Very Merry Mystery (2025)

[bunniefuu]

[sleigh bell dings]

Let's go, oh

We in the zone, we came to rock

Yeah, we came to roll

Oh, oh

[Bea] That is a pretty color.

Do you need anything?

I'm good, honey.

Oh, there's a great article on page 19.

- OK.

- Check it out.

OK, let's have a look at this color.

Oh, it looks so good.

It's gonna be beautiful.

Miss Burton agreed to give

Diego a rent extension.

[Mrs. Brewer] What has gotten

into that Grace Burton lately?

She used to joke that her middle name

was Eviction.

Yep.

Hello.

- Oh, Des.

- Yeah.

This mix is leaning...

it's leaning a little warm.

- Can you add some toner to it?

- [Desiree] On it.

Thank you.

Oh, hi, hon! Just have a seat.

Ooh.

- Just right.

- I know.

I can't leave Queen Bee Beauty

without looking perfect.

- Well, beauty is in the details.

- [Mrs. Brewer chuckles]

You know, if there's

something out of place,

I'll just have to fix it.

OK.

Now, please remember

to rub this rosemary oil

into your scalp every night.

It'll help with the traction alopecia

- now that the braids are out.

- [Mrs. Brewer] OK.

[Bea] OK.

[sighs] Oh, yes, thank you.

It's two days until Christmas Day.

Well, my bank account balance

makes it hard for me

to be excited.

Oh, no.

Did the mechanic not give you

good news this morning?

Who knew a blown transmission

would ruin my life?

I'm so desperate, I took

Miss Burton up on her offer

to work her m*rder mystery party

tomorrow night.

Good luck.

My niece cleaned Grace Burton's office

and had to follow up four times

for payment.

- Wow.

- [Mrs. Brewer] That woman is stubborn.

Miss Burton certainly has a reputation.

[Mrs. Brewer] Mm.

[whispering] Des, I told you

I'd be happy to give you a loan.

I'm grateful for the offer, B,

but I gotta stand

- on my own two feet.

- [Bea] OK.

Listen, I know things seem

bleak right now,

- but I promise you, you got this.

- Thanks, girl.

It's been my dream to explore

Rosewood Hall.

There are so many legends

about the place.

Yeah! I wish Ms. Burton

would have invited more people,

but the guest list was very small.

Why is the Town Grinch

throwing a party anyway?

She told me that her doctor

found a lump in her scans

- a few weeks ago.

- Oh.

[Bea] Yeah, it turned out to be benign,

but it shook her, and it made her realize

that life is too short,

and she wants to start

mending fences with people

she has strained

relationships with.

Does that mean you and Grace

have some secret beef

- we don't know about?

- Not that I know of.

I see. Well, thank you

for taking such good care of me

- of the whole town, really.

- I was just doing my job.

Girl, stop.

You caught a whole criminal last week.

Mrs. Hicks is not a criminal.

And I would have wasted

Chief Harris' time

if you hadn't picked up

on that perfume scent.

I was sure someone broke into my shop.

It's a very specific scent.

It was discontinued years ago.

Half the town comes here

waiting for Bea

to solve all their problems.

I'm just being a good Samaritan.

- [Desiree] Yeah.

- Aw.

Merry Christmas, Mrs. Brewer.

I'll see you in two weeks

- for your deep-conditioning treatment.

- OK.

Oh, here we go.

[both] Hi!

[Bea] Miss Burton.

Thank you so much

for making time for me today.

Of course.

I'm happy you could make it in.

Um, why don't you take a seat

in my chair,

and I'll be with you in just a minute.

[whispering] You can

take those, too. Thank you.

[instrumental "Jingle Bells" playing]

You didn't completely ruin it.

Well, thank you.

I meant to say,

you're a talented hairdresser.

We missed you yesterday,

but you'll look fresh

for your party tomorrow.

You know I hate to change

my routine, but I had a meeting

I couldn't miss.

Since when do you care

about missing meetings?

I seem to be the only one

working anymore.

Oh.

We'll discuss this later, Whitney.

Why don't you let us

lease you a storefront

- on a main street?

- Oh...

Increase your exposure.

Oh, I... I couldn't afford the prices.

I know you two handle luxury properties.

Oh, but nothing says luxury

like a beauty shop.

[Grace] Whitney's right.

And I taught her everything she knows.

[Whitney scoffs] Well, I don't deny that.

After all, you were closing on properties

when I was still in diapers.

[chuckles nervously]

I had a makeup company

send me some samples.

How do you feel about

changing up your lip color?

"Icon" by Lolo Tuck has

always been my color.

Why mess with perfection?

[scoffs]

Can't argue with that.

Oh, Des, Des, that conditioner

changed its ingredients.

It's got lanolin in it now.

We don't want Mrs. Whitaker

having an allergic reaction.

Good catch, Bea. As usual.

So, any fun plans for the day?

A late lunch with my nephew Calvin.

Oh, the mysterious Calvin.

You will meet him

at the party tomorrow night.

Speaking of the party,

- why am I invited?

- Pardon me?

You said last week

that you were having a party

because you were making amends.

But you and I have never had

a disagreement.

All will be revealed in due time.

[soft music playing]

[Bea] Oh...

That's... that's very generous of you.

I'm making up for the past.

And I wonder who will be paying

for that lunch with her nephew.

[Desiree] That man may be cute,

but he does not have

- two pennies to rub together.

- [chuckles]

You met him, Des?

I ran into him at the mechanic.

You know, I can't resist a broke man

with a handsome face... [chuckles].

They're my kryptonite.

That boy will have you roped

into paying off

his gambling debts.

He ain't been in town a month,

and already Grace is acting

like she doesn't even care

about business anymore.

- How so?

- [Whitney] Well, we had a buyer

lined up for our toughest property,

but Grace won't return his phone calls,

so we lost the sale.

Why do you still work with her, Whit?

I mean, whenever you two are together,

it's like a "Real Housewives" reunion.

Yeah, she may not deserve it,

but let's try to be nice.

We are going to her party tomorrow.

And what has she done to you, Evelyn?

I am just tired of her bullying

at every Historical Society meeting.

A few weeks ago, I had to let her have it.

I may be quiet, but I am no doormat.

Grace should know not to get

on your bad side.

Why do you think I volunteer

at the Society's

Christmas scavenger hunt?

It's been on my calendar for a year.

It's a date.

Talking about dates,

your man was telling me

- all about yours yesterday.

- Mm.

- Mine?

- I went to the pharmacy,

and Dr. Whitaker was

closing early to take you

- to a dinner and a movie.

- [Whitney] Ooh.

Yes, he is romantic, isn't he?

Now tell me exactly

what prayer you used

to land that man and be very specific.

[chuckling]

[gasps] I almost forgot.

- [Bea] Oh.

- Ahem.

"Desiree, please convince

my stubborn daughter

"to answer my phone calls

and stop her childish tantrum.

"Deborah King." I mean, who mails

a handwritten letter, in cursive, no less,

when you can send a text,

a DM or an email?

- Yeah, my mother, that's who.

- [Desiree chuckles]

God, I'm still furious with her

over that law school stunt

- she pulled.

- [Desiree] Understood,

but you gotta give

Miss Deborah her props.

She don't play.

You dropped out of law school

five years ago.

Why can't you just be proud

that you built

this thriving business?

