Santa Stakeout, The (2021)

[bunniefuu]

Morning, Mrs. Wilson.

Good morning, Detective.

Beautiful day.

It certainly is.

I hope you're not spending
your first Denver Christmas

all on your own?

Oh, no. I'm celebrating it
with my sister.

She lives here.

-Oh.
-In fact...

I'm meeting her now.

Have you set a date
for the wedding?

Yeah.

Amy, that's great.

Less great
is meeting Jeff's parents.

I'm a wreck.

Take it
from your big sis...

they are going to love you.

So... relax.

The thing is...

they invited Jeff and me
to spend Christmas with them

in Aspen next week.

Oh. Wow.

That's perfect.

It's gonna be great.

But I don't want
you all alone for the holidays

in a new town.

Please, come with us.

To meet your future in-laws?

I'm fine.

Besides, my...my new job
has me busy anyways.

Or at least,
I hope it will soon.

Speaking of which,
I gotta run.

-Oh, it's right here.

It... it says right here...
I got... I sent it in.

It's a denying petition.
It's dated the ninth.

You got it.

Detective Anderson.

Detective Morris.

Denying petition.

Yeah, I promise, this time.

Procedure.

Procedure does help
minimize errors.

What does procedure say

about decorating your desk
like the North Pole?

If I want a festive workplace,
that is my business.

If you want a Scroogey one,
that's yours.

And...

that's my stapler
you stole.

Remind me again what
your job was back in Wisconsin?

Was it chief hall monitor?

Just a humble beat cop...

who's now a detective.

A rookie detective.

As you keep reminding me.

Well...

Do you mind, uh, not,
you know, humming the carols?

Oh, was I?

Oh. Sorry.

I guess I could use
a little Christmas spirit today.

My sister has to go out of town
for Christmas.

You got
any special holiday plans?

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

I'm spending Christmas
as it was intended.

Feet up,
watching football with the boys.

Don't you have any family
to spend it with?

Don't you have enough mysteries
to solve over there?

Hey!

Who stole
my Advent calendar chocolates?

Who took our rookie detective's
chocolates?

It's not what it looks like.

I, uh...

I ate them.

I had to work late!
I got hungry.

I wanted fast food.
It wasn't food, but it was fast.

I'll tell you what.

Peace offering?

Thanks anyways.

Ah, perfect.

-What's that for?

Oh, I'm in charge

of Detective Fletcher's
retirement gift.

Oh. That's surprisingly nice
of you.

We're dedicating a bench
in the holding cell to him.

Hmm.

Morris. Anderson.
My office. Now.

Talbot!

Please! Out of my way.

Give me strength.
Give me strength.

Talbot, I said fly fishing,
not ice fishing.

I'm not retiring to Alaska.

Sorry, sir.

The only fishing I do
is for compliments.

I'm on it, yeah.
Oh. Hi.

Hot rods coming through.
-Yeah.

Have a seat.

Here's what we know.

First, the Modern Art Museum,
now minus a Dali painting.

Then a Rodin sketch
from the Davrow Gallery.

And now the Civic Center
just lost its Degas.

It's the third art heist
this month.

I thought Downtown
was on this.

-Well, the mayor
is transferring it over to us.

I need to clear this case
before I retire.

Oh... after-hours break-ins,

high-valued artwork...

sounds like the thieves
knew just what they wanted.

Well, Forensics says
they're pros.

Used a high-tech coring drill

to get into the museum
through the skylight,

and each crime scene
hosted a Christmas party

the night of the theft.

I don't know,
maybe someone slipped in

while everyone
was distracted.

Captain?

You might want
to check out these,

from the security cameras.

It's the same Santa
from all three crime scenes.

Look at his watch.

I see you have
an eye for detail.

Very impressive.

-I got his name.
-What?

Francis Miller,
a.k.a. Mr. Christmas.

That was fast.

That's just
good detective work.

Yeah, I got a buddy
who works at the museum.

He checked the logbook.

And I've got Miller's address
and his record for grand theft.

That was fast.

That's just
great detective work.

Well, since you two
clearly work so well together,

you both can go check him out.

Just out of curiosity,

when is the last time
you vacuumed in here?

Is this a McRib?

They haven't sold these
since last year.

So? I'm sentimental.

All right, there it is.

That's Miller's house.

Look at that yard.

The North Pole's
got nothing on him.

Jealous?

More like impressed.

Looks like the house next door
is for rent.

How do you know?

The sign that says "for rent."

Look. Someone's coming.

That's him.

-There he is.

-Mr. Christmas himself.
-Mm-hmm.

This guy's up to something.
I'm sure of it.

You're sure already?

All right, look.
I know you're new to this.

Let me tell you something.

No one is ever who they seem.

Don't forget,

Mr. Christmas was convicted
years ago of grand theft.

And he's been
a model citizen since,

not as much
as a parking ticket.

I say assume the best,
then follow the evidence.

Well, I say assume the worst
and be pleasantly surprised.

No one's off the naughty list

until proven otherwise,
as far as I'm concerned.

Yup. With you
at the top of the list.

Wonder what that was about.
-Mm.

Why would Miller
need locksmith tools?

Suspicious enough for you yet?

-Hi.

Talbot? It's me.
Hey, where's the captain at?

Walk with me.

It's my last Christmas
in Colorado.

My wife wants to go big.

Keep up!
What do we got?

I got nothing, sir.

Captain, I'm telling you...

Miller's got deliveries
coming and going.

He's got mysterious characters
dropping by.

This guy is planning something.

If we could get in there
and search his house,

I bet we could
find stolen merch,

maybe even the key
to his next job.

I feel it in my gut.

Too bad your gut can't
get us a search warrant.

No. I agree.

Not enough here
for a search warrant,

so why not bring him in
for questioning?

Because.

Sir, if he's up to something,
that'll tip him off.

We won't be able to catch him.

We're, like, a week out
from Christmas,

and our sneaky little Santa
might have another job in mind.

-Another job in mind.

To establish cause,
we need real surveillance.

If we can document
a pattern of suspicious conduct,

we can go to a judge
for a warrant.

How about a stakeout?

There's a house for rent
right next to Miller's.

It'd be perfect.

Stakeout...

okay, I'll authorize it.

For seven days,
until Christmas.

Great! Have fun.

-Oh, no.

No. You're going too, Detective.

From now on,
you're partners on this case.

I don't think
that's a good idea.

Finally...
something we agree on.

You've been here for two months

and shown
great promise, Detective.

You're always saying
you want a high-profile case.

Well, here's your chance.

But...

-I'm trusting you.

Don't let me down.

I won't, sir.

She is not ready
for a job this big.

Let me be the judge.

Besides, you need someone
to keep you in line.

You have tended
to bend the rules.

Captain...

I think we both know
I work better on my own.

Detectives, this case
is the only thing

standing between me
and a banana daiquiri

with an itty-bitty umbrella
in it.

I want that daiquiri!

