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What's going...
Your...
Dad.
He's dead.
"Holiday Miracle in Midtown"?
What miracle? Guy didn't get hit by a bus.
-He saved a dog. -I saved a newsroom.
-Where's my headline? -Metro wants a decision
on that double-page photo spread.
Tell them it's a newspaper, not a Christmas card.
Hey, I didn't leave my keys in that editorial meeting,
-did I? -Planning a getaway?
Ugh, not if I don't find those keys.
If we're not using that spread, we'll need something
-to fill that space. -You.
-Yes? -What's trending?
Uh, an elk wandered into a supermarket.
Oh. Make it a reindeer
and I'll bump the food drive to A2.
-You got it. -Did you see my...
Oh, no keys. Sorry.
And we're still missing Vera's puzzle for C7.
What's a four-letter word for procrastination?
Vera. I...
-Vera. -Ten letters.
It's 1 o'clock.
12:58. The deadline is 6:00.
Normally, the deadline is 6:00,
but today is Christmas Eve.
And on Christmas Eve, the deadline is 1:00.
Didn't you get my...
my memo?
Tannenbaum.
So are you done?
Here you are. And just under the wire.
Thanks.
Cynthia.
-Yes? -You never responded to my pitch
about expanding the puzzle section.
You know, most people around here like
to spend Christmas Eve at home with their families.
-If you could just take a look. -As a matter of fact, I have.
-And? -And the puzzle section
is one-quarter page.
It's always been one-quarter page.
That doesn't mean it can't grow.
Anagrams, cryptic crosswords.
Look...
if I promise to consider it,
do you promise to go home and do whatever it is you do?
I have plans.
Moonlighting with the sheriff's department again?
The Sterlings have invited me to their estate for the weekend.
Hmm, too bad.
I actually could use a detective around here
-to find-- -Your car keys?
They're in the break room.
-How do you-- -Here's what we know.
You and I always arrive to work at the same time,
and today you weren't there, which indicates
you were running late.
You always stop by the break room
for coffee on your way in.
And the coffee stain on your notebook
tells me you were holding a mug
and not your car keys when you left,
which means your car keys
are to the right of the coffee machine.
-Vera, that's-- -Observant?
-Something like that. -Hmph.
Wait.
There's only one puzzle here.
What about tomorrow's?
-What about it? -It's Christmas.
The office is closed.
-It was in? -The memo, right.
However,
since you are actually making an attempt
at human interaction,
I'll let you email me but just this once.
-Thank you. -Don't make me call you.
Hmm.
Everything is polished and prepped.
The only thing missing is the staff.
Are you sure we didn't make a mistake by sending them home?
If we didn't give them Christmas off,
they'll sulk into the New Year.
Besides,
the food's already prepared.
But what about the gifts?
Already under the tree,
including one for Darren.
Why did you invite him?
We never have outsiders over at Christmas.
As I recall, you invited a guest as well.
Oh, yes, but Vera had no one to spend Christmas with
and I thought she would find the company interesting.
-As would Darren. -Darren is your lawyer.
If he had no one to spend Christmas with,
-it was well deserved. -As it happens,
I have business to discuss with him.
Hmm, well, Catherine could have handled that.
You know how I feel about our daughter working
for the family business.
She specializes in real estate law.
We've had this discussion.
It would be a conflict of interest.
Come on. Many children go into the family business.
Not if they work for the competition.
Oh. Thank you, Drew.
-Everything is ready. -Perfect.
-Merry Christmas. -You as well.
Merry Christmas.
-Oh. -Look,
Ellen, I would love it
if Catherine would come and work for me.
But she's never shown the slightest interest.
Funny.
I always thought I made my interests pretty clear.
Father.
Catherine.
That's my girl.
-We were just discussing-- -I know.
And I am very interested in the family business.
After all, someone has to protect
the public from people like you.
Funny.
So, where's everyone?
Your father sent them home for Christmas.
He thought it would be good for morale.
Not the staff.
-Michael, and Jan, and Troy. -Ah.
Your brothers are late as usual.
Well then,
I might as well go get settled.
She's always had a penchant for theatrics.
Just like her father.