Because being a beauty shop

owner isn't a part

of Deborah King's plan for my life.

So, until she stops meddling,

I need some space.

Is Troy meeting you

at the scavenger hunt?

Uh, Troy can't make it tonight.

- He's got a work thing.

- Another work thing?

Gee, since he's been promoted

to detective, everything's been

- about work.

- [Bea] I know.

I'm starting to worry that we're losing

our spark, Des.

[nostalgic piano music playing]

Hang in there.

Troy loves you.

- Oh.

- [perky music playing]

Oh.

OK.

And I love you.

- Bye, girl.

- Bye.

[indistinct chattering]

[soft holiday music playing

in the background]

[Troy clears throat]... Queen B.

Troy, I thought you said

you couldn't make it!

Ah, well, unfortunately,

I'm not here for fun.

- I'm on the job.

- Oh!

They got you staking out

scavenger hunts now?

It is community outreach duty, all right?

- Oh, well, detective.

- [Troy] Mm.

Does community outreach include

patting you down for evidence

or is that just strictly off-duty business?

OK, uh, baby.

I am a public servant today, OK?

So, uh, I gotta try to keep it

a little professional, OK?

Oh.

Beatrice.

Mom.

Looking lovely as ever, Bea.

- Oh.

- If I was 20 years younger.

You still wouldn't be

good enough for her, Maurice.

Uh, excuse me.

I'm gonna go say hi

to a colleague over there.

She works at the pharmacy.

Leash your husband, I believe.

He's just trying to be friendly, Deborah.

[Troy] So, Ms. King. Uh...

Looks like the scavenger hunt

is gonna be a success.

Yeah, with no thanks to Grace.

She almost derailed the whole thing

and she's not even here.

- She's with her nephew.

- At the casino, I'm sure.

That boy loves to gamble... [scoffs].

Anyway, thank you, Troy.

It's good to see you.

- It's been too long.

- Uh, yeah.

I... I'll be right back. Let me just, uh

punch bowl.

Any chance of a diamond ring

under the tree this year?

I hate to say I told you so,

but last year or this time,

I warned you.

Oh, it looks like the clue-card table

could use a little help. Excuse me.

Let me guess... mom problems?

She's just trying to help Bumblebee.

- I don't need help.

- Everyone needs help.

Did you give any more thought

to what we spoke about?

Us moving in together?

The real question is,

have you been brushing up

on your painting skills

for our Cocoa & Canvas class

- on Christmas morning?

- [Troy exhales]

No, I forgot to tell you.

I... I'm not gonna be able to make it.

Uh, I now have to work on Christmas.

But we do a Christmas date every year.

I know, and I'll be done

by the evening, OK?

I should get back to work.

Be nice to your mom.

She's the only one you got.

[instrumental "Deck the Halls" plays]

How was the scavenger hunt?

Did Miss Burton make

an appearance with anyone?

It was a success, but do you care?

[chuckles]

Or are you just trying to get

tea on Calvin?

I may be taking boyfriend applications,

but only rich men need apply,

and Calvin is not that.

Don't look at me like that.

A rich man was on

my vision board this year.

- [Bea] Ah, that's right.

- [chuckling]

Yeah, anyway.

Oh, I was wondering,

did Miss Burton send you

- a costume to wear tonight, too?

- Girl, unfortunately.

And I'm gonna need to find

a way to Desiree that up

just a little bit, 'cause...

- It's that bad?

- Yeah, girl.

Well, I am the ghost

of Christmas Present,

and my dress is not exactly me either.

Why did she have "A Christmas Carol"

themed party?

Why not "Preacher's Wife"?

I'm a ringer for Whitney Houston, so.

Yeah. All right.

Well, I gotta go and get ready.

I'll see you tonight?

Oh, you'll see me,

but you may not recognize me.

- Bye, Bea!

- [Bea giggling] Bye.

- [Calvin] I made a mistake, OK?

- [Grace] Yes, yes.

Second time, but you know,

things happen.

- But I... I need it.

- [Grace] No!

- I need it, please!

- This is the end of the train.

- Please!

- Uh, you know what?

- You have to step back from me!

- OK, I'm sorry.

- [Grace] Like this?

- [Calvin] I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

Just a little bit, a little bit.

[intriguing music playing]

[music intensifies]

[somber doorbell tolls]

Not a word.

[sighs]

[door creaks and closes]

[intriguing music continues]

Bea, I am delighted that you are here.

I... I appreciate the invite.

I'll be in the parlor.

Can I show you something?

I have one for each guest

coming tonight.

Apologizing for my past

behavior and explaining

how I will do better in the future.

Well, that's thoughtful.

Tonight is about more than Christmas.

It's about

starting over.

That's really beautiful, Grace.

Well, it's overdue.

Let me show you to the parlor... come.

Wait till you see.

I've done every detail.

Please make yourself at home.

Hi.

[indistinct chattering]

- Here we are.

- Oh.

- Perfect timing.

- Mm.

For you, Whitney.

Although I would argue that you're

- intoxicating enough without it.

- [Whitney scoffs]

Your charms may work

on other women, Maurice,

but thankfully I am immune.

Oh.

- I am so glad you're here.

- Who am I to miss a party?

[sheepish laugh]

I locked my keys in the office today.

I tried calling you a few times,

but you didn't respond.

Mm. Must have missed them.

It's just another reminder

that if I want others to be

there for me, I have to be

there for them first.

I appreciate your new-found

self-awareness,

but I'll believe it when I see it.

Ah!

[sighs]

Have you had one of these?

- [Evelyn] They are so good.

- Ooh.

Are you sure you should eat that?

That dress looks a little tight.

[mysterious music playing]

There you are.

Grace wants everyone in the parlor.

- [Grace] Welcome, everyone.

- You're so serious about the...

I know.

On your character cards,

you will find your name,

your backstory, and, if you are the k*ller

a motive.

[chuckles]

- Eh...

- It's just the flyaways.

Oh...

Stay in character. Follow the clues.

One of us will be the victim,

one of us the k*ller.

The rest of you, suspects.

When the m*rder occurs tonight,

the game will begin.

The goal is to solve the m*rder

before the night is over.

If you are the k*ller,

your job is to not get caught.

Let the game begin.

You've treated my husband,

Bob Cratchit,

poorly, Mr. Scrooge.

[Maurice] Uh... [chuckles].

Uh, now, dear, Mr. Scrooge

provides us with coal

for these London winters.

Let us be grateful for him.

Oh! Um...

Beware, Ebenezer, 'tis I, Jacob Marley.

You cannot escape your past.

[chuckles]

These lines are so corny.

[Maurice and Whitney chuckle]

To prosperity, to wealth,

and to those clever enough

to claim what is theirs.

- [suspenseful chord strike]

- Oh!

- Nobody panic!

- Maurice!

Ah! Something just rushed past me!

- [indistinct]

- [Whitney] Is that you, Grace?

- [Desiree] Oh.

- [Whitney] Hello?

- I, uh... I'm here, Whitney.

- [Whitney] Where?

Grace, if this is a prank

[scream in the distance]

- [gasps]

[Whitney] What was that?

[Maurice] Ow! What?

I didn't do anything.

OK. [Giggles nervously]

[mysterious music playing]

Where's Grace?

