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

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

Think about it, Detective.

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

Perseverance.

[laughs]

[Christmas music playing]

Okay.

[muttering]

Tell her you can do this.

Okay.

[knocks on door]

Hey. Come on in.

I wanted to know,
did you ever get a hold

-of your insurance company?
-Finally.

They need me to send in
the police report

and I still
don't have that yet.

I mean, what can be
taking them so long?

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

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

Bet you feel like
you have a lot to prove.

Can you tell me anything?

I can tell you
that Detective Oakley

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

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

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

I was there
when Gunner was questioned.

He loved this place.
He really did.

And when I asked him
about the painting,

he had no idea
what I was talking about.

I don't think he did it.

And where does that leave me?

Sue, I know Shelter Park.

I know the people here

and I never give up
on anything.

If you hire me
to find your painting,

I will not rest
until it is done.

Do you think you could do it
by Christmas Eve?

Absolutely.

It's good enough for me.

[quirky music playing]

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

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

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

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

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

and leaves by 8:00.

Now, was he agitated that day?

-Upset?
-Not at all.

He can be a little gruff,
I know,

but he's really a sweetheart.

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

Such a shame
what happened with his bar.

All right. Well, that's great.

-Thank you.
-Mmm.

Um, does this have
anything to do

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

I heard someone stole
a painting, is that true?

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

[Oak] Kate.

[Kate] Detective Oakley.

Out for a pre-holiday jog?

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

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

I told her I had my doubts.

I am just trying
to find out what happened

and get that painting back,
same as you.

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

Now, from what I can tell,

Gunner left work
a little after 6:00.

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

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

We are not partners.

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

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

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

Well, I think we had some fun.

Kate, I am trying
to build a case

that will stand up in court,
one with evidence

and proper procedure.

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

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

Thank you.

Or, or we can pool
our resources,

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

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

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

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

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

Okay, Oak, wait, hold on.

The truth is I need your help.

You have more experience
at this than I do.

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

I'm sorry,
can you say that again?

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

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

we might be able to solve
this thing by Christmas.

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

-Yes.
-With all of my experience.

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

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

-Never mind.
-Kate.

One condition.

We have to follow the evidence
wherever it leads.

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

We will not be
Christmas mystery buddies.

Why not? What do you have
against Christmas?

More like what does Christmas
have against me?

Okay. We will definitely
be unpacking that

at a later date.

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

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

[Kate] Did he go back out?

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

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

-When was that?
-What time was it?

Uh, 11:00.

-[Oak] Mmm.
-Now,

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

Oh, probably, yeah.
It has before.

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

-Thank you.
-[man] Yeah.

[Kate] Thank you so much
for your time.

And I love your wreath
by the way.

[man] Oh. [chuckles]

-Gorgeous.
-Thanks.

[Kate] Mmm-hmm.

Did Gunner ever talk
about the gallery that went

into his old building
downtown?

Oh, all the time. I mean,

you ask him
how his day's going

and he goes off
on that stupid gallery.

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

Does he ever make threats?

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

so you kinda wanna keep
out of his way

when he's in one
of those moods.

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

-Okay.
-But call me first.

[both chuckle]

That's the third witness
in a row

who's heard him
making threats.

We call that a pattern.

What?

I'm mentoring.

[upbeat music playing]

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

[Oak] Thank you.

We still can't put him
at the scene.

Not yet.

Why are you so sure he did it?

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

Revenge
is a powerful motivator

and he's got
a pretty weak alibi.

What's your deal anyway?

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

I mean, in high school,

you were Mr. Honor Society,

Ivy League, Smarty Camp.

So, a nerd?

I mean,
you weren't not a nerd.

[laughs]

Well...

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

Oh, that's easy.

The second "P"
of pageant success,

personality.

You were cute and sweet.
You made me laugh.

But seriously though,
what made you become a cop?

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

he said that
when this job is done right,

it's about putting
a community
back together again.

-I guess it stuck.
-I like that.

[Oak] How about you?

How did you go
from pageant queen

to private eye?

It's been a dream
since I was a kid

reading mysteries with my dad.

Nancy Drew
and Agatha Christie.

I love putting
the puzzle together

and seeing things
set straight.

I mean,
the whole pageant thing,

that was more
of my mom's idea.

-Really?
-Yeah.

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

You were so focused,
nobody had a chance.

What do you mean?

[laughs] Come on.

Everybody had
to take a back seat

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

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

It's literally
the reason we broke up.

Do you remember
the holiday formal,

our senior year?

Uh, I could pretend to.

You ghosted me.

Left me standing outside
the school waiting for you.