I'd like to make it through Christmas alive,
thank you very much.
All my friends are in Cabo, Belize, or Aspen.
And I am stuck here
in the middle of freezing cold nowhere.
Say the word, Jan.
I'll drive you back to the airport.
Bags are in the car.
You can take them to the room in here.
Presents go under the tree.
So...
I don't work here.
They don't expect us to carry in our bags, do they?
I hope not.
Hello?
Hmm.
-Hmm. -Vera.
Hi. I'm so glad that you're here.
Hmm.
Your mother would kill me
if her daughter spent Christmas alone.
Oh, you remember Catherine?
-Of course. -Hello.
Oh.
I'm sorry about your engagement.
Excuse me?
You have a tan line where your ring was.
Here we are,
-carrying the bags. -Oh.
-Hey. -Michael.
-Thought this was a party. -Hi, honey.
Oh, my goodness.
Sister.
-Ah. -Hmm.
-I see you came alone again. -Ask her.
-She'll tell you all about it. -Hmm.
Well, I always thought you could do better.
Oh, my brother, ever the romantic.
-Well... -Look who I found
wandering around outside.
-Oh, well, hello, Darren. -Hi, Ellen.
-What's he doing here? -Ah, always so nice
to see you too, Michael.
Don't tell me you're afraid of lawyers.
Just the ones that think they're family.
-Let's get you a drink, Darren. -Yeah.
These poinsettias are holding up well.
Most people don't know this but they thrive in cooler air.
There's plenty of cold air in this house.
How do you know the Sterlings?
Family friend. Vera Vexley.
-Oh. -Full-time puzzle editor
and part-time consulting detective
for the sheriff's department.
And observer of holiday dysfunction.
In other words, you're perfectly qualified.
It was an investment, Michael, not a loan.
I'm your son, Dad.
And that's a reason for a man
to make poor investments?
-I raised you better than this. -Come on, Dad.
There's gonna be some big changes around here.
Money doesn't grow on trees.
-Though you kids act
-like it does. -Yeah, right.
-Listen to me. -I just need
-a little help. -How much?
Just a hundred grand.
Maybe $125,000.
If I agree,
it's gonna be tacked onto principal.
I know it's not a gift,
unlike Troy's endless tuition.
What I do with my money is my business.
I know. I'm family, though.
Unfortunately.
Nice one, Pop.
I'm gonna go check on Jan.
Please don't be late for dinner.
You know how it bothers your mother.
I won't.
What are you looking at?
-Hey-- -Not now!
Careful.
You fix that, they'll have you reorganize the whole house.
Troy Sterling.
Black sheep in residence.
Is that a habit of yours?
Sneaking up on house guests in the shadows?
Oh, I'm just hiding from family drama
amongst Russian literature and mild existential dread.
Sounds productive.
You must be Vera.
You write the puzzles that keep my mother humble.
There's nothing humble about your mother.
She also mentioned that you are a part-time detective.
Consulting detective.
-I am surprised we haven't met. -I'm not. I've been buried
in comparative lit PhD for the past seven years.
They only let me out for holidays
and funerals.
And which is this?
Ask me after dinner.
So how does a puzzle editor become a detective?
They called me in.
They needed help with a case.
It's all a big puzzle, isn't it?
Finding the missing pieces,
connecting the dots,
figuring out which details don't quite fit.
And to think I was starting to worry
no one here could keep up.
Hmm.
"I speak without a mouth,
I hear without ears,
I have no body, but I come alive with the wind.
What am I?"
It's a riddle.
A challenge.
So go ahead.
Why don't you see if you can keep up with me?
This looks delicious, Ellen.
-Thank you. -Oh, of course.
I would like to thank all of you
for coming here for Christmas.
Your mother and I appreciate it tremendously.
There's nothing more important than family.
Hmm.
And family friends.
-And family lawyers apparently. -Darren was invited
not only because he is a family friend,
but for another reason that will soon become apparent.
-What's going on, Dad? -Not now.
Tonight, let's enjoy the meal and the company.
-Merry Christmas. -Hear, hear.
-Yes.
-Merry Christmas.