- [gasp]

- [screams]

[dramatic music playing]

- [Bea] Des!

- Oh my God.

Oh! Are you OK?

- Oh my God.

- [groaning] I'm fine.

- [Bea] Yeah?

- [Desiree groans]

You're not hurt?

Just humiliated.

Somebody pushed me.

Um... th... that was me.

My bad.

I'm assuming you must be Calvin.

I was just trying to get in the house

when the lights went off.

I was trying to find the switch.

That must have been

when I knocked over Desiree.

Things I do for money.

My, my, my, uh... [chuckles].

Did it hurt when you fell from Heaven?

- Boy, go sit over there.

- On that side over there?

- Yeah.

- All right.

Does anyone know where Grace went?

Are you serious?

I mean, this is so clearly

a part of the game.

Grace said at the beginning of the night

that she was the m*rder victim.

[Whitney] That's what I'm saying.

I mean, this is clearly a stunt.

So you're saying Aunt Grace

just up and left

- her own party?

- [Bea] But if she was

the victim, she'd come

back from the dead

and watch the rest of the game.

Well, I've been to a few

of these and that's always

- how it goes.

- [Desiree] She did seem

excited to watch all the drama unfold.

[Deborah] Then she'll probably show up.

Until then, I guess

we'll just continue to play.

Ugh...

Oh, Tiny Tim. Use the card, play along.

[Maurice] Oh... [clears throat].

Was it you, Jacob Marley,

that k*lled my employer?

- Ugh...

- Come on.

How could I have k*lled

Ebenezer Scrooge without

human hands to do so with?

[scoffs]... Tiny Tim is the one

we all should be eyeing.

Uh, 'twas not I.

The ghost of Christmas Present

has been awfully silent

- since Scrooge was found dead.

- [Bea] That's just the thing.

Scrooge hasn't been found dead.

It's been a few minutes

and Grace is still missing.

It's probably part of the game, dear.

Then why would she tell Desiree

that she was excited

to see how the game pans out

if her plan was

to just disappear the whole night?

[Desiree] Hmm.

You

you guys can keep playing.

I'm gonna go look for her.

She's gotta be around here somewhere.

Me too.

This place is too creepy to search alone.

Yeah, I should probably come too.

To keep you safe, of course.

Well, I

am going to sit down.

And enjoy my champagne.

[Maurice] Mm-hmm. This. See?

All of that. That's...

I'm doing that.

After you.

Oh, so chivalrous.

For a beautiful woman, always.

God, give me the strength

to resist this handsome

- broke man.

- Ugh...

[sighs]

[suspenseful music playing]

"Wire $200,000 to this

offshore account by dawn

or never see Grace again. No police."

A ransom note?

Someone in this house

kidnapped Aunt Grace.

Could have been someone

from the outside.

How could someone have slipped

in and out unnoticed?

[Desiree] Well, you suddenly appeared.

- Point taken.

- OK, let's just calm down.

OK, so what are we going to do?

- You figure it out, Bea.

- Me?

You've been solving mysteries

since we were kids.

You are our black Nancy Drew.

This is a little bit more serious

than figuring out who stole

a pie at the church bake sale.

Well, we can't do nothing.

All right, all right, you're right.

Um, let's just go back to the parlor

and we'll figure out a plan.

OK.

So you're saying that Grace

disappearing wasn't

- a part of the game?

- This note proves nothing.

It could be Grace just trying

to spice the game up further.

So you think Grace is trying

to extort us for $200,000

because of a game?

Why would she do that?

I think that Grace

was kidnapped.

And the person that did it

was in this room

when the lights went out.

The kidnapper was one of us?

Uh, that's what we need to figure out.

Listen, I may have my issues with Grace,

but if she's in danger, maybe

we should just pay the ransom.

Uh, that's a lot of money.

I mean, maybe... maybe we should

pay, you know? [Chuckling] 'Cause...

You? With what funds?

[Calvin] I was hoping y'all could chip in.

Hoping somebody could

cover me, and then,

- and, uh... help a brother out.

- [Whitney] Mm.

Hey, is she always like, you know, just...?

- [all] Yes!

- [Whitney] Wait a minute.

I thought that they said

in a situation like this,

you are not supposed to pay the ransom.

I'd have to agree with Whitney.

I think we should wait.

[somber doorbell tolls]

I'll get it!

Yeah, that's... Mm-hmm.

[mysterious music playing]

- What are you doing here?

- [Troy] Your mom texted me.

Why didn't you call me, Bea?

Lucky I was close.

I was going to, but the ransom

note specified no police.

I thought I was doing the right thing.

Listen, I understand you meant

well, but this is serious.

Uhn-uhn, no one is going anywhere.

This is an active crime scene.

If this is an active crime scene,

why haven't you called in backup?

It's Christmas Eve in a small town,

and I pretty much know

everyone else in there.

So, uh, I think I got it myself, Whitney.

Now, first things first, let's all go back

to the scene of the crime, please.

[Whitney] Fine.

[suspenseful music playing]

Were there any, like, recent changes

in Grace's behavior?

She was going on about not

wanting to live with regrets.

Now she needed

to change things, you know,

friends, family, reputation.

She was trying to change her ways.

Her ways? What were her ways?

Oh, come on.

You know Grace could be a bit...

Bit difficult.

- How so?

- She was jealous, competitive,

and if a real estate deal

benefited me and not her,

she would sabotage it.

She doesn't tip, she underpays her staff.

[Calvin laughs]she does hold a grudge.

You know, one argument with my mom,

didn't talk to her for five years.

- Damn!

- [Calvin] Mm-hmm.

Everything was her way or the highway.

And if she thought you were

weak, she would belittle you.

- Oh, that.

- Oh, yes.

OK, does anybody have anything positive

to say about her?

- [Calvin clears throat]

- She was private.

And

she was hard to get close to,

but I know she has

a good heart.

OK. Um...

Well, according to these very,

very strong statements,

everyone here has a motive

to hurt Grace.

But now I have to figure out the motive

behind the ransom.

Bea, you just said that she was

a private person, right?

Um, usually private people have, like,

uh, security measures in place.

[Desiree] She had security cameras.

Earlier today when she gave me

the tour, I saw the feed.

- Oh, show me.

- [Desiree] Yeah.

- Show... show him.

- [Troy scoffs]

- Bea, would you like to go?

- Mm-hmm.

OK, um... can you please show us?

Everyone, just stay here, OK?

We'll be right back.

You know, Rosewood Hall was

a part of the Underground Railroad.

Miss Burton said

it's a historical landmark.

Is that why she never redecorated?

- Nah, she's just stingy.

- Hmm.

All right.

I rewound the video

to the time of the blackout.

OK, so looks like no one came

in or out during the blackout.

Yeah, but there's blind spots

like right here by the garage

and right here by the garden path.

Maybe the culprit knew exactly

where their cameras

wouldn't catch them.

Which means they would have

to be familiar with the house.

Hmm.

I don't see any interior cameras.

[Desiree] Well, she did say she

didn't want cameras in her home.

Interesting.

Also interesting.

[gasp]

You guys!

Look at this!

It's a tiny piece of purple plastic.

What do you think it means?

I think it means it's a tiny

piece of purple plastic.

Hmm, well, I think it's a clue.

- [cork pops]

- [glass shatters]

[woman screams]

Uh-oh. OK.