Oh, my gosh.

I am so sorry.

My mom, she was always
whisking me away to events

at the last minute and I...

Honestly, I felt awful.

It's fine. I'm over it.

It's okay. [chuckles]

Mostly.

Well, then it...

Am I the reason
you don't like Christmas?

Do not flatter yourself,
all right?

There are a thousand reasons

why Christmas and I
do not get along.

Something new every year.

When I was seven,
I got food poisoning.

When I was 10,

I broke my arm
on Christmas Day.

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

When I was 20,
I missed a flight.

Last year, my pipes broke
on Christmas Eve.

You did not ruin
Christmas for me.

I do that all by myself.

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

Don't hold your breath.

[chuckles]

Okay.

The forensics report
will be on my desk

by the end of the day.

See if there's anything there.

And no, you cannot read
the whole thing.

This is an unofficial
partnership, remember?

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

[sighs]

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

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

Yeah. I'm at work.

[Michelle]
Okay. Kate [indistinct]

Mom, it's still work.

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

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

[sighs] She needs more
ornaments for her trees.

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

She hosts an annual
Christmas cocktail party.

You'd hate it.

Anyways, this year's theme
is silver and gold

and she needs more ornaments.

So, let me know what you learn
on the report

and it is a pleasure
unofficially working with you.

[Kate laughs]

-[door opens]
-[sighs]

[door closes]

[Christmas music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

How about this one?

-Too shiny.
-Mmm.

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

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

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

Kid, you have no idea.

Let me see
what I have underneath.

[indistinct chatter]

[suspenseful music playing]

-How's this one?
-Great.

-Really?
-Yeah. Yeah.

Hey, I don't suppose

you were working here
the night before last.

Uh, yeah, yeah.

I was actually,
pretty late, too.

Got a last shipment in
before Christmas.

Did you see anything
suspicious

over across the street
by the gallery?

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

anything catch your eye?

Actually, I did see
a truck parked

over there at about 8:30.

That was weird

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

Hung around too,
just sitting there

for maybe half an hour.

-A truck?
-Yeah.

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

-It was nice.
-Mmm-hmm.

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

It's Kenny Fisk's truck.

You mean Gunner?

No, no. Kenny.

Gunner's his dad.

Kenny was ahead of me
in school.

I'd know that
tricked-out truck anywhere.

How do you wanna pay?

Cash.

Cash it is.

That'll be $4.99, please.

[upbeat music playing]

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

I'm just taking a peek.

[Oak] We don't have a warrant.

Kate!

Kate.

[Kate] Fine.

What'd you find?

You were right.
Kid's got a reputation.

I knew it.

Kenny Fisk, 18,
basketball prodigy.

He's already got a couple
of scholarships offered

from some big schools
for next year,

cited three times
for vandalism

and disorderly conduct.

-There. See?
-No, no.

Nothing big like
what happened at the gallery.

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

about how much he hates
what happened to his dad.

I talked to a few kids
who overheard him saying,

and I quote, "Somebody
should burn this place

to the ground."

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

You know we have
this thing here called

innocent until proven guilty,
right?

[upbeat funk music playing]

Here.

[indistinct chatter]

Mmm, that's him.

He's right there. Him.

[whistles]

Hey, Kenny.

Please come on over.

You want me to take the lead?

Never.

Okay.

Kenneth Fisk,
I'm Detective Oakley.

-This is Kate Bennett.
-Bennett and Associates.

Minus the associates.

What do you want?

I just wanna ask you
a few questions.

Where were you
the night of the 16th?

Why do you care?

You wanna just answer
the question?

Why should I?

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

We're not trying
to do anything.

Right.

Did you hear about
what happened at Art 313?

Everybody did, man.

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

[makes smashing sound]

So, you're happy
someone smashed their door?

Absolutely.

Do you have any idea

what losing that bar
did to my dad?

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

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

Did you know
that he used to host

a big neighborhood
Christmas party every year?

Food, games, the works,

I mean, he paid for it
all himself too.

It wasn't fancy or exclusive.

I mean, everybody was invited.

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

neighbors
that didn't get along.

It was amazing.

And then the bank foreclosed

and they decided to put
in that stupid art gallery.

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

and, no, I didn't do it.

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

We have a witness
that puts you at the scene.

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

Care to explain?

-Not really.
-Yeah. Well, try.

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

Is that a crime?

That place was like
a second home to me.

I just...

I miss it sometimes.

Where were you
the rest of the night?

Here.

At the community center?

I was volunteering.

All night?

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

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

Ask anybody.

Mm-hmm.

[dramatic music playing]

Can you believe that kid?