Thank you for having me. Appreciate it.
-Mm.
Mm.
Are there any vegetarian options?
Oh, since when are you a vegetarian?
Pretty sure I saw you eat ham last year.
First of all, that was pancetta.
-Oh. -Second,
it was only a bite.
-Mm. -Okay. Go easy on her.
Hmm. You've been in school so long,
I'm surprised you remember what real food is.
-Oh. -Yeah. Are you still going
for a degree in, uh, "books nobody reads"?
Uh, comparative literature, yes.
Oh, exactly.
All right. Enough.
Please.
We have sweet potatoes and green beans
and plenty of bread.
No one's starving.
Are they always this festive?
Oh, this is nothing.
Now if someone brings up politics or the will,
run.
This looks amazing.
All right. Bon appetit.
All right.
If I wanna change my position,
I'm gonna have to do something about it.
That much has become evident.
Let's talk tomorrow
once I can get away from here for a bit.
No, no, thanks. You are just as I thought.
Yeah.
Some things never change.
Hold on one sec.
One last time, sir,
I implore you.
You're not gonna convince me, Darren.
My mind is made up.
When will you make the announcement?
Tomorrow during Christmas dinner,
we can discuss the new parameters.
And then after, we'll have the signing.
Something bothering you, Darren?
I've been a trusted advisor to you, haven't I?
-Indeed. -And a reliable counselor?
Of course.
I expected the revised will to reflect that.
If you're not happy with the arrangement,
you're free to leave at any time.
-It's a matter of fairness, sir. -Fairness?
If I knew that word was even in your vocabulary,
I would never have hired you.
Goodnight, sir.
Lawyers. Hmm.
Did you try CPR?
I woke up and I knew immediately
that something was wrong.
Your father never slept later than me.
I'll call the sheriff.
-Deputy Neal here. -It's Vera.
Vera. Well, Merry Christmas. You know my mom has been glued
to one of your puzzles all morning?
You're welcome. Put the sheriff on.
Um, Sheriff Brackett's in Alaska doing
his Polar Bear Plunge,
but I'm sure I can be of assistance
to our finest consulting detective.
Harold Sterling is dead.
-Oh.
Do I wanna ask how you know that?
Because I'm standing in his house
and he's not breathing.
That'll do it.
The wife found him unresponsive in bed this morning.
On Christmas of all days.
-I'm on my way. -Do hurry.
We may have a second body by the time you get here.
Aw, heck.
Merry Christmas, Harold.
So Vera, what do you think?
Hmm.
Eww.
Vera.
Poison.
Don't you think we ought to wait on toxicology?
Here's what we know.
Eyes suggest sudden cardiac failure.
Bluish tint on the lips and the tongue,
and the slight smell of almonds.
Whatever he drank, it was the last thing he did.
So you know they're gonna be wantin'
the whole kit and caboodle.
Crime scene folks, lab techs...
Or you can let me work quietly
and you get to be the man that solved the case.
You think someone...
you think someone meant to harm him?
I think someone meant to murder him.
And the killer is in this house.
Well, I guess I could always forget to call the coroner,
on account of it bein' Christmas and all.
Then it's time to connect the dots.
Would you like a tissue?
Um, I'm fine.
I wanted to speak with you first.
You were the one that found Harold?
Yes.
What time did you go to bed?
I don't--I don't know. Um...
10:30, 11:00?
Hmm. And Harold?
He was already asleep.
Or at least I thought he was.
He was dead.
-I'm sorry? -Well, the body cools
at one and a half degrees Fahrenheit per hour.
Factoring in the blanket, and the fact
that he was warmer than the room,
five plus two plus one, he'd been dead eight hours.
I believe he was poisoned in an act of foul play.
Do you have any idea of what Harold was doing
before he went to bed?
He was in here. He was in the office.
-Alone? -No, um...
Darren was with him.
Do you know what they discussed?
I assume it was the will.
Whatever it was,
we were going to discuss it over dinner.
Rosie made us a goose.
Thank you, Ellen.
Hmm.
So that's it?
What's it?
Felt like you were just warming up.
No circles under her eyes, no jewelry, no makeup.