What happened?

Oh, um, we just came to get

more champagne.

But when the cork popped,

it knocked a vase off

of the mantel.

[sighs]

Who was screaming?

I startle easy.

I thought a girl was screaming.

OK, um, everyone, let's just go

into the parlor so I can try

to visualize the events as they're

described to me, please.

Let's, uh... let's take this step by step.

Where was everybody

when the lights went out?

Calvin?

I was headed to the parlor

when the lights went out.

But I thought you said

you were looking for the switch

in here before you knocked over Desiree.

[Whitney] Mm-hmm...

Well, yeah, when I arrived here,

I was looking for the switch,

and then that's when I tripped.

Desiree, where were you?

I was over here, waiting by the tree,

waiting for further instructions

from Miss Burton.

And when the lights went off,

I was pushed by Calvin.

[Troy] Mm.

Uh, Whitney, where were you?

I was standing right over here,

by this chair,

- screaming.

- Why were you screaming?

I'm afraid of the dark.

And actually, somebody

brushed past me.

- [Troy] Brushed past you? Who?

- [Whitney] I don't know.

[whispering] It was pitch black.

OK, um...

Dr. and Mrs. Whitaker?

Oh, I was standing

in this corner with my husband

and when the lights went out,

I grabbed his arm.

Yeah, yeah, we were

in this corner together.

All right, uh... thank you for that.

Oh, I was here with everyone, also.

Obviously, but where were you?

What were you doing

when the lights went out?

I was sitting here

drinking some champagne,

when the lights went out, I froze.

So no one can account

for your movements?

Troy.

Um...

Got it. Thank you, Miss King.

How did these get here?

[Bea] Oh, I saw that earlier.

They must have been knocked

over during the blackout,

or it was Mr. Klutz over here.

So no one saw or heard

anything, and everyone was

right here in this room?

Well, Grace disappeared in that moment,

so someone is lying.

OK.

[whispering] Wait, uh,

scavenger hunt.

Your mom said Calvin had

a gambling problem, right?

I... I heard those same rumors.

They called me the closer.

You know, just a light word.

You played college basketball?

It was intramural, but it was

highly competitive.

Highly. Almost made the league.

[Troy] Calvin.

Uh...

You care to explain this?

[dramatic music playing]

I don't know what that is.

Well, to my understanding,

you know that this is

a betting slip.

Now, was Grace involved

in any gambling?

No, no, no, no... Aunt Grace had

nothing to do with this.

- That's...

- Then why were you two arguing

in the parking lot

next to my salon earlier today?

[chuckles nervously]

Oh, OK.

All right, I have some gambling

debts, and Aunt Grace was

- helping me out before.

- [Whitney] Before?

Mhn-mhn.

Look, I owe some money

to some shady people, OK?

And Aunt Grace gave me

enough money to pay off

some of my debts, but she said

she didn't wanna

bail me out anymore. She was done.

And you didn't like that?

I mean, these guys... [chuckles].

You know, they don't send

friendly reminders,

you know what I'm saying?

So, yes, I was...

I was angry that she wouldn't protect me.

Did Grace get caught up

with these shady people somehow?

No, I don't think they knew who she was.

I mean, I'm not sure.

Um, here's the thing. I have a plan.

- What plan?

- [Calvin] I have a plan

that, um, that, uh...

Look, I'm gonna sell all my stuff, man.

My... my laptop, my watch,

my Falcons jersey signed

- by Matty Ice.

- Damn!

Yeah, I mean, listen,

I would never do anything

- to hurt my aunt.

- [Whitney] OK, hold up.

You are about as trustworthy

as a fox in a hen house.

Does anybody else find it

suspicious that this man

showed up right

when the lights went off?

Coincidence or opportunity?

I was running late.

Ever since you came to Goldfern,

all of Grace's free time has been spent

- getting you out of scrapes.

- Me?

You're the one who has beef

with my aunt.

[Whitney] Oh, please.

I do not expect little boys to understand

grown women's business. And how long

until you run out of stuff to sell anyway?

Look at it.

It's a tiny piece of purple plastic.

You were in Grace's study tonight.

[scoffs] What? No, I wasn't.

Girl, I saw you sneaking around

before the game started earlier.

I didn't think anything of it,

but now I see that your chipped

acrylic nail matches what Desiree found

next to Grace's keyboard.

I knew it was a clue!

My instincts? Forever undefeated.

That's what I'm saying... [chuckling].

A chipped nail? Really?

Come on, y'all. I mean,

there's a million reasons

that would explain

- that being there.

- Like what?

If there's any truth to this, Whitney,

denying it is only gonna make

things worse down the line.

You tried to hack into Grace's

bank account, didn't you?

[exhales sharply]

All right.

Fine.

Yes, I tried to access

Grace's bank account.

But it was just to get

what was supposed to be mine.

A few weeks ago,

Grace promised me a loan

so that I could buy

an investment property

in Atlanta.

And then she backed out.

But I did not kidnap her.

[Calvin] And we're supposed

to believe you?

That's motive for ransom.

[Bea] No, Whitney's telling the truth.

She didn't kidnap Grace.

- Thank you.

- Wait, you can't be serious?

Well, think about it.

Whitney was talking nonstop

during the blackout. We all heard her.

Hmm.

I feel like I'm missing something here.

I...

We've gone through

the alibis, the evidence,

the security footage.

None of you guys even left

this room and somehow Grace

still wound up missing.

- [loud thudding]

- [crashing]

[screaming]

Maybe there's someone

still hiding on the premises.

No, Rosewood Hall is behind gates.

The gates were open when I arrived.

I think that Grace left on her own.

And we're just grasping at straws.

Well, if she left on her own,

then how do you explain

the ransom note?

[whispering] I don't know.

[Troy] I'm gonna go

search the grounds, OK?

Please, everyone, just sit tight.

I'll be right back.

- I'm gonna go with him.

- Oh, I'm gonna go too.

But it's dangerous.

I don't wanna just wait to get kidnapped.

All right, well, I'm gonna go with you.

No, you stay here.

I'm gonna go with Bea.

No, Des, you go with Calvin

and continue

searching the mansion,

and I'm gonna go find Troy.

You heard Troy. We should all stay put.

Yeah, exactly.

This isn't Scooby Doo, OK?

- Splitting up gets people hurt.

- [Whitney] And what?

We should all just stay here together.

That's so much better?

I don't trust any of y'all right now.

OK, look.

If you wanna help, we will split up.

Desiree and Calvin, the Whitakers,

Whitney and Mom.

You're a hairstylist, not a cop.

This is reckless.

I'll be fine.

I'm gonna go meet up with Troy,

and I won't be alone,

but for more than a few minutes.

When will you learn to listen

to your mother?

When she learns to loosen her grip.

- If you get hurt...

- I'm sure you'll be

the first one to tell me "I told you so."

Your bangs are slipping.

[intriguing music playing]

Hello?

Is anyone there?

- [creak, clang]

- [gasp]

[screaming]

[exhales sharply] You scared me!

[Troy] I scared you?

You're the one creeping

around in the dark.

I am not creeping.

I am investigating.

You're inves...

Bea, I told you to stay put.

You know I was not gonna stay put.

And I wanted to see you.

OK, look, that's... that's sweet, Bea.

But I'm telling you,

there could be real danger

out here... really?