I don't know.

Kid seemed pretty genuine
to me.

Don't tell me
you bought that story.

Oak, come on. Volunteering?

Oh, yeah.

Kenny's an absolute dream.

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

giving back to his community.

He's really good
with the kids.

Mmm. And he was here
all night?

We all were.

Games, Christmas movies,
sing-alongs.

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

till 7:00 the next morning.

9:00 to 7:00.

[Kate] Thought we had it.

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

Scratched a subject
off the list,

it's progress.

Doesn't feel like it.

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

Hey, listen, Kate.

Um...

What?

We're not done yet.

We have a week left.

Yeah, you're right.

No, um, you're right.

Maybe we should
just stick to it

and we'll catch a break.

Yeah.

[car door open and closes]

[engine starting]

[indistinct chatter]

Kate?

Is that you?

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

-I was looking for.
-Uh-oh.

I ran into your mom
this afternoon.

We have this monthly luncheon
for the Spend Christmas

in Shelter Park campaign.

She has been
such a mentor to me.

That is so great.

It was good seeing you,
Maggie.

She told me that Sue hired you

to investigate the break-in
at Art 313.

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

All of us on the city council
are just heartbroken

over the theft
of the Melling portrait.

It would mean so much
to this community

to have that painting found
by Christmas.

And that is what
I'm trying to do.

Getting that portrait back
is our top priority.

You do know what the
Christmas season means

for the Shelter Park
business community.

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

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

Getting that portrait back
is our top priority.

And I think we can all agree

that it would be best

if you left the investigating
to the professionals.

I knew you'd understand.

Listen, we need
to get together

and talk about pageant days.

I still can't believe
that you beat me

for Miss Hazelnut
at our junior year.

I mean, look at us now.

Give me a call, 'kay?

Oh, here you go,

for that cute little office
of yours.

-Bye.
-Hmm.

[scoffs]

[soft music playing]

-Jingle, jingle.
-Hey, Dad.

Hey. That's cute.

I know. Dang it.

What you got there?

Well, your mother got these
for her party,

but apparently,
they don't fit the theme,

so I thought
maybe you could use them here.

Thanks, Dad. They look great.

Are you doing okay?

Yeah, of course.

All mistletoe
and holly over here.

Nice try.

Come on, Katie.
A dad can tell.

Talk to me.

You know,
how's the case going?

[sobs] Terrible, Dad.

A week until Christmas,

and I have nothing
to show for it.

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

I... It just falls apart.

Sounds tough.

And the letter
from your landlord?

If I can't make rent
on this place

by the end of the month,

I'm done.

I'll have to go back
to pageants

with my tail between my legs.

A failure.

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

it means something to people.

If I don't solve this case,

I'll have let everyone down.

So, yeah,
Merry Christmas to me.

Katie, Katie, honey,
you're spiraling.

Breathe for me, okay?

There you go.

[chuckles]

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

to go on tour with my band?

You had a band?

Sure did.

Funk It To Me. Mmm.

-We were awful.
-[Kate] Really?

With a name like that?
Are you sure?

-[both chuckle]
-Point is,

we didn't stick
with it long enough

to see
if we could get any better.

And I always wondered
what would have happened

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

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

Was it perfectionism?

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

-Pessimism?
-Dad.

Oh, wait, I remember.

Perspiration.

[laughs]

If chasing your dreams
was easy,

then everybody would do it.

But here you are

and look at this place.

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

instead of drowning
in spreadsheets all day, hmm?

Even if it takes a year,

you'll never regret it.

And if anybody
can wrap this up

by Christmas, it's you.

Now, did you see
what I just did there?

Wrap, Christmas.

-Oh, gosh.
-Put the two together.

Okay. Okay. Okay.

Get out of here.

I have work to do.

Hmm.

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

Thank you.

[upbeat music playing]

♪ Ooh, yeah ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah, ha! ♪

♪ Well, there's something
About Christmas ♪

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

♪ Listen close
And I'll tell you why ♪

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

♪ Candy canes and mistletoe ♪

♪ Talk with friends,
And all that snow ♪

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

♪ It's my favorite time
Of year ♪

♪ But no Christmas
Feels right ♪

♪ Without you by my side... ♪

Looking pretty
festive up there.

[Ian] Thanks.

Mom says we're having our gala
after all,

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

You're a good kid, Ian.

Your mom's lucky
to have you.

We're lucky to have
each other.

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

Did you see Kenny Fisk there?

Yeah. We played hoops.

He's, like, really good.

-Why?
-Just curious.