Have you ever seen Ellen Sterling without makeup?
I mean, well, her husband just died.
Exactly.
That wasn't a performance.
That was a woman in shock.
She flinched when I said Harold's name, but not Darren's.
Hmm.
So she didn't do it?
Not sure.
Remind me why Vera is in there questioning our mother?
-She's a puzzle editor. -Who better
to piece together a puzzle than a professional?
Not to mention, she's also
a part time consulting detective.
What does that even mean?
Bit early for the dramatics, Michael.
We just lost our father, Catherine.
That might not mean anything to you,
but some of us are actually human.
How dare you.
Please, I saw more emotion from you
-when we had to put Bella down. -Excuse me?
I can't believe you're doing this right now.
Okay. This isn't getting us anywhere.
Actually, Troy, it is getting us somewhere.
-Oh? -While some of us are grieving,
others are just looking for their next tuition check.
Now, I put my life on hold.
You left a stable job
so you can go into academic exile.
It was better than selling my soul for a necktie.
Stop it!
Stop it, all of you.
Your father wouldn't want this.
Actually, Darren, this is exactly what he'd want.
He liked to play us off against each other.
It gave him something to watch over breakfast.
Your father was a very complicated man.
Oh.
Darren, what are you even doing here?
I'm here because your father invited me.
Why would anyone invite their lawyer
to a family Christmas?
Maybe because I was a lot more
than just a lawyer to him
and you know it.
My brother's unraveling,
but let's not pretend that he doesn't have a point.
I'm here because I'm trying to help all of you.
Okay. Then maybe try acting like we just lost
a human being and not a client.
Mom? Mom, are you okay?
Mom.
I'm fine.
Uh, you do not look fine.
Darren, she's ready for you now.
Okay.
What's wrong, Mother?
Your father's death...
it...
wasn't from natural causes.
Hmm.
Are you gonna actually ask me questions?
Sure.
What's your take, Mr. Caldwell?
I'm not a doctor.
But you were the last person to see him alive.
I don't know. Tired, I guess.
But I'll save you the trouble.
I didn't kill Harold.
I didn't ask you that yet.
Yet?
She's just warming up.
Let's try a different approach.
Who would benefit most from Harold's death?
You think that someone killed him for money?
Money, fear, revenge.
Houses this big have plenty of motive.
I've worked with this family for a long time.
Now are they dysfunctional?
Sure.
Flawed?
You have no idea.
But...murderous?
You met with Harold late last night.
What did you discuss?
-That's confidential. -Attorney-client privilege ends
when the client does.
You know that.
How about attorney privilege then?
I don't wanna tell you.
Here's what we know.
One glass,
its match was found upstairs by the body.
It was an expensive single malt,
so likely a celebratory pour, not casual.
Judging by the fact that one chair is closer
to the table from the others
indicates you were here for work.
And it was late at night on Christmas Eve,
so it was likely a personal matter,
like a will?
I heard you storming out of here from upstairs,
which says whatever happened in this meeting,
wasn't to your liking.
You wouldn't have taken part in the toast,
yet your glass was empty.
The only explanation is you tossed it
before you left the room.
How could you possibly know that?
Because you're still alive.
It was poisoned?
Where did you go after your meeting?
-Outside. -Alone?
What difference does it make?
You really think I'm stupid enough
to poison a drink that I might be served?
Or smart enough not to drink it when you were.
Are we done?
Yes.
You know, you really oughta work on your social skills,
you know, just a little bit.
If I had friends, I could ask them.
That was a joke.
Yeah.
I don't know what we're doing just sitting here doing nothing.
We have no idea what's happening right now.
All I'm saying is we shouldn't speculate--
Well, you're saying? We have only been hearing from you.
Uh, no, no, what I'm saying is...
Who does she think she is? Some big detective?
Like I don't even understand what this is.
I don't understand why you're not talking
to me right now. I have so many questions.
What did she say?
She...
asked a lot of questions.
If something happened to him,
then Darren had something to do with it!
-Uh, that is exactly right. -Mr. Sterling?
-Was our father murdered? -Except you're not
in the family photo, are you, huh?
What really happened?