[Bea] It was a little crooked.

OK, just tell me, everyone else is inside

being safe, right?

Please tell me everyone didn't

follow your lead.

[perky music playing]

They paired up.

It's the buddy system.

Being cute's not gonna work

right now, OK?

It's not?

OK, look, I already searched

that area, OK?

I'm heading over to the garage.

It's one of the blind spots

on the cameras.

We'll go together.

Buddy system, come on.

This place is giving

"Paranormal Activity" vibes.

That's my favorite movie.

Me too.

I just don't like the immersive experience.

[Desiree] Hmm. Well...

This is your aunt's place.

Why don't you ask her to redecorate?

She don't listen to me. Nobody does.

Is that why you're not

with your family in Atlanta

for Christmas?

[chuckles softly]

I'm just tired of being a misfit.

Everyone in my family seems to

have it all figured out.

I'm sorry.

Thanksgiving, I was

the butt of every joke.

I had enough.

And, um...

Aunt Grace told me

that Goldfern might be

welcoming.

A fresh start.

But I messed up again

with the betting, so.

[Desiree] Well, I know how you feel.

Everyone thinks I'm Bea's

loud friend with money problems.

Nobody takes me seriously.

I do.

[soft music playing]

[whispering] Kryptonite.

- You say something?

- Uh, no.

I think I just heard something

around the corner.

[Troy] Oh.

OK, so

what are we looking for?

Well, anything out of place, honestly.

Like suspicious footprints,

fresh tire tracks, or of course, a, uh

sign of a struggle.

These aren't that fresh.

How can you tell?

Well, uh, the garage is dry

and the air is stagnant,

so dust isn't gonna move

unless someone moves it.

Look, right here, right?

The dust has settled all around the tire.

If this car moved, you'd see

some type of disturbance.

I'd say that this car

hasn't moved in about six hours

or maybe more.

So, a dead end?

Yeah.

A dead end.

Wait, um...

You said you found the note

in Grace's bedroom, right?

Can you show me?

This reminds me of our first date.

Remember, you beat me

at darts at the pub.

You know, maybe

maybe we can go back.

Relive the good old days.

I... I just wanna tell you...

Let's just concentrate on finding Grace.

This room is a bust.

- The irony of this.

- What do you mean?

Bea always says I poke around

in people's business too much.

Now, we have to.

[Whitney chuckles]

She's got a point, though.

Well, you do give the I-know-what's-best

- for-everybody vibe.

- I usually do.

Well...

There's a time and a place

to say it, though.

What are we even looking for?

[intriguing music playing]

Did you find anything?

No, just some old mail and dust.

[Whitney] Yeah, me too.

Let's move on.

Yeah.

All right, let's look for anything seemingly

out of place.

[exhales sharply]

[chuckles] Wow.

So, who has more to gain

from this ransom?

Is it Calvin and his debts,

Whitney and her loan?

I don't know, Calvin's gambling is bad,

but... you know,

my gut says he isn't cruel.

Seems like he really cares about Grace.

[Troy] Mm. But

a vice like gambling, it'll have you do

some stupid stuff.

And you've got to admit,

it is a little suspicious

that he arrives

right when Grace disappears.

Maybe.

What about Whitney?

You said she was clear.

You know, I feel like she's

still hiding something.

Mm.

[scoffs]

Don't even get me started

on the Whitakers.

You know, Evelyn said

that she and Grace were

on the outs.

[Troy] Really?

Might have to hit 'em

with a few more questions then.

[suspenseful music playing]

[exhales sharply]

[Troy] Are you OK?

- [sudden screaming]

- [gasp]

[Troy] That came from the ballroom!

What is up with all the screaming?

- Evelyn?

- Sorry.

- [Bea] Are you OK?

- [Troy] Wait, can you hear us?

Evy! What happened?

Ugh, someone hit me

on the back of the head.

- Who?

- I didn't see them.

- Are you OK?

- Yeah.

We should have never split up.

It could have been any one of us.

Did you hear anything

before you were hit?

No.

Uh... did you see which way

the assailant came from?

Over there.

We paired up so that we would

keep each other safe!

I was in the restroom.

OK, look, if the assailant

is outside, then there has

to be some footage

on the security cams, OK?

I'mma go check it out. I'll be right back.

Can I, uh, talk to you alone?

Yeah.

What's going on?

I found these in Grace's

trash can in her bedroom.

- Your mom's stationary.

- Yeah.

OK, don't panic yet.

Let's see what it says.

- Tape.

- [Bea] Tape.

Uh...

What did Troy think?

You haven't told him?

I just... I didn't want to make

a big deal about it until we know

- what the note says.

- He's a detective, Bea.

He should know about this.

And he will as soon as we know

what the note says first.

OK...

"You said you've changed, Grace,

but it's all an act."

- What is she talking about?

- I don't know.

I mean, she and Grace used

to be friends, but they

they had some problems recently.

About what? I'm not sure.

I, um...

I'm scared to show this to Troy.

You have to.

We didn't even hear you scream,

otherwise we would have come sooner.

What was on the security tapes?

Well, the cameras were taken

offline before you guys

split up and before Evelyn was

found unconscious.

What good is it having

a police officer here

if you can't even keep us safe?

Troy, I know you want us

to stay, but we have

someone dangerous in our midst.

I think I might know

who that someone is.

Deborah, do you care to explain

the hateful note

that you wrote to Grace?

I... I don't know

what you're talking about.

Really?

Because I heard Bea speaking

about it with Desiree just now.

Bea, what is he talking about?

"You said you've changed,

Grace, but that was all an act."

Miss King, did you write this?

Yes.

Why?

Grace promised to donate

the prize money

for the scavenger hunt, and I volunteered

to organize and host.

OK, that sounds generous of her.

She backed out at the last minute

and left me to cover

the $5,000 prize money.

I was upset.

Why wouldn't you just ask

the Society to put up

the prize money?

I didn't want you all to look down on me

for backing out of a commitment.

I wanted to take care

of the problem myself.

So my aunt, backing out of prize money,

- justified you threatening her?

- I wasn't threatening her.

I was simply just venting.

And when it became clear

that she wasn't gonna

pay you back, you took matters

into your own hands.

I didn't even talk to her tonight.

[Troy] OK, enough. Please.

Miss King, look, I understand.

Grace let you down.

[whispering] Yes.

Just explain to me one more time,

what exactly were you doing

during the blackout?

Troy, OK, you know that my mother

would never do something like this.

And the prize money was $5,000,

hardly the $200,000

- that the kidnapper's asking for.

- I have to ask, Bea.

What you should be investigating is

the real reason Whitney needed

a loan from Grace.

Oh, look at you, trying to cast the blame

- to anybody but yourself.

- [Troy] Hold on, Whitney.

Seems like Deborah knows

something that all of us

don't know.

So, if you're hiding something,

it's only gonna make things

worse for you.

Ugh...

OK, fine.

I was gonna use the loan money

to start a real estate firm of my own.

[Deborah scoffs]

- One without Grace?

- Yes, without Grace.

Because everybody here knows

that Grace is impossible

to work with.

A rival firm that would have been

in direct competition with Grace.

It's here! The black and white.

Grace found out about Whitney's plan.

Hold on, hold on, hold on. Wait...

When did you find this?