I deserve
that daiquiri.

Don't disappoint me.

That's Talbot's job.

I got paper.

There's a good
vantage point here

of his front door
and his driveway,

and from upstairs,

we have a good view of
his backyard and his kitchen.

And once we're set up,

we'll know if he so much
as changes a bulb

in his Christmas lights.

Let me guess.

First stakeout?

Yes. How'd you know?

Santa's sleigh doesn't come
with as much baggage as you do.

It's just the essentials.

The essentials?

If I'm stuck
in a snow globe with Scrooge,

at least I can
make it Christmassy.

Now...

...we should lay down
some ground rules.

Oh, gee. Imagine.

You've got rules.

For starters, can we agree
to make this place

a little more organized
than our workspace?

You know, I was thinking
the very same thing.

Oh, I moved your suitcase

from the master suite

to the room down the hall.

What?

That was me
calling the master suite.

Don't you know the rules
of "I called it"?

Which brings me
to my last proposal.

I will watch from upstairs,

and you will
do your surveillance

from down here.

Why do you get upstairs?

Every time you walk,

it is like a herd
of buffalo going by.

Why does everyone
always say that?

All right.

Fine.

You take the master suite.

If it means we see
less of each other,

suits me just fine.

Perfect.

Don't even think about it.

Bad news, Detective.

This hotel does not
offer maid service.

Here.

Check out his office upstairs.

Do you see the boxes?

Mm-hmm.

And look on the wall.
See those charts?

They're more like blueprints.
This guy's up to something.

Blueprints...

for what, I wonder?

Maybe his next heist?
Wish I could get a better look.

I just can't see anything
from this angle.

What's that?

Oh, I'm just keeping notes.

Oh, yeah?

" , newspaper delivered.

, postwoman drops off mail.

, tabby cat walks by..."

Why are you logging this stuff?
None of it's even relevant.

You never know
what will be relevant

unless you've already made up
your mind about the case,

which you already have.

Whatever.

Hey, Talbot's gonna drop off
some lunch in the alley.

What do you want on your burger?

I'd prefer a salad, actually.

You know, something healthy
and green?

I'll order extra pickles.

Talbot? It's Detective Ryan.

What do you mean,
which Detective Ryan?

The only Detective Ryan
you know.

Ryan!

Actually, you know what?
Make it a double.

No, not on the side.
On the burger.

Talbot, why would I want
cheese on the side?

It's a cheeseburger.

A "cheeseburger."

You have got to be kidding.

Ryan!

Psst! Ryan?

Ryan! Hey!

You locked out?

Oh.

I'm fine.

I can call someone.

I live just down the street.

Not necessary.

Thank you anyway.

Just move in?

It's a nice day to work out.

I'd hate to slow down
your pace.

Ryan!

Could you be any louder?

Could you not lock me out?

-Could you...
-Oh!

You must be the newlyweds.

The who now?

The real estate agent said

some newlyweds
looked at the house,

but were still on the fence.

That's you, right?

Well, yes.

That's us.

We took the plunge.

Oh, we sure did.

I'm Stanley. And you are?

I'm... Tasha.

And this is my h... husband...

Ru... Rupert.
-Rrr... yep.

It's good to meet you,
Stanley.

You're right next door
to the best decorations around.

Mr. Miller runs

our neighborhood
Christmas committee.

The Christmas committee?

Caroling, parties, potlucks...

We're always looking
for new volunteers.

I know everyone's
gonna want to meet you.

I'll spread the word!

Oh, you hear that, Tasha?

He's gonna spread the word.

Unbelievable.

We're supposed to be
keeping a low profile.

Now look what you've done.

What I've done?

You locked me out.

That was an accident!
Saying we're married?

I had to think fast.

You should try it sometime.

Well, this is terrific.

Now the entire neighborhood
is gonna know we're here.

So much for quiet observation.

We got to pack up.
It's done. It's over.

Actually, maybe
this can work in our favor.

Did you bump your head
on an icicle out there?

If we could join
this Christmas committee...

-Ugh.
-...We could meet Miller.

Maybe even get that look
inside his house.

So you admit
that he's up to something?

Miller just got a delivery

from a company that makes
key-cutting machines,

and that is... odd.

You're serious about this.

I'm serious
about solving this case.

And since

we're on the neighborhood radar
now anyway,

we have to try to fit in,

or we're gonna stand out.

Saying we're married?

Hey, it's harder for me.

Why?

It's obvious I can do
so much better than you.

That's pretty good.

That was good.

So...

what do you say?

Shall we give this a shot...

hubby?

A couple for Christmas?

Tsk.

Merry Christmas...

dear.

You want to run that
by me again?

If we want to infiltrate
Miller's Christmas committee,

we have to show
our Christmas spirit,

and that starts with...

a tree in our window.

Yeah. You know that Talbot
can only watch Miller's house

for, like, an hour,

so we need to pick one
and get back.

This one's perfect.
Let's get it.

Sir?
-Not so fast!

A little trick
my grandmother taught me.

Crush the needles...
-Mm-hmm?

-...In your hand...
-Okay.

And sniff.

See?

It's beautiful.
We'll take it.

No fresh scent.

This one's needles
are gonna drop any day.

Fine. This one.

The best procedure
is to gauge...

each tree by its shape,

its height,

and any distinguishing features.

You know
this is a Christmas tree lot

and not a lineup, right?

Are you enjoying this?

I'm taking
this assignment seriously.

A little too seriously.

Why are you
so Christmas-crazed, anyway?

Maybe I miss
Christmas in Wisconsin.

They have detective jobs
in Wisconsin.

Why didn't you apply for those?

I have my reasons.

Anyways, I've loved Christmas
ever since I was little.

The question is,
why don't you?

Well, I used to do Christmas...

until the ghosts of Christmas
past, present, and future

paid me a little visit.

And by "ghosts,"

I mean Jackson, Johnson,
and Abrams,

my wife's divorce attorneys.

You were married?

Yeah, hard to believe
all this isn't still taken.

I know.

Anyway, nowadays,

I have priorities
other than the holidays.

But it's Christmas.

Well, my ex got the ornaments.
I got the golf clubs.

Suits me just fine.

You know,

if we're really
gonna sell this thing,

we're gonna need
a cover story.

We can't just be walking around,

telling people
we're undercover detectives.

Oh, h*. Way ahead of you.

Here are the rings
the captain sent over,

and, uh, check your email.

I wrote backstories for us
last night.

Of course you did.

So we moved from Tallahassee
last month for our jobs, and...

Wait, why am I a chiropractor?

'Cause every cover story
needs a grain of truth,

and you are
a small pain in the neck.

Wait! Oh, there's more.

Like, where we met
and all of that.

Yeah, I skimmed it.

We met at the gym,
married a month ago, yada, yada.

I got it.

"Yada, yada"?

The details sell the story...

where we went for our honeymoon
and things like that.

Mm-hmm.

Sir, we'll take this one,
please.