Hey, I'm gonna convince you
that Shelter Park

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

And then we questioned

the director
of the community center

and she confirmed
Kenny never left that night.

His alibi is solid.

So, we're back at square one.

Not exactly.

We eliminated a suspect.
That's helpful.

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

I hear the police
still consider him

a possible suspect.

I can't exactly rule him out

at this point. No.

Ian gave up a lot
to move here.

We both did.

I need to show him
that following your heart

is worth all of the hard work
and sacrifice.

My priority
above everything else

is getting that painting back.

As far as I'm concerned,

nobody needs to get
in any trouble,

if I can
just have that portrait

on the wall by Christmas Eve.

You understand?

All I want is that painting.

Kenny had nothing
to do with this.

I know. I'm sorry.

Yeah, he's been
in trouble before,

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

Listen, Gunner,

we all get in
over our head sometimes,

do stupid things we regret.

Sue assured me that if somehow

that painting were to show up
on her doorstep,

nobody would ask
any more questions.

The whole thing would be over.

If you have any idea
where that painting is,

any idea at all,

this would be a great time
to tell me.

[dramatic music playing]

[mellow music playing]

[telephone ringing]

Excuse me,
is Detective Oakley in?

Yeah. And I'll be
right with you.

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

[laughs] Merry Christmas.

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

No, it's the--

Kate?

Excuse me.

Maggie.

Hey!

I didn't even see you.

Oh, did you misplace
your poise?

[both chuckling]

What are you doing here?

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

I was just chatting
with the chief.

Official city council
business.

I'm actually heading up
a community search committee

to find the missing portrait.

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

to its rightful place,

for the good of Shelter Park.

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

to be on a committee
right now, but thanks.

Oh, I wasn't asking you
to join.

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

But if you hear anything
that would be useful,

you feel free
to give us a call,

and we'll take it from there.

So good to see you.

Uh, hey, Kate, wait up.

-Oh, hey, Oak.
-Hey.

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

and they're gonna try
to track his location

for the night of the 16th.

Kate?

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

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

but, um, I was wondering

if you wanted to go
to the Christmas Spirits

at the Beats and Blues Jazz
restaurant

tomorrow night with me?

I think I said that.

I mean...

-if you're free.
-Sounds good.

Who else knew the portrait
was at the gallery?

Uh, I don't know.

Okay. See you tomorrow, Oak.

Yeah, see you tomorrow.

Perfect. Great.

Tomorrow.

♪ Woo! Come on, everybody ♪

♪ Merry Christmas now
To one and all ♪

♪ Look to the sky
And see the snowflakes fall ♪

♪ Ooh, it's Christmastime ♪

[Michelle] I think we need
one more batch.

M-Mom, seriously,

you're gonna give
your guests sugar shock.

[Michelle chuckles]
It'll be fine.

I'll take the leftovers
into the office.

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

It's the look I'm going for.

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

[both chuckle]

Hey, I had lunch

with Maggie Boon
the other day.

-On purpose?
-Kate.

Two of you were thick
as thieves back

in your pageant days.

Maggie Boon would slice
the top off my evening gown.

if she thought she could get
away with it.

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

No, she's done very well
for herself.

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

I think everybody knows that.

She's asked me to be part

of the committee
they're putting together

to recover
the stolen painting.

-That's my case.
-Exactly.

See? You have
so much in common.

[Michelle chuckles]

I was thinking the other day

about how much fun
you used to have

working for Sunrise Pageants.

You know, all the places
you got to visit

and the young women
you inspired.

Mommy, you make that sound
a lot more glamorous

-than it actually was.
-Oh.

I was talking with Carol

and she was saying
how much they miss you.

Why were you talking
to my old boss?

I just needed to call her

to make sure I had
her current address

for my Christmas card list.

No.

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

if you thought you wanted
to go back.

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

Look, I was on their website.

Look at all the initiatives
they're launching.

Here's one
that is right up your alley.

All about setting up

underprivileged kids
for success.

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

Mom,

I love what I do now.

Do you?

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

Oh, honey,

I just want you to be happy.

Would you think about it,
for me?

[soft music playing]

[dog barking in distance]

[dramatic music playing]

[phone line ringing]

[phone vibrates]

Tell me you've got good news.

[Kate] Getting there. Listen.

Who else knew
about the Melling portrait?

Meaning, who else knew
you had it?

Not many.
I wanted to unveil it

as a surprise at the gala.

The Wilson family.
Folks that had it

-this whole time.
-Mmm-hmm.

Some people that I worked
with at the university,

and an appraiser in Chicago.

-That's about it.
-Nobody local?

No. Ian and I hung it
ourselves.