While we were searching the house.

Why didn't you share this

information with me earlier?

Because I knew you would

blow it out of proportion.

Well, that's likely why Grace

pulled out of the prize money.

She thought her business was doomed.

I hadn't even thought about that.

That explains why she couldn't

help me anymore.

You do understand that this

gives you a stronger motive

for getting rid of Grace, right?

Not only do you benefit from the ransom,

but now you also take out

the competition.

Everybody heard me screaming

during the blackout.

I couldn't have left the room

with Grace in tow.

Unless what?

[whispering] I can magically

move through walls.

Move through walls.

Move through walls! That was it!

Move through walls.

OK. OK, guys, look, think about it.

Nobody heard Grace leave.

Nobody saw Grace leave, right?

The only way somebody could

just disappear into thin air

is if they never left the room at all.

As if they were moving through the walls.

Come on, man.

What are you talking about?

OK, you just told me

Rosewood Hall was owned

by a wealthy landowner

sympathetic to the abolitionist

cause, correct?

- Right.

- [Troy] And we all heard the stories, right?

Secret rooms and tunnels built

to help enslaved people make it

down the Underground Railroad.

I think you've read too many

Agatha Christie novels.

Yeah, those rumors have never

been proven.

[Whitney] Right.

Check the bookcase!

The... the books, the books that fell

- during the blackout?

- Yeah...

What in the far-fetched nonsense

is going on here, guys?

[knocking]

[Calvin] See?

I knew something was suspicious

about that bookshelf.

I was trying to tell them, you know.

[Troy] OK, there's gotta be

a lever here somewhere.

Oh, try the bookend! It's worn!

It looks like it's been touched a lot.

- OK.

- And it doesn't match

the other one.

[mechanism clicking]

- [Calvin] Nah...

- [Whitney gasps]

- [Calvin] Nah!

- [gasps]

- Mhn-mhn.

- Mhn-mhn!

Don't you look at me.

I'm not going in there.

No, we ain't doing that.

[Desiree] She's seriously going in there.

What are they doing?

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Wait, what you doing?

Whoa, whoa, wait a minute now.

- You ain't going in there.

- [Desiree] OK, calm down!

It's a small, creepy,

- dark tunnel.

- Right.

Mhn-mhn.

All right, at least take

my hand so you're not scared.

- OK.

- [Calvin chuckles]

[whispering] Yeah, no.

[ominous music playing]

- [Troy] Come on.

- Wait a second.

[whispering] Come on.

[fly buzzing]

- My instincts were off.

- Your instincts were right.

There is a secret room.

[Desiree] Maybe we all just take a break.

- Grab some food?

- Mm-hmm.

Yep.

Yeah, just... yeah.

[whispering] Let's go.

[Calvin] This way. Watch your step.

It was a good idea.

But it was wrong.

[soft music playing]

I don't feel any swelling, which is good.

Just let me know

if a headache comes on

or you feel any dizziness.

This is the best I could do,

I can't serve the meal

without Grace.

[clock chimes]

Time is passing, and we're still no closer

- to finding her.

- [Desiree] Have faith, Bea.

You always figure it out.

If I don't, I know Troy will.

Uh, excuse me, guys.

[Deborah] Bea...

I wanted to thank you for defending me.

Of course, Mom.

I know you don't have anything to do

with Grace's disappearance.

I...

just wanted to ask,

is there a tension between you and Troy?

I'm sensing some distance

between you two.

No, there's no tension. We, uh

we're just busy, that's all.

- [Deborah] Mm.

- You know, me with the salon

and Troy with work.

That's how it starts, you know.

Little distances can turn

into Grand Canyons.

Nothing is starting.

We've just got a lot going on.

Take it from me, if there's

something bothering you,

talk to him before it's too late.

We've got it!

We've got it handled.

Did I say something wrong?

I'm just so tired of you

being so overbearing.

Overbearing?

Yes!

Mom, it's nonstop!

You're picking at my relationship,

or you're telling me

everything I'm doing is wrong,

or you're meddling in my career!

- I'm just trying to help.

- I don't need it!

I don't need your help.

I'm just trying to live my own life,

but I can't do that if you keep

poking your nose

in every corner and judging me!

Beatrice, I didn't mean it that way!

[Bea] I just...

[Deborah] Beatrice,

I didn't mean it that way.

I'm gonna go find Troy.

Troy.

It's about

starting over.

Troy, look at that.

There, that's... that's Grace's earring.

She was wearing that earlier tonight.

See, you were onto something!

She was in this room.

[intriguing music playing]

Hmm.

What? What is it?

I wish you were this forthright

with all of the evidence.

Are you talking about my mom's note?

Yes. You don't trust me?

Of course, I trust you.

I just didn't want you

to treat her like a suspect

before you had to.

So, you don't trust me?

I know that my mom isn't

capable of hurting Grace.

[Troy] I agree with that.

But I still have to ask her

questions and do my job.

But you think that little of me?

I think you don't know when to stop.

I think you don't know

how to put our relationship

- over your job.

- Whoa.

Hold on.

- You think...

- I see it every day, Troy.

When you're coming home late,

and you're canceling plans,

and you zone out when I'm trying

to talk to you.

Bea, I am trying to prove myself.

I thought you would understand that.

[Bea] I do!

But I can't keep giving 100%

and only getting 10 back.

Is this why you don't wanna

move in together?

How can we start a new chapter

if we're not even

on the same page?

[footsteps coming closer]

Sorry to interrupt, uh...

We need a little help in the parlor.

Time is running out... OK, guys,

we pool our money together

- and pay the ransom.

- Oh, please!

I would do it, but I don't have the budget.

And I agree that we should

just pay the ransom, dear.

What? Wha... no. No, no, no, no, no!

Absolutely not, OK?

We... we are going

to figure this out, OK?

I know that Grace can be difficult,

but no one deserves this.

You know that, um, piece of the puzzle

that you've been convinced

you're missing?

Yeah.

I think Dr. Whitaker and Grace

were having an affair.

What? What gave you that idea?

Just let me think about it,

but I think we should

probably do it.

[whispering] Oh, you are incredible.

[Calvin] Look, I just need

to pay this debt back!

- [Troy clears throat]

- [Calvin] Do you understand?

- [Troy] Dr. Whitaker?

- Yeah?

When were you planning

on telling us that you were

- having an affair with Grace?

- [gasp]

- What are you talking about?

- Bea?

Grace canceled her standing

appointment on Monday

because she had a meeting

she couldn't miss.

- What does that prove?

- [Troy] Uhn-uhn.

Let her talk.

Yesterday, Desiree gushed

about how Dr. Whitaker

closed his shop early.

Speaking of dates,

your man was telling me

- all about yours yesterday.

- Mm-mm!

Mine?

When Evelyn heard it,

she looked surprised.

Like this information was new to her.

Wha... what does that have

to do with me?

Evelyn wears "Flirt" by Velvet Mode.

It's a medium-dark berry color

with warm tones.

But the lipstick on Dr. Whitaker's collar

is an exact match

for "Icon" by Lolo Tuck.

"Icon," by Lolo Tuck has always

been my color.

Why mess with perfection?

It's a cool-tone, reddish-burgundy color.

It's Grace's signature lipstick.

Is this true?

This is, uh, a ploy to protect Deborah.