Sweet.
Does that mean we're done?

Oh, we're just getting started.

On to the decorations.

Hmm.

How's it going with the tree?

It's a work of art.

All it needs
is the powdered snow.

How are you gonna do that?

Fingerprint powder
and powdered doughnuts.

Why do I even ask?

What in the world is all this?

Since you only get one chance

to make a festive
first impression,

now it's my turn
to show you how it's done.

You're lining them up
like guard dogs.

'Cause
they're guarding the house.

This guy's called "Spike."

Maybe you should
just handle the lights.

Yeah, great idea.

What are you doing?

I'm handling the lights.

This'll give us a little peek
into Miller's garage.

He is in and out of there
so much.

You see something?

I need a closer look.

Are you crazy?

What if he sees us?

Oh, please.
He's not gonna see us.

Can I help you?

My gosh.

h*, h*! Hey.

Are you okay?

Yeah, uh,
funny you should ask.

I was just, uh...

uh...

honey?

We had... noticed

some of your Christmas
decorations had come loose.

Coming loose! And I was just
doing the neighborly thing.

So yeah,
that should do it.

I'm Francis Miller.

You must be my new neighbors
that Stanley told me about.

I was just coming over

to give you one of
my homemade fruitcakes.

Oh, how kind!

I'm Tasha,

and this is my husband.

Yep, Ry...upert.

That's...

Rupert for short.

Rupert, Tasha.

Well, welcome
to the neighborhood.

You know,
Stanley mentioned

that Christmas committee
of yours.

-Uh-huh?

We would love to join up,
if you need help.

-Absolutely!

We can always use more elves.

As a matter of fact,

I'm having a potluck
tomorrow night.

I'd love you to come.
p.m.

We will be there
with bells on.

Christmas bells on.

-Yeah, yeah. Yeah.

I should probably
get back to work.

I haven't even checked
our Christmas lights yet.

Honey-bunny...

since you're doing that,

why don't you check

all the bulbs on Mr. Miller's
house, too?

Wel... no. Nah, I c...
I couldn't let you do that.

It's our pleasure.
Isn't it, dear?

You know what they say...

"Happy wife...
happy life."

Well, thank you very much,

and it's really nice
to meet you.

See you tomorrow.

Okay.

What in the world?

Why did you volunteer me
to fix his Christmas lights?

He gave us fruitcake.

You know what that means?

Yeah, we have lunch?

No. We had to respond with
a Christmas gift of our own.

What? That's not a thing.

Were you raised by wolves?

Were you
raised by elves?

Actually, I think
there are two magic words

you need to say to me.

Um, "stop talking"?

"Thank... you."

Because of me,

we're gonna get that look
in his house.

Thank you.

Morning.

I see you've been busy.

Hey. Rule number
of stakeouts...

games help keep the mind sharp.

This might help too.

What is this?

Santa coffee.

The secret's adding
cinnamon and cocoa.

My grandmother used
to make them at Christmas.

It is Christmassy.

Thank you.

Explain, please?

Oh, I was just shopping for
a gift for my -year-old niece.

Pepper spray?

What? She's too young
for a taser.

Besides, it's pink.

I'll keep my eyes open...

...for something better.

Okay.

All right.

You got a little something
on your...

Oh, do I?
I can feel it, yeah.

-Yeah.
-Uh, well...

my compliments to your grandma.

She knows how to make delicious,
if slightly messy, coffee.

She was amazing.

When I'd visit,

we used to sit up in her room
together

and look out the window

and make up stories
about people outside.

Ah, so you were a spy
from early on.

Just curious about people.

I wanted to be a detective
ever since I was a kid.

I just hope I'm up for the job.

What are you talking about?

You seem so self-assured.

Do I?

I mean...

The truth is,

my dad
is Chief of Police back home.

And I was a beat cop
at his precinct,

on track to be detective.

Most people assume
I got the job because of him,

so I always
had to work extra hard.

Explains the nitpicking,
the attention to detail.

But I wanted to see if I can
make detective on my own,

so I applied to the job
here in Denver

to prove to myself
that I can really do this.

Take the downstairs window
today.

Give you a nice view
of your new town.

Thanks, but actually...

I'm headed out this morning.

Oh, yeah?
Where you going?

I'm gonna pay a visit

to the agency
that hires out Santas,

and I'll pick up
a few essentials for the house

and the party tonight.

Call me
if anything happens.

-Okay.
-Okay?

'Kay. Keep that phone ready.

Great shoes.

Thanks.

Everyone at the North Pole
has 'em this year.

Detective?

Hi. I'm Lois Carmichael.

Nice to meet you.
Please come in.

I'm so sorry
to keep you waiting.

I just got back
from our Chicago office,

and I'm still catching up.

Wow. It certainly
is festive around here.

Well, normally,
most of our work

is providing valets
and, uh, waiters,

but this time of year,

we have a lot of
Christmas parties,

so they just stay in character.

Actually, that is why
I wanted to talk to you...

about one of your Santas,
Francis Miller?

"Mr. Christmas."

He's one of
my most popular acts.

All of our clients adore him.

So, he's worked
at the art museum,

the Davrow Galleria,

and the Civic Center
this month?

I believe so,
but I can double-check.

Thanks.

Could I also get a list
of any other places

he's been booked?

Yeah, he books a lot of gigs
on his own,

but I will make you up a list

of all of our events
that he's worked at,

but, Detective...

...should I be concerned?

He is a person of interest
in a case.

Well, can you keep me informed?

I founded this agency

to help out-of-work actors
get jobs,

and I really don't want
to jeopardize our reputation.

I understand.

Oh, I need
more Christmas lights...

and stockings
for the fireplace.

Hmm.

And what's all this for?

"The Case of the Secret Santa"?

You are closer
than you think.

Are you sure you don't want
to come to Aspen with us?

I just don't like you
being all alone on Christmas.

No, I'm not alone.

The other stocking
is for my partner.

Partner, huh?

That sounds interesting.

No.

Not my "partner" partner.

Ryan's my partner
on the case.

Oh, and what's
this Ryan like?

Think...

a Christmas gift
you just can't return.

Hmm.

And how's the wrapping?

Is he good-looking?

He's, um...

symmetrical, with...

sharp edges.

Uh-huh.

And that is just what
Ryan needs for Christmas.

You went Christmas shopping?

Just a few more decorations

and supplies
for our mission tonight.

That's cute.

No. No!

Matching Christmas sweaters?
What are we, poodles?

We are a married couple
going to a Christmas party.

We need to fit in.

But I didn't have time

to get anything
to bring to the party, so...

Something smells good.

Have you been baking
in here?

Well, you can't show up
to a potluck empty-handed.

You said so yourself.
Why?

I just can't trust
leaving the cooking

to a guy who thinks
Funyuns is a food group.

Funyuns is a food group.

You made these?

Talbot stopped by
the bakery, right?

And you just heated those up?

No, I made 'em
from scratch.