We're still investigating.
Then why would you suggest that to my mother?
Look how upset she is!
All I did was point out a few missing pieces.
-What missing pieces? -Missing pieces?
I have no idea what you're talking.
-But I just have to know who-- -Hey. Whoa, okay. Everybody,
please, no need to shout over each other, all right?
You'll all have your turn.
I'll get to you, Ms. Sterling.
But first, I'd like a word with Michael.
I'd love some words. I have some questions.
Well, lead the way, deputy. Actually, you know what?
-I'll lead the way. -Unbelievable.
Are you always this popular during Christmas?
Only when there's a corpse.
Is that really necessary?
You don't wanna ask her that.
Oh, I wanna ask her a lot of things.
I wanna ask about your father's business.
-Why? -Excuse me?
Why do I have to answer your questions and not his?
That's because Vera is serving in an official capacity
as a representative of the Sheriff's department.
So a crossword columnist
is conducting murder investigations?
And the Sheriff is on board with this?
So you're saying this is a murder?
Well, the police wouldn't be involved
otherwise now, would they?
Well, now, Vera's got the finest
observation skills I've ever seen.
Plus, she also happens to be the Sheriff's
preferred investigator.
So it's true, then?
Dad was murdered?
Would that surprise you?
That someone wanted him dead? No.
That it was a family member?
That's...impossible.
What about enemies?
My father was a powerful man.
Powerful men don't make friends, they make friction.
And why didn't you join him?
Real estate didn't really get my blood pumping,
do you know what I mean?
What does get your blood pumping?
I'm in the hospitality business.
He owns a nightclub.
So velvet ropes and bottle service
instead of zoning permits and property tax?
Better margins, better stories.
And fewer board meetings with your father.
Feel free to stop by some time. I'll put you on the list.
And deputy, why don't you bring your mother?
We're more of a "Wheel of Fortune" household.
Aw. You still live with mommy?
What about your wife?
Does she work in the hospitality business?
She was a floral designer when we met.
Now we're partners in every way that matters.
Except romantic.
Excuse me?
Her diamond ring.
It's an Asscher cut
which is a favorite amongst old money and aristocrats.
My guess, it's a family heirloom,
which means she likes playing the role of Mrs. Sterling.
But when you arrived,
you reached for her hand and she didn't take it.
And then at dinner, you didn't pull out her chair.
She noticed, by the way.
-I warned you.
She wears Chanel perfume, yet it doesn't linger on you.
And you've mentioned her three times so far
but never once by name.
Oof.
Are you done analyzing my marriage now?
That depends. Is there anything left to analyze?
-Oh, I should--
Jan! Jan!
Look at me. Look at me. Say something.
Where did it go?
Are you okay?
Let's check you out.
Is your head spinning? Any nausea?
No. Um, I'm dizzy.
I hit my head.
I'm okay though.
Can you tell us what happened?
-Um... -Here.
Well, I went upstairs to the room to get something
and then when I was coming back down...
someone pushed me.
I'll check upstairs, see if anyone's lurking.
Where was everyone else?
I was in the kitchen making coffee.
Mother and I were downstairs.
What's going on?
-Where were you? -Excuse me?
Someone pushed Jan down the stairs.
What?
-Jan, are you all right? -Yeah, I scratched my knee.
-Oh, let me see. -Don't touch my wife!
Okay. Relax.
Mr. Caldwell, where were you?
Outside.
Just getting a breath of fresh air.
You didn't hear anything?
-No. -Raised voices? A fall?
No. I did not.
There's no one upstairs.
At least not now anyway.
Come on, let's get you to the doctor.
Oh, no. No, Michael.
I am not waiting in an ER for 10 hours on Christmas.
Jan, come on.
At least let's get this knee looked at.
Ellen, do you have a first aid kit?
Yes, it's in the guest bathroom.
Uh-hmm. Come, come.
There. How's that?
Hurts.
But I'll live.
You took quite a tumble.
Yeah.
-Mrs. Sterling, I-- -Oh.
You don't need to call me that.
Michael and I,
we're getting a divorce.
Okay.
I'm sorry.
No. No. Don't be. I'm not.