I suppose the delivery
guy knew I had it.

What delivery guy?

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

I don't remember.

You don't remember
making a delivery

at that new gallery
in Cobblestone Vista

on December 12th?

It's Christmas.

You think I remember
every delivery

I make this time of year?

I think you'll remember
this one.

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

The owner says
you delivered it in person

and it's been all
over the news

because somebody stole it.

Okay. So maybe
I'll remember that one.

So what?

Was anybody else
at the gallery

when you dropped it off?

The woman, the kid.

They wanted me to stick around
until they opened it up

to make sure everything
was in good order.

I think she was just trying
to show off.

[phone ringing]

Detroit City Movers.

Yeah. Uh-huh.

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

but we'll do our best.

Yup. You have a merry one too.

That's you
in the baseball photo?

Racquetball champs,
six years running.

[Kate] Congratulations.

So, you're friends
with Gunner Fisk then?

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

See him often?

[Christmas music playing]

♪ Did you hang my stocking
By the fire? ♪

♪ And the holly berries
In the hall? ♪

♪ Did I use up all
Of my wishes ♪

♪ Dreamin'
of your mistletoe kisses? ♪

♪ But is there room
For just once more? ♪

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

♪ Christmas
Isn't the same on my own ♪

Sit down.

Oh, my goodness.

You would not believe
the day I've had.

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

at that stupid flyer
Maggie put together

and I was wondering
who else knew

that that painting
was in the gallery?

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

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

were the movers.

-Movers?
-The Detroit City Movers.

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

Look, I talked to the owner,
Dale Osmus.

He was the one who delivered
the painting to Sue.

He watched her open it,

which means he knows
that she had it.

And guess who
he's good friends with.

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

They've been friends
since they were kids.

They hang out a couple
of times a month,

including four days
before the break-in.

The same day
he delivered the painting.

[snickers]

Uh, Kate--

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

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

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

But I say we should focus
on the future.

We need to talk
to Gunner tomorrow.

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

-Kate.
-What?

Can we talk about something
other than the case?

Like what?

I don't know.

Whatever people talk about
when they go out to dinner.

Books, movies,
hopes and dreams.

Personal things.

I thought you were
interested in this.

I am. I just...

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

I just...

I want to have dinner
with you, Kate.

Not your case notes.

Oh...

no.

You thought this was a date?

Like a date-date?

It's what it usually means
when one person asks

another person out to dinner.

Oh, wow, um...

Okay.

This was a mistake. My bad.

No. No, no. Wait. Oh.

See you tomorrow.

♪ Oh, Santa ♪

♪ Take me
Won't you take me home? ♪

[Christmas music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

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

Christmas bumpy cake
from Lulu D's.

Thanks.
The guys will be thrilled.

So, how was the date
last night?

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

He invited you here
off the clock

to Christmas Spirits.

I take it things
didn't go very well?

[snickers]

Stop laughing.
It's embarrassing.

Come here.

What's going on?

What if my mom was right?

What if I'm not cut out
for this?

Being a detective?

I mean, I can't even tell

when someone's asking me
out on a date.

Maybe I'm confusing wanting
to be good at something

with actually being good
at it.

You remember
when we were 11 or 12

and you became convinced

that Mr. Jones was stealing
all those lawn gnomes

like from every yard?

Because he was.

People thought you were nuts.

Yeah, we snuck out

and staked him out

with our bikes
and walkie-talkies.

And we caught him red-handed.

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

But what do I do now?

When we're having trouble
with a song,

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

Start with what you know
for sure

and go from there.

You'll find a trail.
You always do.

Thanks for the cake.

Okay. Back to rehearsal.

And watch me for the changes
this time, okay?

[dramatic music playing]

[quirky music playing]

[phone line ringing]

Kate?

You answered.

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

Hey, I just wanted
to apologize for last night.

Don't worry about it.

Hey, this case

has me pretty stressed out

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

From now on, we will
just keep things professional.

-Okay?
-No, no.

I was just distracted.

I would really like to--

[Dale laughing]

Got you.

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

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

[Kate] Hello, gentlemen.

What?

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

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

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

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

[sighs]

[Oak] Kate.

Kate, what's going on?

Gotta go. Call you later.

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

Kate.

[engine starts]

[suspenseful music playing]

Ugh.

[camera shutter clicking]

[engine starting]

[suspenseful music playing]

[Christmas ringtone playing]

[door handle jiggling]

Who says pageants
don't teach life skills?

[suspenseful music playing]

Oh, this is heavy.

[sighs]

[door creaks open]

[suspenseful music playing]

[Christmas ringtone playing]

[gasps]

[phone beeps]

[sighs]

I know you're here.