Wow.

Where'd you get the ingredients?

What is this, an interrogation?

I had Talbot pick up
a few things.

But you're a cold-pizza guy.

Well, there's not much point
cooking when it's just me.

Ooh...

looks like super-detective
doesn't know everything.

We'll get to the bottom
of this later.

Now we've got
a potluck to go to.

Okay.

Stop fidgeting.

It feels like
it's made out of yak fur.

-Now, remember the plan.
-I keep him busy.

And I'll get a look
in the studio.

Got it.

Ah, I'm so happy
you could join us.

Wouldn't miss it for the world.

Mm, homemade gingerbread.

Oh, it's my favorite.
You shouldn't have.

Oh...

She didn't.

Come meet Alicia.

She teaches
at our local high school.

Rupert and Tasha.

Hi. It must be rewarding,
teaching kids.

Emotionally, yes.
For my wallet...

not so much.

-Oh.

Hey, hey.

Twinsies!

Ah! It's like
looking in a mirror.

You've already met Stanley.

Yup.

But did you know

that he is
a walking encyclopedia

on everything Christmas?

Guilty as charged.

You know, in Russia
they call Santa

"Grandpa Frost,"

but in Norway,

the Christmas gnome
brings gifts to kids.

Ah! You sure know your stuff.

Edith?
Stanley's better half.

Rupert, Tasha.

Uh, hey, have you been
to their shop on Broadway?

Denver Art and Antique?

I, uh...
I don't believe we have.

Excuse me.

Do you get most of your art,
uh, from dealers, or...

All sorts of places.

So, what brought you two
to the neighborhood?

Our jobs, actually.

Mm-hmm.
I'm in human resources,

and Rupert
is a chiropractor.

-Woo.
-Really?

Yeah.

Because my lumbar's
been giving me grief.

I don't suppose I could get
a quick chiropractic adjustment?

Yeah, why not?

Uh...

Honey! Honey?

Lift!

Shouldn't we do
that sort of thing

in your office?

Oh, yeah,
you're probably right.

Probably should.
I'll tell you what.

You make an appointment with me.

We'll get you fixed up
in the New Year.

Good stuff.

Wow!

You are very strong.

Maybe you should help me
move my Christmas tree tomorrow.

Hey, guys? Rupert?

Come.

This is Eric and Christopher.

So nice to meet you guys.

-Hi.
-Sorry we're late.

The contractor hit a snag
with the marble.

-Mm-hmm.
-Oh, yeah, that's right.

The boys are just opening
a new restaurant,

down, uh, by the Civic Center.

Civic Center?
That's a great area.

Yes, but the rent is a fortune.

Oof.

No, thank you.
I'm gonna go get some water.

-Hi.
-Ah.

Christmas cheese doodle?

The green ones are pesto,

and the red
are sun-dried tomato.

How delicious.

I'm Tasha.

Martha.

I'd say, by the look of things,
Tasha,

you're a Blitzen.

A Blitzen?

Yeah. Everyone's
a reindeer at heart,

and "Blitzen" comes
from the German word

meaning "lightning,"

and you strike me as a gal
with some sparkle.

Now, your husband over there...

I'd say he's a Comet.

Playful, energetic.

Well, he is

truly one of a kind.

A Christmas committee?

How'd you come up
with such a fun idea?

Well, my wife, Cathy,
started it.

Yeah. Bless her.

She loved Christmas so much.

Cathy believed in two things...

that you should appreciate
every day,

and that you could add
a Christmas bow to anything

to make it more festive.

Ah, truth is, Cathy,
she put a bow on life.

She sounds really special.

She was.

She was.

We actually met
on a Christmas tree lot,

if you can believe that.

Hey, how did you two meet?

Uh... at the gym.

Details, please.

I love a good meet-cute story.

Oh... honey, you...
you know what?

Why don't you...
Why don't you tell it?

Don't you remember it?

Yeah, but you tell it so well.

It was at the gym,
in a spin class.

We reached for
the same spin bike,

right up front...

I let her have it.
Took the one to the side.

It's a good thing I did, too,
because...

she's one of those
spin-shouters.

I could barely hear the music.

Rock it! Climb it!
Pedal on! Feel the burn!

He apologized later
and asked me out.

I mean, basically
swept her off her feet.

It was
all the poetry he wrote

that really won me over,
I think.

Aw, I don't think
anyone wants to hear about that.

-We do.
-We do!

He'd send me
sweet little sonnets

he composed all by himself.

Sharp observations, really.

About butterflies.

And rainbows.

Then I proposed,
we got married, the end.

Well, you two are just so cute!

Oh, what can I say?

We finish each other's...

...Sentences.

Francis, which way
is the restroom?

Up the stairs, to the right.

Tasha...

what are you doing here?

I made a wrong turn.

I'm so sorry.

Well, let me walk you out.

Wouldn't want you
to get lost again.

Woo! Oh. That was very nice.

Woo!

That was all you.

Oh, hey, honey.

Come on! You're just in time
for "Deck the Halls."

A-one, a-two, a-one,
two, three, four!

We're gonna say good night.

Such a lovely night.

Yeah, we're gonna go too.

Oh! Whoa, whoa, whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa!

Uh, we should...
we should get a picture.

Oh, yeah!

Get that picture.

All right, get in there.

I want to see everybody's faces
nice and clear.

Everybody say "Frosty!"

Frosty!

Ah, okay. Thank you.

Let's get another one!
Let's get another one!

I've got a...
I've got it.

-Both sides.
-Okay, okay, okay.

-Good?
-Yeah.

"Cheesy-peasy"!

Cheesy-peasy!

-Great, okay.
-Cool! -Can you send it to me?

I'm gonna get your jacket,
okay, honey?

-Oh, yeah, me too.
-Thank you so much.

Good night. Good night. Good
night.

Can you send that to me?

Thank you
for such a nice evening.

Oh.

Rupert.

I had no idea what
a talented musician you are.

Oh, it's...

He is just full of surprises.

Well, you have to join us
tomorrow night

for Christmas caroling.

Well, can't wait.

So nice to meet you two.

I'm the house with the ivy,

if you ever need anything...
a cup of sugar...

Good night.

Think I'll go grab our coats.

I... got this.

So, Rupert.

I know how difficult it can be,
being the new guy on the block,

um, look, when I moved into
this neighborhood...

a thousand years ago, um...

I felt like I didn't fit in,

and then, one day,
you open up your front door,

and... it's your neighborhood.

Just got to give it time.

Ah. Well, thank you.

Look! You two
are under the mistletoe.

Oh, it's okay.

No, I had the onion dip. Oof!

-Come on.
-Kiss her! Come on.

Come on.

Oh!

Aw!

I love it.

See you tomorrow, guys.

-Aww.
-See you, guys.

All right, everybody,
see you tomorrow.

Oh, not if I see you first.

Don't let that kiss
go to your head.

Already forgotten about it.

Hey, what did you find
back there?