Clearly, she's behind the kidnapping.

- I mean, that... that note.

- Save it, Maurice.

You tell us now. How'd you get the stain?

Mm-hmm.

[tense music playing]

[whispering] OK.

OK. Um...

- Yes.

- [exhales sharply]

Grace and I were romantically involved.

Mm.

- [Evelyn] Ugh...

- But... but... but,

- but we broke it off!

- Gosh.

- [Maurice] Earlier tonight.

- [Evelyn clears throat]

We shared a goodbye kiss.

- [scoffs]

- Ugh...

Evy, I'm sorry. I...

I didn't mean for this to happen.

I love you, I...

I always knew you were

a snake, Maurice.

But I would never do

anything to hurt Grace!

Then how do you explain this?

Explain what? My scarf?

Not the scarf.

The hair.

What do you mean, explain the hair?

- It's a black hair.

- [Bea] It's not.

It's dyed obsidian.

It's the shade that I've dyed Grace's hair

every six weeks for years.

Hair falls out all the time. What is...?

Yeah, hair falls out

through the telogen phase.

From normal shedding, every day.

But that's not what happened here.

If you look close, you can see

that the cuticle layers

- are broken.

- Meaning?

- They were pulled out by force.

- Lord have mercy.

OK, whoa... [chuckles nervously].

I didn't do any of this!

So you wouldn't mind me

searching you, right?

No! I...

[Troy] OK, OK...

I have nothing to hide.

What?

- What is that?

- [Troy] Oh.

It's Propofol.

It's a fast-acting sedative

usually used to render

people unconscious,

given hypodermically.

- That's not mine.

- Then why do you have it?

I don't know!

I'm clearly being framed.

I saw a Dateline interview

identical to this.

Yeah, and it's always the boyfriend.

- Always.

- [Troy] Sir?

- Where is Grace?

- I don't know.

Where is my aunt?

Failure to cooperate is

only gonna be harder

- down the line.

- OK, I... I swear,

I don't know where she is!

Check the wood pile.

What?

When we split up to search the house,

Maurice said he needed to get

wood for the fireplace.

He wasn't at the bathroom.

I never said that.

We all know that you are a liar, Maurice.

You are not under arrest,

but you are being detained

as a precaution. Please, follow me.

[Maurice] I never said that!

[intriguing music playing]

- [muffled cry]

- Do you hear that?

- [muffled cry repeats]

- The shed!

[whispering]

Stay behind me, stay behind!

- OK...

- [muffled cry continues]

If anything goes down, if I tell you to run,

you run, OK?

[muffled cry continues]

[music intensifies]

- [Bea] Grace!

- [muffled screaming]

Oh, Grace, Grace!

It's OK. You're OK.

Oh, it's OK, you're safe,

now, you're safe.

Chief Harris, there's an emergency

over at Rosewood Hall.

I need an ambulance,

and I need backup.

[sirens wailing]

You've got this all wrong!

- I wouldn't do this!

- All right.

[Maurice] Why would I ever do this?

[Troy] Let's talk about this

down at the station.

She's gonna be OK?

Hey.

Um... I was

[clears throat]

- [chuckling]

I was thinking that maybe

you and I could go out

sometime, now that my aunt is safe.

I mean, I can't give you

diamonds and jewelry,

I can't give you devotion.

I don't need diamonds.

A rhinestone will do for now.

[plucky music playing]

Why are the fine ones so expensive?

[Whitney] I owe you an apology,

for lying about the loan.

I'm sorry too.

[soft music playing]

I'm not the easiest partner.

If you are open to it,

I'd like to talk about staying

in business together.

I know you have some good ideas.

We did make a formidable team,

didn't we?

- Mm.

- [both chuckle softly]

OK.

Maybe we can start over.

With... some new boundaries, of course.

- Mm.

- In writing.

I'd like that.

You're gonna be OK.

Thank you, Whitney.

- [exhales deeply]

- [Bea chuckles softly]

Hi! How are you?

Rattled, but it's gonna take

more than that

- to keep me down.

- [chuckling]

I... I know that the night is

probably still one big blur,

but, um

- did you see who took you?

- No.

I was blindfolded the whole time.

What's bothering you?

I hate to even ask, but...

Why did you invite me tonight?

[soft music playing]

If there is one thing

my cancer scare taught me,

it is that love requires effort.

I can't keep pushing people

away over and over

and expect them to be there

for me when I need them.

You and your mother?

Things are tense.

But beneath the tension,

there's so much love.

And

love isn't always easy.

It's forgiveness and compromise

and showing up

even when you don't want to.

And that's why I invited you tonight.

Because of my mother?

I wasn't trying to make amends

with you, Bea.

I was trying to give you a chance

to make amends with her.

Don't take your loved ones for granted.

There's a check for your mother

in one of those envelopes

- I showed you.

- OK.

- [Bea] I just wa...

- I wanted to say...

[whispering] It's OK, go ahead.

I wanted to apologize for meddling.

Not just tonight, but in general.

I overstepped with the law school dean.

I just don't want you to make

the same mistakes as I did.

Mom, what mistakes?

I gave up a full ride to law school

to start a family.

When my marriage fell apart,

I had no career

and no safety net.

I don't want you to end up like me.

I want you to dream big.

But, Mom, don't you see

that my beauty shop is

my big dream?

I think I've always known.

I just had to work

through my own issues.

It's so obvious that this is your path.

I want you to have the best relationship,

the best career, the best life

because I love you, Bea.

Mom, I love that you care so much.

I do.

But I need the freedom to make

my own decisions

and learn from my mistakes. And if I fall,

I need to know that you're

gonna to be there to pick me up

and not just say, "I told you so."

You would have thought I had

this whole parenting thing

- figured out by now.

- [laughing]

Mm...

But I don't.

Well, the fact that you're

trying means everything to me.

And even though I hate to admit it,

sometimes you be talking sense.

Mm-hmm.

And I am gonna try to put

my ego to the side

and listen to you more.

- Just a little bit.

- [Deborah] OK.

[giggling]

But there's one thing I know for sure.

That you and Troy make

an incredible team.

See, now that is something

worth listening to.

[Bea] Oh, just...

I know you hate loose ends.

I'm in my feelings on Christmas

I wish that you would come through

[soft knocking]

What are you doing here?

Merry Christmas to you too.

[clears throat]

- For you.

- What's happening?

[Troy chuckles]

I know that you were upset

about me missing

our annual Christmas date, so.

- Is that...?

- Yes, it is.

[gasps]

Gotta get the Queen Bea

what she wants.

Let's see

one,

two,

- three, four.

- Thank you.

- Cheers.

- Mm.

[chuckles softly]

Ooh...

Yeah.

That's what I was waiting for.

I didn't know you were

so passionate about cocoa.

Oh, no. Not cocoa.

Time with you.

- OK.

- [Troy chuckles]

I thought about what you said yesterday.

About us.

You were right.

I... I didn't realize it, but...

I have been neglecting you.

And I'm sorry.

Just been,

so caught up in work, just trying to make

a better life for us, you know?

Get promoted again.

You know, just

provide better for you.

You were working so hard

because you wanted to

to make a better life for me?

I had no idea.

Bea, you take care of everybody.

I... I don't know.

I just wanted to be that person for you.

So I get busy trying to secure

a future that wind up

sacrificing everything I'm fighting for.