Does anyone else in the family know?
Uh, not that I'm aware of. Why?
Someone might have wanted to send a message.
Okay. Remind me to never spend Christmas
at this house again.
Yeah, it gets exhausting always being the outsider.
Tell me about it.
All the niceties,
and the polite smiles,
and the vacations, and the dinners.
Please.
It's just window dressing for a family
that cannot stand to be in the same room together.
-Troy seems nice. -Yeah. Well,
he's either genuinely interested in learning
or he has found the perfect escape.
He's a smart man either way.
So you didn't see anything when you fell?
Think hard, please.
I, uh...
I felt a push
and...
the next thing I knew,
I was at the bottom of the stairs.
Thanks for the chat.
You are officially discharged.
-She'll live. -Well...
-Jan. -Jan. Hey.
-[Michael Are you okay? -Fine.
No fracture. Just a little swelling.
-Okay. -Oh, thank goodness.
Troy is not here.
He's upstairs.
Said he needed some peace and quiet.
-Oh, shall I go get him? -No.
-Yeah, I'm fine. -No, I'll go.
You should stay together.
Statistically speaking, fewer people fall downstairs
when they're not on them.
What?
-Hmm. -So,
what's your gut telling you?
No scuff marks.
Still dusty.
Guess the maid took Christmas off.
Maybe.
How far you figure she fell?
The landing is only nine steps.
Couldn't have fallen far.
Her shoes.
Oh, I didn't get a good look at her shoes.
They were still on her feet.
Does that mean something?
I'm not sure yet.
Come in.
Oh.
Didn't think you'd make it all the way up here.
I don't usually climb stairs without cause
or a good book.
-Well, you found both. -Yeah, you didn't seem
too rattled downstairs.
If I left every time a Sterling self-destructed,
I'd need a revolving door.
No, I came up here to think...
about what happened is all.
I never really said I'm sorry for what happened.
You know, the folks downstairs, they see...income.
A meal ticket.
And I see a man who taught me how to throw a ball.
So forgive me if Jan's hysterics is not really my priority
even if Harold had a soft spot for her for some reason.
Do you mind if I ask where you were
when your father died?
I was in the library. I couldn't sleep.
Any witnesses?
Plenty.
If you count the greatest literary minds
of the past century.
I'd like to ask about your brother's club.
-Carousel. -More specifically
your father's financial interest in it.
It was Harold's money that got it started.
But when Carousel wasn't turning a profit fast enough,
Michael took on other partners.
A different kind of family, shall we say.
Organized crime?
Harold wasn't happy.
He said he'd go public if Michael didn't buy him out
-by New Years. -A revelation like that
-would tank the business. -And the marriage.
No trophy wives for second place.
So we've got shady characters,
a ticking clock,
and a fella with a big mouth.
Like I said.
Self-destruction.
And you sure you didn't hear anything when Jan fell?
Nope. Sorry.
What are you listening to?
It's a lo-fi study mix.
-May I? -Uh-hmm.
I like it.
I'm sure it's just dandy,
but we got a-- got a killer to catch, so.
Um, echo.
The answer to your riddle it's a--it's an echo.
-Troy. -Uh-hmm?
You're thinking of something.
Could be nothing.
Well, what is it?
It could something.
Okay. You know, I skipped breakfast for this.
So did Harold.
Okay. That's not fair.
You better be calling me to tell me there's a puzzle
-waiting in my inbox. -You'll get it.
I was hoping you could do me a favor.
Have you heard of a night club in the city called Carousel?
Are you kidding?
The feds have been investigating
-that place for months. -Really?
Chuck's been working on a expose.
Apparently some very bad people
invested a lot of money in it.
Wait.
Is this about the Sterlings?
I can't say.
So you'll check?
Am I getting a puzzle?
Yes, you're getting a puzzle.
Give me a minute.
Monkshood.
Interesting.
Hello.
Hmm.
Hmm, I wonder what she has to say.
I hope I'm not intruding.
No dear. No.
-Any news. -No.
I was hoping I could borrow your daughter for a moment.
Can it wait?
I'm looking after my mother.
I'm fine.
I'm just tired.