Power tools

and some kind
of industrial drill.

Yeah?

Because Forensics
said the museum intruders

came through the skylight
with something like that.

I got a shot of his laptop

with a pic
of some... country estate?

Maybe his next score.

Well...

despite everything,

I'd say our mission
was a success.

You did surprisingly well
under pressure.

Surprisingly, huh?

'Cause I'm just a rookie
and not up to the task?

I don't talk like that.

Yeah, you do.

You do.

I may have thought
something like that before.

It's okay.

I may have assumed
a thing or two about you.

Well, maybe we got off
on the wrong foot.

Maybe we did.

And how is it
you play piano like that?

Lessons.

Since I was six,
and a lot of practice.

Well, like I told you,
no one's ever what they seem.

Well, just maybe I'm starting
to see what you mean.

blueprints, ot power,

and a drill like the one
used at the museum heist.

Yeah. As for
suspicious characters,

Christopher and Eric,

their restaurant
is right near the Civic Center.

Stanley and Edith have
connections to the art world,

and Alicia...

well, she's just
super into me.

And that's more suspicious
than anything.

Talbot's doing
background checks on everyone.

In the meantime,

is this an evidence board

or one of
your Christmas collages?

Any chance we can
find that location?

That looks like a great place
for the next heist.

I checked the list
from the agency,

and it doesn't look like

any of the places
Miller's been booked for,

and no information,
no address...

it's possible,
but it's gonna take time.

So I guess we wait.

Wait.

What do you see?

Anything good on TV?

No.

It's just this neighborhood
takes me back.

Oh, yeah?

It reminds me
of Christmas in Wisconsin.

We had such great Christmases.

Tons of lights.

Caroling together
through the neighborhood.

I miss that.

Your family
do anything special?

Sure. Yeah.

Every Christmas Eve,

we'd have
this big snowball fight.

My nickname was "Frosty"
because my aim was stone-cold.

I bet.

You know,
I got to be honest.

I was actually just planning
to work through Christmas.

Truth is, most of my buddies
are already married.

So no other
Christmas plans for you?

Nah. Sometimes I drop in
on my brother's family

in Albuquerque.

It's nice to see them,

but it kind of reminds me
of what I'm missing, so...

usually I just try to stay busy
during the holiday.

Hardest-working detective
in the precinct, huh?

Cost me my marriage.

You ever been married?

Close.

I was engaged to a guy
I met at the academy.

We...

wanted different things.

He got a job offer out of state
on a really small force,

and I wasn't about to give up
my dream of being a detective.

Well, from what I've seen,
you got a real flair for it.

Really? You think so?

Absolutely.
You have real talent.

Just got to believe in yourself.

Thanks.

Something's up.

The driver, I...
I know that guy!

Miller's on the move!

All right, come on.

I know how I know that guy!

One of my old partners
busted him a couple times

for breaking and entering
a couple years ago.

His name's Findlay.
I remember seeing the file.

I wonder
what's in that backpack.

Hide, hide, hide, hide.

They almost made us.

Let's wait until
they're on the move again.

Okay.

Hey.

This reindeer plushie
is adorable.

Might be a good gift
for your niece.

What's her favorite color?

I don't know.

Rainbow?

"Rainbow" is not a color.

It's all the colors.

Do you always have to be right
about everything?

One of us has to be.

Great.

They're gone.

It's been almost two hours.
Still nothin'.

Miller will come back.
Be patient.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

There they are.

Miller's going into the house
with Findlay's bag.

I wish we knew
where they'd been.

Well...

here's some good news.

I figured out
where the estate is.

Crestmore.

It's the Van Houghtons' estate.

How'd you figure that out?

See the distinctive columns?

Oh, yeah.

It's the signature
of a local architect.

I tracked her down.

She recognized
the building instantly.

Nice work, Detective.

I think this calls
for a little celebration.

I might've whipped up
a little somethin'-somethin'.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

Buckle up.

Your family had Santa's coffee.

My family...

had Dad's hard eggnog.

Cheers.

Whoa.

That's got a kick to it.

What can I say?

Dad liked to relax
during the holidays.

Well, speaking of relaxation,

we haven't finished decorating
our Christmas tree.

Ah, the tree! Yes.

Mm.

Well, in that case...

I think we need a little...

Uh, you don't throw tinsel.

You...

place it.

-Mm.

Yeah, not in my family.

-Hey!
-Mm-hmm.

Oh, you do not want
to start a tinsel w*r with me.

Oh, you... oh!

Decorated like a tree!
Oh, is that fun?

You like tinsel?

-Oh.

Hello! Hello!

Aah! Ah.

I was calling and texting
for you guys to let me in.

Luckily, one of you
left the back door unlocked.

Why do you look like
a powdered doughnut?

I had to cut through
the side yard

to make sure
that no one saw me.

I tripped over
an inflatable snowman,

I-I stepped in what I can
only hope is just sugarplums,

and...

I tripped
coming up to the gate.

Sorry. We couldn't hear you
over the Christmas music.

Yeah. What brings you here?

The captain wants me
to see how the case is going.

Ah, okay.

Well, it's... it's had
its unusual twists.

So I see.

W-What's this?

Um, our evidence board.

Evidence board.

You got some... evidence.

It's Christmassy
in here.

Yeah.

What's this?

Oh, that's a...

we just...

Christmas gift for my niece.

She's actually tough
to shop for, but...

It's really cute.

Yeah. So, what are you
doing here?

Um...

I have news.

Uh, there was another break-in.

A gallery on Santa Fe.

About an hour ago.

I thought you had eyes on Miller
/ . What happened?

We lost him.

It was my fault.

N... uh, no,
it wasn't, actually.

It was my fault.

I was distracted,
shopping for the...

The captain
is breathing down my neck.

The mayor wants results.

He said...

"No more mistakes,
or you two are off the case!"

Sorry.

Uh, I'm supposed to work
on my assertiveness.

That's what Captain said.

It's pretty good.
It's good, actually.

Let me walk you out.

Thanks.

Do you have any hot cocoa
or something?

No, we don't have
any of that stuff.

That's cool.

Aw, come on.
Put a little jolly into it.

Like, less Scrooge
and more Santa?

Hey, I'm plenty jolly.
Where's your voice?

Blending in quietly
with the rest.

Besides, you're the musical one,
after all.

Come on, everybody!

We still got
a lot of houses to hit.

How do we know

we're not helping Miller
scope out his next job?

Think jolly thoughts.

Or maybe he's just having fun?

Is that all you've got?

Oh, you asked for it.

Wow!

Tasha!

That was
a beautiful impromptu solo.

I-I loved it.

I just got caught up
in the song.

That's the Christmas spirit.

Onward!

I could've sworn I saw you
drop a police badge back there.

I, uh...

Rupert.

You haven't worn that jacket
since Halloween, have you?

No, I haven't.

He just makes
the cutest Old West sheriff.

I can imagine.

I hope you're ready
for hot chocolate.