This whole time, I thought

that we were losing our spark.

Losing our spark? What?

- Yeah.

- Girl

the way that you solved

Grace's kidnapping,

- [chuckles]

- Whoo!

It was a couple of times I was

about to sneak you away

and kiss you all over. Just saying.

- Ah!

- [chuckles]

All right, look.

From now on, I promise you,

I will be prioritizing us

a lot more.

And if something is bothering

me, I will talk to you.

Yeah, it's some good advice

I got recently.

- Great advice.

- OK.

Well, just...

See, this

this is what I love about you.

You're always trying to fix the world.

[soft piano music playing]

You OK?

Yeah.

Yeah, no, it's just... it's just

something about the case

it's not sitting right with me.

How so?

OK, so the thing that I keep

getting hung up on

is Dr. Whitaker's already wealthy.

Why would he need a ransom?

- That is a good point.

- Yeah.

His motive isn't adding up,

and things were moving

so quickly last night that I wasn't thinking

about it in the moment.

[Troy] You know what else

has been bugging me, though?

Even after Dr. Whitaker was caught,

he didn't give anything up, uh...

For a moment there, I didn't

even think that he knew

- where Grace was.

- Hm.

[phone notification chirps]

Oh, would you look at this?

Wait

what's that on her wrist?

Oh, we need to go

to the Whitaker's house,

right now.

Come on, come on,

I'll explain on the way.

OK, OK.

[suspenseful music playing]

Hey... [whistles].

[Bea] What?

[whispering] See?

Good morning, Evelyn.

Bit odd to be leaving town

right now, don't you think?

I'm just heading to Charleston

to be with my sister

after everything that's happened.

By everything that's happened,

you mean kidnapping Grace?

[chuckles]

Me? Kidnap Grace?

OK, that's insanity.

It's actually not insane at all.

It makes perfect sense.

Although you acted

like you were shocked

when I revealed that Maurice

and Grace were having an affair,

the fact is, you already knew.

You must have put it together

when you realized your husband

was lying about where he was

on Monday night.

And after discovering that betrayal,

you planned a kidnapping

to frame him of a crime

and reap the rewards

of the ransom money.

My husband and I,

we have plenty of money.

Exactly. Why would Dr. Whitaker

demand a ransom when he's so well off?

He wouldn't,

because he didn't want

the money... you did.

[Bea] You tranquilized Grace

and put her in a hidden room.

And you must have,

I don't know, gotten nervous

that she'd be discovered

once we all started

searching Rosewood Hall,

so you took that moment

- to move her to the work shed.

- [Troy] After that was done,

you faked being attacked

to both cover your tracks

and to throw suspicion

onto your husband.

Hmm, you two are free to run

with your wild accusations,

but you don't have a shred

of proof that implicates me,

so, this is all just silly guesswork.

[Bea] That's where you're wrong.

What's that on your wrist?

It... [scoffs].

- It's just...

- A rash?

From your lanolin allergy?

Grace's lotion has lanolin in it.

I saw it in her bedroom.

She must have grabbed you

at some point that night.

And since you're severely allergic,

you don't have to confess.

Your skin did that for you.

- It's just a coincidence.

- [Troy] Mm.

So what are the chances

that your fingerprints will be

on the bottle of Propofol when I tell Chief

to run it at the lab?

I was gonna let her go.

Just take the ransom and leave town.

[voice breaking]

I thought Maurice would pay.

You know, he always had

a soft spot for Grace.

But when things dragged on,

that's when I told you

where she was hidden.

I didn't want her to get hurt.

Why did you even need the money?

Maurice and I had a prenup.

And if we divorced,

I would be left with nothing.

So you thought kidnapping

Grace was the answer?

I was in a toxic marriage

with no way out, and Grace,

who I thought was my friend,

betrayed me.

Look, I... I was desperate.

So how did you cut the power

to the parlor when we were

- all together?

- Well, that was Grace.

[sighs] I went to go see her

earlier that day to confront her.

But before I could, she showed me

the secret room.

Said that she would be hiding

in there for a few minutes

to scare everyone.

How she was "the victim."

She programmed

her circuit breaker to a timer

to cause the blackout.

Even the gas from the fireplace

was gonna shut off.

And you never had

to move her to the secret room?

[Evelyn] No, she was already in there.

I just slipped in

behind her and injected her

with the Propofol that I nicked

from Maurice.

Maurice was telling the truth.

When he was in the bathroom,

I went back to the room

and walked Grace over to the shed.

That's why I pulled her hair

to plant some on Maurice.

And that's when she grabbed my wrist.

I was never attacked.

Why didn't you tell anyone

things had gotten so bad

in your marriage?

I was embarrassed.

We were pretending to be

the perfect couple,

but in reality,

our marriage ended ages ago.

I was taken for granted.

Um, I'm sorry, but, uh,

we're gonna have

to arrest you now, Evelyn.

Yeah, of course.

Yes, thank you, Chief.

Hey.

Hey, how you holding up?

I just feel so bad for Evelyn.

All she wanted was for Maurice

not to take her for granted,

and now her life is in shambles

because of it.

It is a cautionary tale, for sure.

But hey, we're not them, OK?

She doesn't have a criminal history,

so I'm sure the courts will take

that into consideration.

So, since we just, uh, finished this up,

how do you feel

about a Christmas afternoon

gift exchange?

I thought you were working today.

I was, but, uh...

I requested the rest of the day

off with the Chief.

Look, work is gonna be there, OK?

But time spent with you,

this is irreplaceable.

Yeah. Yeah, it is.

- [Troy] It is.

- Just a little bit.

Mm-hmm.

[soft music playing]

- [keys jangling]

- [door unlocking]

I thought you'd like

some company on Christmas.

I'm so sorry, Grace, for everything.

I am too.

You wouldn't be in this mess

if I wasn't so selfish.

I broke things off with Maurice

at the party last night.

My conscience couldn't let me

continue any longer.

Thank you for telling me that.

I'm going to try to make things right.

I'm speaking to the judge to see if they'll

take it easy on you.

You would do that for me after

what I've done?

Christmas should be a time

for forgiveness.

Lord knows we could both do

some of that right now?

[emotional music playing]

[instrumental "Deck the Halls" playing]

What's this?

- See for yourself.

- [chuckles]

[laughs] Seriously?

Mm-hmm. I'm looking for a place

that would be best for the both of us.

OK.

All right. Come here.

[chuckling]

Come here.

Coming in! [Laughing softly]

I love you, you know that?

- I do.

- [Troy] Mm.

But you could remind me

as much as you want.

OK, let's do that.

[doorbell rings]

Getting through together,

come what may

Timing.

Can you hold that thought for me?

All right, I'll hold it.

- Oh! You came.

- You invited me.

It's the gift we've all been wanting

It's the perfect timing

Come in! Come in!

I love to feel the joy and cheer

When you are here,

when we get together

It's a special time, it's so nice

It should last forever

When the seasons change

Oh, I love the way that you celebrate

Oh, I love to feel the joy

- I like that they match.

- Can you tie this for me?

Yes, you got to...

[indistinct chatter]

Bam! Right?

OK, OK, my turn, my turn, my turn!

Yeah, I love to feel the joy

- Merry Christmas.

- Thank you.

- I love this.

- Mm-hmm.