You can come out now.

[sighs]

I was just looking around.

It's a really cool space.

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

I thought it was worth a try.

Sorry.

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

Probably not, but I get it.

You think I did it
just like everybody else.

Doesn't matter
what the truth is.

People believe
what people wanna believe.

Is... Is this...

Great-grandfather Joe. Yeah.

The day he opened up
the Fire Hose,

75 years ago this Christmas.

I really wanna believe you,
Gunner.

I really do.

But we have to figure out
where that painting is.

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

-I already did.
-[Gunner chuckles]

[laughs]

What is all of this?

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

I was out of practice
with my welding.

So my buddy
set me up here afterwards

so I could get back into it.

Forgot how relaxing it was.

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

with putting
the scraps together.

It's just junk.

They're really cool.

It looks like
Christmas ornaments.

I guess they do.

Listen, Gunner,

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

I'm not gonna call the cops,

if that's what
you're worried about.

Not that they would
believe me anyway.

We are going to figure
this out.

I promise.

[indistinct chatter]

Good morning.

There you are. Are you okay?

-Were you worried about me?
-No.

Yes, you were.

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

I appreciate the concern,
but I'm fine.

I'm here to make peace.

What's this?

They're non-Christmas cookies.

Non-Christmas cookies?

I don't wanna trigger
your little holiday allergy.

They're gingerbread policemen.

And they're good too.

I had a couple
on the drive over.

Wait a minute.
What do you want?

What do you mean?

You want something?
I wanna know what it is.

All I wanted was to do
something special for you

to make up for last night.

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

Well, it matters to me.

And I'm sorry.

And I just wanna start fresh.

Can we do that?

Sure.

Really?

Yes. Definitely.

[chuckles] Great.

And I also need a favor.

I knew it. I knew it.

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

bitty, bitty, bitty of a peek

at the case files
for the property.

[scoffs]

-[clears throat] You serious?
-Yeah.

-Okay.
-But...

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

I just need to look
at this from the beginning

with no preconceptions.

Like I said,
I want a fresh start.

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

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

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

And my butt's on the line.

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

We won't tell him.

And your butt will be fine.

Let me just take
a little look.

That's it.

Kate, this is my job.

It is more
than a job to me, Oak.

It's all I've ever dreamed of.

And this might be
my last chance to prove

that I can actually do it.

I need your help.

What happened
to all your poise?

It's gone.

All I have
is perseverance and you.

People don't believe
I can do it,

and I need to show them I can.

[suspenseful music playing]

-Okay.
-All right.

-Five minutes.
-Five minutes.

-Not a second more.
-I got it.

This file
does not leave this room.

I hear you.

Hey, Oak.

I appreciate this.

Okay.

[scoffs]

[camera shutter clicking]

[gentle Christmas
music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

Ah-ha!

I thought
I'd find you in here.

Your mom is looking for you.

There's something
I'm not seeing.

I can feel it
staring me in the face,

but I can't figure out
what it is.

Where'd you get all these?

[Kate] From Oak.

He let you take a photo
of the official file?

Yeah. Well, sort of.

Oh, wow.

-Look at that.
-What?

Oh, go back a couple.

Uh, there.

Hmm.

Look at the glass
all over the sidewalk.

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

Glass all over the sidewalk.

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

Do you remember those books
we used to read

when I was in grade school
with the kid detective,

Holly something?

-Ah, Holly Hockaday.
-Yeah.

Yeah, the high school sleuth.
I love those.

She once had this mystery

where someone broke
into her aunt's greenhouse,

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

The windows were smashed
from the inside out.

Exactly.

There's no signs
of forced entry

on any of the gallery doors.

This wasn't a break-in.

This was an inside job.

-Mmm.
-[chuckles]

What are you doing up here?
We have guests.

Merry Christmas, Mom.

What was that all about?

It's the happiest time
of the year.

[chuckles]

[chuckles]

[sighs]

[alarm beeps]

Pretty festive cup.

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

Funny. What is it
you need today?

Oh, nothing.

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

You what?

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

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

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

Hold up.

You were taking pictures
of the case files?

Okay.
You're missing the point.

No, you're missing
the point, Kate.

You're gonna
get me fired.

I'm sorry.
You never said no photos.

Okay. Listen to me.

There were no signs
of forced entry,

all of the alarms
were turned off

and the door was smashed
from the inside.

Oak, we need to talk to Sue.

But why would she do that?

Why would she smash up
her own shop?

Well, she said the process
of opening the gallery

was overwhelming both
emotionally and financially.