That was close.

And where were you
hiding that voice?

Now, don't be shy.

This make-your-own-cocoa stand
is my favorite.

Cranberries?

I'm gonna add chili flake...

'cause I like mine spicy.

Uh... great.

I'm gonna add...

marshmallows...
down there.

Um, toast?

To our newest elves.

I think they've clearly proven

that "the more, the merrier"
is true.

Hear, hear.

Thanks. You guys
are so welcoming.

Yeah, I honestly, uh...
I don't remember

having this much fun
at Christmas in a long time.

Oh...

That sounded
strangely convincing.

I'm gonna grab
some peppermint.

Well, nothing like
Christmas traditions.

Especially here.

You can see that Rupert's
getting into the holiday spirit.

Seems like I learn
something new about him

every day.

So you two married quickly?

You have no idea.

Like that.

So, a snowy Christmas...

it must be a big change
from Tallahassee.

Oh, yeah.

You know, actually,
I went to college there.

You don't say?

Yeah! What's your favorite spot
in T-Town?

Oh, you know...

boy, there's just so many.

Yeah? Which one?
Maybe I know it.

Excuse me for a moment.

Uh...

The Maclay Gardens are lovely.

Oh, yeah.

And Adams Street
can be fun.

Mm-hmm.

But my favorite place
in Tallahassee

is the Antique Car Museum.

Museum!

-Oh.
-Ever been?

No, but that sounds fun.

Hey, Eric!

-What?
-They have caramel!

You're gonna have
to excuse me.

They got caramel.

Whew. Got to hand it to you...
you do your homework.

The tasting flights
they have here

are... the... best,

so why don't you kids
have a seat and try some?

I mean, I kinda feel like

we gotta take him up
on his offer.

Wouldn't want
to raise any eyebrows.

No!

Duty calls?

After you.

Ooh!

Mm! Okay.

The German chocolate's
my favorite.

It's bitter,

but it's got
a little sweet edge.

Just like you.

It's hard to believe
that smiley guy is guilty.

Maybe Findlay
is the bad apple,

and Miller is the innocent dupe?

Mm-hmm.
Maybe reindeer can fly.

Reindeer do fly.

Oh, in your candy-coated
Christmas dreams.

Mm!

Oh, that one's good.

It's got a note of, uh...
caramel.

If I didn't know better,
Detective,

I'd say

you are rediscovering
your holiday spirit.

Aw, come on.
I got spirit.

Last year, I gave
the entire canine unit

reindeer antlers.

Didn't you ever have any, like,

Christmas special traditions
growing up?

Besides snowball wars?

Yeah.

I did.

Um...

I never knew my dad,
but my mom was from New Mexico,

and when I was little,

every Christmas Eve,
we would make these lanterns,

put a candle in a paper bag,

and we would line the sidewalk.

I don't get it.

What?

Why do you keep
your best qualities hidden?

Habit.

Or maybe I haven't found

the person
I want to share them with.

This is nice.

Yeah, it is.

Good night, all!

Oh, and don't forget tomorrow,
for Christmas charades.

Hey, wouldn't miss it.

-Good night!
-Good night.

Oh, and we have
a little Christmas gift for you.

We'll be right back.

Just so you know...

I'm on to you two.

You are?

Are you guys
professional singers or what?!

Tasha! Your voice is-is...
so lovely!

Rupert?

Not bad at all!

Thank you.

From the photo
we took of you.

Do you like it?

Very nice of you.

Uh, you didn't have to do that.

Well, of course we did.

We want you to feel welcome.

You're neighbors.

Neighbors.

See y'all!

Good night, you guys.

Cookie?

Sure.

These are amazing.

-Mm.
-What's your secret for these?

Simple. You just
brown the butter.

Gives them
the caramelized undertone

and the chewiness...

really makes
the best cookie in the world.

My mom taught me that.

She did a good job.

Mm-hmm.

With the cookies.

Okay.

Whatcha got there?

Oh, not much.

Just, um...
a breakthrough in the case.

What?

The Van Houghtons are throwing

a big Christmas party
tomorrow night.

Check out the society page.

"This year,
the Van Houghton Christmas party

will feature
the Romanov Christmas ornament,

valued at over $ million,

on loan
from the Denver Art Museum."

That sounds like
a pretty tempting target.

Meanwhile,
the background checks

on the neighbors
all came back clear.

None of them have any priors.

That's good.

What's all that?

Oh, I was just doing
some Christmas cards...

for the neighbors.

Um, just trying
to keep up appearances.

Oh, really?
'Cause, uh...

this one
belongs to Officer Talbot.

I had extras.

Really? Mm-hmm.

-Right.

Motion detector
going off next door.

-Findlay's here.
-Sure is.

And they're headed
in the backyard.

Okay.

Can you hear anything?

Not really.

I don't know. I don't think
we can pull it off.

No, no, I told you...

We need to get closer.

I don't know
how much closer I can get.

...we stick to the plan.

Christmas is gonna come early
this year.

What was that?

-Boo!
-Hey!

You guys okay?

Yeah, I slipped on the...
it's just icy.

Well, be careful.

-Mm-hmm.
-I'll see you later.

I got my eyes on you two.

I'll see you
for charades in...

a half hour.

Okay.

Oh, that was close.

Quiet. Quiet in the house...

he's listening,
sleep time, night-night...

"Silent Night"!
-Yes!

-And, time!
-Okay, let's go, let's go!

-Three words!
-Uh... a house.

-Tepee!
-A tree.

-Second word.
-Tree, tree...

-Christmas!

A carol!
"A Christmas Carol"!

Oh, yes!

Uh, big picture, big picture,
big picture.

Throwing dice!

No! Uh...

Karate. Shiatsu massage!

No, chop, chop...

Chopping down
a Christmas tree! Aw!

It's a movie.
It's a movie.

Smiling! Acting?

Smiling movie, smiling eyes.

A window decorator!

Is it "The Grinch
Who Stole Christmas"?

Oh!

Flying... partridge?

A Christmas panic attack.

Wait! Are you supposed to be
making a snow angel?

Ah!

Snow angel!

Teamwork!

Peppermint bark for everybody.

-Aw!
-Yay!

Thank you.

Oh, no, no. I think
I've eaten three bags.

Okay. Okay, your loss.

Enjoy.

Uh, you two have a good time?

Oh!

Yeah. Absolutely.

Thank you for including us
this week.

It's been, uh,
surprisingly fun.

Oh, I'm so glad
you could join us.

If you don't mind my saying,

um, you two have
such a fun chemistry.

Oh, yeah.

Like TNT and a match.

Well, the one thing
my Cathy taught me was

that the secret
to a happy marriage

is always cutting each other
a lot of slack,

especially around the holidays.

Well, I'll try to remember that

the next time
Tasha's driving me crazy.

Only somebody
you care about deeply

could make you that crazy.

Just remember the...
the best part of Christmas.

What's that?

The people we share it with.

The moments we share
with the people we love.

Well, they're like snowflakes.

They're...
They're beautiful

and perfect, and...

mm, no two are alike.

Did you get anything
from Miller?

Well, not about the case,
but, uh...

a couple other surprises.

Your "Tannenbaum"
was outstanding!

Hey, uh, tomorrow,
don't forget!

-Okay.
-We'll see you then!

Thank you.

Bye, kidlets. See ya.

You're awfully quiet.

What is it?

I don't know if Miller is

the kindest, most intuitive guy
in the world,

or if he's messing with us.

Wait. Just when
you've convinced me

he's masterminding a crime ring,

you're having doubts?

You heard his whole
"Christmas comes early" speech.

Yeah, well...

what if we're wrong?

I mean, it's happened before.

What do you mean?

You know,
after my marriage fell apart,

I had a really hard time

trusting my instincts
about people.

I worry maybe I jumped
to conclusions too soon...

...about a couple of people.

I know what you mean.

All I can say is,

being fake-married to you
has had its ups and downs.

Okay.

But...

I have no regrets.

As for jumping to conclusions
about Miller...

we'll find out tomorrow.

The captain just approved us

going undercover
at the c*ck party.

If Miller so much
as touches that ornament,

we've got him.

Okay.

It's snowing.

I have to admit...

our little neighborhood
looks amazing.

Yeah. It sure does.

So... how's Aspen?

Gorgeous, and things with
Jeff's parents are going great,

but I just wanted
to make sure you're okay.

I'm better than okay, sis.

I'm headed
to a Christmas party tonight.

If that's working,
I want your job.

Funny enough, it is.

And your partner?
Detective Scrooge?

Turns out
he's surprisingly jolly.

To be honest, we've...

...been having
a lot of fun together.

You should see him

trying to buy a Christmas gift
for his niece.

And just like that,
you're laughing.

Tanya!

I got a little present.

I gotta go.

We'll discuss this later.

I'm sure we will. Love ya.

The captain dropped off
our outfits for the party.

You might want to see this.

You've got to be kidding.

I've gone undercover

as a bartender, a bouncer,
and a bellhop.

This is definitely a first.

Well...

you look great.

Thank you.

This way, we fit in
with the waiters.

Well, just don't tell
the boys down at the precinct.

So I shouldn't have
texted them that photo of you?

Just kidding.

All right, fan out, Talbot.

This is some party.

Well, with so many guests,

it's gonna be tricky
to keep an eye on everything.

I doubt Miller is just gonna
grab the ornament and run.

Well, maybe he's scoping it out
for another time.

The ornament
is only here for the evening,

so if he's going for it,
tonight's his chance.

Why would the museum
loan it out in the first place?

Mrs. Van Houghton has
one of the best art collections

in the state.

She also sits
on the museum board.

May I have
everyone's attention, please?

Welcome, all,
and Merry Christmas.

I am proud to present

the Romanov
Christmas ornament.

Made over a century ago
by Fabergé himself,

a Christmas gift
for the tsar's daughter.

Just keep an eye on Miller.

Let's not get too close.

Copy.

Let's get
the dance floor going.

We've moved some tables.
Spread the word.

That includes
you too, officers.

All seems well.

Maybe you can help me
break the ice?

I mean...

we would have a better view
from the dance floor.

Detective,

are you asking me
to dance?

I mean...

in so many words.

You know,
I'll miss this.

Miss what?

This assignment...

our house,

decorating.

Our little neighborhood.

You know what
I'm gonna miss the most?

The company.

That makes the two of us.

Oh!

Yet another surprise?

You're a good dancer too?

Well, people aren't always
what they appear.

Hey, after all this
is said and done,

how would you feel...

-I'd love to.
-Good.

I was hoping
you would say that.

Where's Miller?

He was just there.

Talbot, where are you?
We lost Miller.

I took my eyes off the guy
for one minute.

Have you seen Santa?

Sorry, have you
seen Santa Claus?

-Oh dear!

Talbot, check the breaker.

Anybody seen Santa Claus?

He was just...

There's been a robbery!

No, not the ornament,
thank goodness.

But my two Van Goghs are gone.

-Mrs. Van Houghton,

walk us through
exactly what happened.

Well, when the lights went out,

I went to get
a flashlight from my desk,

and as I went into my study,

I saw that
the paintings were gone.

Thank you, Mrs. Van Houghton.

Please. Find them.

This is a fiasco, huh?

We only lost track
of Miller for a moment.

Not enough time
to steal anything.

Could he have had help?

Look, the captain
wants you guys

to search Miller's house.

But that's letting
the cat out of the bag.

He wants you there now.

He's already got
a signed warrant.

Mr. Miller?

Tasha, Rupert, hi.

-You going somewhere?
-Uh, yeah.

I've got a couple of things
to take care of.

That'll have to wait,
I'm afraid.

Excuse me?

We're police detectives,
Mr. Miller,

and we have a warrant to search
your house and your car.

I-I-Is this some kind of joke?

I'm afraid it's not.

I don't understand.

That... that doesn't
belong to me!

Where's the other painting?

Other painting?

I don't know
how that one got there.

Captain, we wanted
to handle this quietly.

And I wanted to make sure
it got done now.

You have your orders, Detective.

Francis Miller, you're
under arrest for grand theft.

But I didn't steal anything!

I-I... and I have so much

to take care of
for the holidays.

Read him his rights.

No, you're making
a terrible mistake!

I only wish I was.

We have to take Findlay in too.

View security footage,

interview the other guests
from the party...

And we will.

But I'm bringing in extra help
on this case.

I think you two
have done enough.

Captain.

Santa coffee?

Or my best attempt.

Thanks,

but I'm not sure
I'm in the right mood.

Any word
on the missing painting?

Nope.

Searched Miller's whole house.

Nothing.
Same with Findlay.

And those blueprints we saw?

Long gone as well.

Captain.

How's Miller's
questioning going?

He's refusing a lawyer.

Says he hasn't
done anything wrong.

On top of that,

he insists he'll only speak
with you two.

I haven't done anything wrong,

and I-I have no idea
how that painting got there.

If that's the case,

tell us about
the climbing equipment you had.

Tell us about
the locksmith tools,

about the glass-cutting tools
we found.

Tools used at the crime scene
where you worked as Santa.

Well, if wearing
a fluffy red suit

and making people happy
is a crime,

then...

...consider this
my confession.

So you don't deny consorting
with former convicts

like Findlay?

Deny it?
No, not at all.

And given your past,

the grand theft conviction
a few years back...

And the blueprints
I saw in your study.

You got to admit,

it sounds more than
a little suspicious.

You have to believe me.

That part of my life...

it's all in the past.

Tell us what happened.

What you've really been up to.

My wife, Cathy...

...she believed in the power
of forgiveness, and...

thanks to her,
I got a second chance.

Now I try to give second chances
to folks like...

like Findlay,
uh, who need them.