The Christmas Eve deadline
was breathing down her neck

and that painting was insured
for a lot of money.

Like, a lot.

Maybe she just thought
this was an easy way

to go out of business.

That would be motive,
means, and opportunity.

I'm gonna go find out.
Wanna come?

Ye-yeah. Uh, wait up.

So, you wanna take
the lead here?

Absolutely not.
This is your show.

Besides, if it blows up,

it'll be in your face,
not mine.

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

After you, Detective.

[Sue] Ah, my two
favorite detectives.

Any hope
for a Christmas miracle?

There's always hope.

Are you leaving that empty?

Thought it would be
a nice tribute

to everything
we've lost as a community.

Have you heard
from the insurance company?

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

Yeah. Thank goodness
they are sending out

an adjuster next week
to verify the claim.

That's great.

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

-The 16th?
-At home.

Uh, I'd been putting
in long hours

getting this place ready.

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

Was anyone else with you?

No. Why?

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

Who else had a key
to the gallery?

No one.

I have two sets,
one in my purse

and one at home.

Well, what is going on, Kate?

Well, um, whoever stole
the painting

had access to the gallery

and they knew how
to disable the alarms

and they knew which piece
was the most valuable.

I thought they came in
through the broken door.

The glass was
all over the sidewalk.

They smashed the door
from the inside out

to make it look like
a break-in.

Wait. You think I did it?

I hired you.

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

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

Cover?

This is my life.

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

I moved mountains
to make this happen.

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

going on about broken glass
on the sidewalk,

and I'm supposed
to be impressed.

[door opens]

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

Honey. It's okay. Go up.

Go back outside.

Listen, ma'am,
we are testing theories.

We're just trying to find
the truth.

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

Give me a break.

If the two of you
were after the truth,

you'd be out there
doing your job

instead of in here
harassing us.

[Oak] We have a responsibility
to follow the leads

wherever they take us.

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

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

[suspenseful music playing]

[door closes]

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

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

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

And you didn't see her
when she found out

the painting was missing.
She was a wreck.

I see you have a bandage
on your hand.

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

I-I broke an ornament
decorating the tree.

It was stupid.

Can I tell you a story?

It'll be a quick one,
I promise.

I used to do a lot
of beauty pageants,

like, all kinds of them.

Miss Shelter Park,
Miss Lake Superior.

I did more Miss Harvest
Fest competitions

than you can shake a yam at.

When I was about your age,

I was running for Miss
Christmas over in Dearborn.

And there were
these two sisters, twins,

sweet, but super competitive.

And, uh, that year,

one of them
wanted to win so badly

that she sabotaged
her sister's roller skate.

When the talent portion came,
that poor girl lost control

and went pinwheeling
into the wings

and she brought the entire
backdrop down with her.

I mean, you could find
the clip online.

It is a pageant classic.

Anyways, the thing is,
her sister felt so bad

that during
the onstage interview,

when the host asked
what family meant to her,

she came clean.

Admitted the whole thing.

What happened?

She was disqualified

and her sister was crowned
Miss Christmas.

But the important part,

after her confession,
she felt so much better.

No matter how hard
something is

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

if you can find the courage
to tell the truth,

usually everything
will turn out okay.

She was so excited
to come here.

It'll be an adventure,
she said.

Best Christmas we've ever had.

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

it didn't work.

So I thought
maybe if she thought

nobody else
wanted us here either,

realize this whole thing
was a bad idea.

I dropped you off
at the lock-in.

I snuck out.
I took your keys from home.

Ian, how could you?

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

I just... I wanted to go home.

This is our home now.

I know it doesn't feel
like it yet,

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

And we're supposed
to be a team.

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

Honey, you can't hardly
afford it,

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

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

you come
and you talk to me, okay?

[soft music playing]

Ian, what about the painting?

Kept trying to find
a time to put it back,

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

Well, it's very well wrapped.

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

Wow.

Would you look at that?

[soft music playing]

[Kate] Ho, ho, ho!

Mind if we come in
for a minute?

Sure.

I was telling Sue
about your workshop

and she wanted to see it
for herself.

Have you two met before?

Uh, no.

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

Sue Carnegie.

Um, Gunner Fisk.

Oh. [clears throat]

What is this?

Uh, just some
Christmas goodies.

I thought we all owed you
an apology.

We shouldn't have been
so quick to point fingers

after the break-in.

Well, I appreciate that.

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

I made some assumptions

that we're not
in the holiday spirit.

Sorry.

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

so how about
we just call it square?

I would love to. [laughs]

Deal?

[laughs]

Well, um,

I was telling Sue about
all of the Christmas parties

you used to throw
at the Fire Hose.

Yes. And I would like
to continue the tradition

at the gallery.

She's going to open
the Christmas Eve gala

to the entire community.

And I'd like for you
to be there.

It'd mean a lot to everyone.

Um, okay. Sure.

Good.

Um, now,
you have got to tell me

about these incredible pieces.

What is your process?

I mean, how do you start?

Do you... Do you sketch
them first?

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

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

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

They're so delicate, lively,

but also substantial.

Truly remarkable.

How much do you sell them for?

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

No. [laughs]

They are not.

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

I think she means it.

Tell me about this one.

I mean,
what's the inspiration?

Well, it's, uh, Christmas.

I was thinking about
the little Christmas tree

we had when I was a kid.

Used to come downstairs
late at night

and Mom would
put some treats out.

[indistinct chatter]

[Christmas music playing]

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

♪ It feels like
Christmastime to me ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

The inspiration,
as you can tell,

it's not just holiday,

but I think the artist
is trying to evoke

the spirit of family

and what welds us together.

And as it progresses,
you see that transformation

and represents
so much of Shelter Park

and the history
that we have here.

♪ My favorite time
Of year... ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

[clears throat]

Hey, um...

I-I just wanna say thanks
for getting my dad

to hook up with all of this.

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

It's his art.

I just made the introduction.

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

It's not an excuse,

but these last couple of
months have been pretty rough.

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

Hey, Ian, do you two
know each other?

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

Hey, you got
a heck of a jump shot.

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

Super talented.

Hey, a couple of us
are gonna hit up

Frankie's for pizza after,

if you wanna come along.

Detroit style?

No other kind
in Shelter Park, my man.

-No other kind.
-Sounds cool.

Technically, I'm grounded.

Try to help me
convince my mom?

All right, let's do it.

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

[Andre] Ho, ho, ho, ho.

Look at all this.
It's amazing.

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

You did great.

We're lucky
you were on the case.

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

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

Now we just have to find you
a better office.

Something more central.

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

-Yup?
-Mmm-hmm.

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

Cynthia. Hi.

-She means well.
-Oh, I know.

Meddling is her love language.

[laughs]

So, what's next?

A lot, actually.

With the publicity
from this case,

my phone has been
ringing off the hook.

I am up to my ears
in background checks,

stakeout requests,
financial fraud cases.

This one woman in Lakeview,

she is convinced her husband
faked his own death.

Wow.

I'm glad you're finally
getting the recognition

you deserve.

Yeah.

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

You know how Mom is
always giving me a hard time

for calling it
Bennett and Associates?

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

Oh. Who are you thinking of?

Oak or somebody
from your criminology program.

No, Dad.
I was thinking of you.

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

It could be part-time
if you want.

You know? See if you like it?

I'm flattered, honey. Really.

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

Well, a wise man once said,

"If following your dreams
were easy,

everyone would do it."

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

Merry Christmas, Dad.

Hmm.

Merry Christmas.

I really think our search
committee made the difference.

[Kate] Maggie. Hi, there.

I'm so glad you could make it.

Hello, Kate. [laughs]

He looks nice up there,
doesn't he?

Right where he belongs.

I was just saying that.

Listen, I just wanted
to come say hi

and thank you so much

for organizing
your little search committee.

It was really sweet.

It meant a lot to us
knowing that we had

the whole community behind us.

It's the least we could do.

I was just saying
the same thing.

We really are in sync,
aren't we?

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

and, uh, offer you my card

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

-Thank you.
-Mmm-hmm.

-Excuse me.
-[Kate] Happy holidays.

Mr. Mayor.

You seem pretty pleased
with yourself.

Well, I did save the day.

-Oh, yeah?
-Mmm-hmm.

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

I did have to put up
with this other detective.

I mean, no poise
this guy at all.

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

No. I'm pretty perceptive.

I did teach him
a thing or two.

Oh, that's very nice of you.

Well, it is Christmas.

What are you doing
here anyway?

Aren't you worried
you're gonna bring

the whole place down on us?

Yeah, but someone's been
trying to convince me

to give this whole holiday
thing another shot.

-They sound smart.
-Annoying, actually.

She thinks she's right
all the time.

Maybe she is.

Yeah, maybe she is.

She also said that, um...

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

See anything you like?

I do.

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

Merry Christmas.

This is where you say
"Merry Christmas" back.

♪ My favorite time of year ♪

♪ My favorite time ♪

♪ My favorite time of year ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

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

♪ Oh ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

♪ It feels like Christmas ♪

♪ It feels like... ♪