And he might be
an ex-con,

but did you know

that he's also
an excellent carpenter?

I don't follow.

We've been renovating a house

for a family
who can't afford it.

It's right next door
to Findlay's.

The building equipment,
the locksmith tools...

The late-night deliveries...

the blueprints...

All to get the house
finished by Christmas,

and now...

we'll never complete it
in time.

What about the photos
of the Van Houghton estate

in your laptop?

I research all my parties.

Then why not say anything
about this?

Why the cloak-and-dagger,

if you're just
repairing a house?

A tribute to Cathy.

She always insisted
on making the gifts anonymous.

She taught me

the most important part
of Christmas was sharing,

not taking credit for it.

Hey.

I got your message.

Why'd you leave the station
so fast?

I had to clear my mind...

and check out Miller's story.

I stopped by the house
they were fixing up,

and the neighbors
confirmed Miller's story,

word for word.

Doesn't prove he's innocent,

but I admit,
something doesn't feel right.

I know.
I feel terrible,

and it's Christmas Eve
in a few hours.

What do we do?

The captain put Hedges on it.

I... I just can't let it rest.

What do you have in mind?

When you run out of leads,

you run
all your old leads again.

Thanks so much
for showing us around again.

Oh, I just want to put
the whole thing behind me.

Such a shame.

It started out
as such a lovely party.

Especially with
the Romanov ornament.

Kind of took some finagling
to get the museum to allow that.

Imagine if the ornament
had been stolen too.

Ugh. I don't want
to think about it.

Oh, there's one more thing
I wanted to ask.

How did you come to pick Miller
to play Santa at your party?

My friend Lois recommended him.

Not Lois Carmichael?

Yes. She handles staffing

for a lot of arts events
around town.

Thank you for your time.

Ryan, I think
I might know what happened.

-Really?
-We need to look at

the video footage
at that party again.

Something Carmichael look.

mentioned to me
when I first met her.

Something about
why she opened up the agency.

She said she helps
"out-of-work actors."

It looks like

she was an actress
back in the day herself.

-Mm.
-Hmm!

Detectives!

I heard you got your thief.

How well done.

I'd... I'd be so happy
to give you a statement,

but, uh, I'm in such a hurry.

Holiday plans?

Yes, I am off
to meet friends in Bali.

Hey, before you do,

we were just noticing
this article.

I used to be an actor.

Can you believe how young I was?

Gave that up decades ago.

Really? Once an actor,
always an actor, I'd say.

I'm sorry?

I asked you for a list
of events Miller was working.

You left Mrs. Van Houghton's
party off that list.

I'm sorry. That must have
been an oversight.

I mean, it's just been
crazy around here.

Ah, yeah, of course.

And, you know, being a friend,

Mrs. Van Houghton probably
didn't seem like a client.

All the events
you've co-chaired,

the visits to her house...

you probably know that place
like the back of your hand.

Her art collection,

maybe even
her security system?

Ah, must have been
really tempting

to pull one final score
before moving on.

That would be tempting.

Especially considering
Bali doesn't have

an extradition treaty
with the U.S.

Oh, just hold on a second.

You are obviously confused.

I don't think we are.

-It doesn't feel like it.
-Yeah, no.

I'd guess

you blended in with the staff,
just as we did.

Mm.

And at the other parties, too.

And with Miller's police record,

if anyone connected you
to the crimes,

you had ex-con Miller
standing by.

Yeah, he's a pretty convenient
fall guy.

I mean, if you need one.

This is crazy.

I-I was in Chicago
during the thefts.

-Mm.
-Your alibi?

Yeah!

I double-checked.

You bought a round-trip flight,

but you didn't use
your return ticket.

I'd say

you drove back here,
maybe even took a train...

Could be.

Well, whichever it is,
I assure you we will find out.

Everything
that you've just said

is purely circumstantial.

You don't have any evidence.

Unfortunately,
the cameras at the party

didn't catch anything.

Well, there you go.

Except for

one caterer's van...

with its own dashcam.

And we tracked down
that footage.

Uh-oh.

I believe...
this is you?

-Hmm!
-I think this is her.

Isn't it?
-It does look like you.

Yeah.

Putting one painting
into Miller's trunk

to deflect suspicion,

while you put the other one
in your car.

Ah, what a rush!

Yes!

Woo!

Which means,

Lois Carmichael...

y...

You know what?

You take it.
You deserve it.

No, you take it.

You're under arrest.

Carmichael confessed
to everything.

Turns out her business

has been on shaky ground
for years.

She needed the money.

The missing painting's
been recovered.

Miller's been cleared
and released.

Findlay too.

That's a relief.

You two did great work.

Tanya,

I'm glad you transferred
to Denver.

You've been a great addition
to the team.

Thank you,

but it doesn't exactly
feel like a victory.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

Miller's reputation kind of
got dragged through the slush.

And he's been humiliated

in front of
all his friends and neighbors.

Yeah, all he really wanted to do
was spread Christmas cheer.

Two things
were taken that night,

the paintings, and...

Miller's
silver-and-gold reputation.

I'll admit I wish things
had gone differently too.

And actually, Captain...

...there is one thing
you can help with.

So long. Enjoy.

Well, thank you!

We would've never been able
to finish in time.

This is a great thing
you've done.

Making a difference
for this family.

I'm really sorry for everything.

Don't be.
You were just doing your job.

So... what's next for you?

It is Christmas Eve,
after all.

After all this, I...

I just want to go home.

Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.

What is all this?

Surprise!

Merry Christmas!

Who's hungry?

Our turkey's
just about finished.

How about some of my famous
cranberry Christmas tarts?

Three-layer North Pole
Bundt Cake comin' through!

Ahh! What is all this?

The Christmas committee.

We scheduled
an impromptu meeting

to thank you.

Thank me? For what?

For everything you've done
for the neighborhood,

and for all of us.

I'd like to propose a toast...

to our very own
Mr. Christmas,

for bringing us all together.

And for showing us
what Christmas can be.

-Hear, hear.
-Bravo!

Merry Christmas,
one and all.

Merry Christmas, you two.

Merry Christmas.

Well...

all's well that ends well,
as they say.

Hey, look.

Somebody rented our house.

Huh.

I guess that really means
the case is over.

Yeah.

I guess everything
turned out okay.

I'd say...

more than okay.

Oh, yeah?

You would?

Sure.

It doesn't take a detective
to see we work well together.

Hey, a question for you.

Sure.

What?

If I were to, uh,
I don't know,

invite you over sometime
to make gingerbread,

would you say yes?

Absolutely.

Perfect.

Would you like to come over
to make some gingerbread?

What do you mean?

You're the detective.

Figure it out.

You rented this place?

What can I say?

I like
our little neighborhood.

Think I'm going to stick around
for a while.

That is the greatest
Christmas present

I've gotten in years.

Finally,
we agree on something.

Glad to hear it...

'cause...

you might have found
a partner for keeps.

Uh-oh.