I want to stay close
in case she needs anything.
So what's up?
You had a seat at your father's company
yet you turned it down.
Not everyone dreams of working for their father.
Not everyone walks away from a company
with their name on the door.
Harold didn't exactly make room at the table.
He made...
demands,
critiques,
and ultimatums.
Real estate law was a way for me
to stay close without getting burned.
What is your relationship with Mr. Caldwell?
Cordial.
Cordially distant or cordially adversarial?
He was jealous.
Mother, please.
She deserves the truth.
You should be resting.
Darren always thought that Harold saw something
special in him.
Sort of like a surrogate son.
And then Catherine...
started making waves.
He saw her as a threat.
And Darren did not like threats.
Harold was his only real connection to power.
And now the children were next in line.
I have to go and check on something.
Thank you for your time.
Oh, and sorry for, you know.
-Guilty. -Onto something?
Suspect.
Culprit,
red herring.
Uh, care to share?
It's a puzzle.
Yes. Yes, it is.
No. This is.
Will you give this to my editor?
Uh, sure.
So, anything new with the investigation?
I spoke to Ellen and Catherine.
Oh, you got something.
I asked my editor at the Chronicle
to see if she can dig up any dirt
on Michael's club.
And?
The FBI flagged it last year
for suspicious activity.
Anything about Michael's mysterious business partners?
She thought it might be connected to organized crime.
We know Harold invested.
He found out who else was involved and wanted out.
Gave Michael an ultimatum, buy him out...
or he'd go public.
That would've destroyed the club.
And the marriage.
Well, you don't seem so surprised.
For a family full of secrets,
they're not very good at keeping them.
Ooh, well, you might wanna take a look at this then.
Didn't think it was his type of place.
Me neither.
You think his handsome bookworm act
is hiding something?
Handsome?
Vera Vexley, you're not getting soft on him, are you?
No. I was just, um, making an observation.
That's all.
Don't forget to send that out.
Yes, ma'am.
Oh.
There you are.
This is where Dad keeps the good stuff.
Hmm.
Uh, there she is.
Could I have a word?
Doesn't seem like we're going anywhere.
Alone.
I'll be fine.
Okay.
I'll be right back.
Can't wait to hear what scintillating topic
is more important than me tending to my injured wife.
Your divorce.
Transfer from the puzzle pages to Page Six now?
Not one for small talk, is she?
Afraid not.
Yes.
Jan and I are splitting up.
And how do you know that?
Oh, she lives for this.
More importantly, did your father know?
Of course. Blames me.
So who'll get the club?
She can have it.
It's going down the toilet anyways.
How do your investors feel about that?
What do you want to ask me, Vera?
Who'd you get to foot the bill?
I know it wasn't your father.
And I doubt your brother's that liquid.
So who do you owe?
You don't know anything.
I know enough to recognize when someone
is in way over their head.
I think you're surrounded by people
who have a lot to lose.
Maybe they're getting desperate.
Maybe you're getting desperate.
Either way, that inheritance money
sure would dig you out.
So you believe I'm behind the death of my own father
and the attack on my wife?
Not necessarily.
But I'm wondering who else you've brought
-into this mess. -How dare you!
Hey, just tell her what she needs to know.
You want me to tell you something?
Fine. Call my lawyer.
You know I can call your lawyer, Michael.
-Yeah? -I really could.
But I reckon you and I both know how that would turn out.
And I don't think your so-called friends
would be too thrilled.
That's what I thought.
Excuse me.
What is going on?
We've been going back and forth for hours.
Okay. I know this must be frustrating for all of you.
But I'd like to ask for just a little more time.
Time? Time for what?
We don't even know what you were doing!
We're investigating the death of your father.
As well as the attack on Mrs. Sterling.
Yes, well, we will see
what your superior officers
have to say about this.
-Ma'am? -I'm not a child.
-Don't talk to me that way. -Ma'am!
-Unbelievable. -Look, I...
We don't even know what you're doing.
-Ma'am. -I appreciate
what you're doing here.
I really do.
But I know my family.
They're not gonna just admit they did it.
...patience from all of you.
And soon enough all of this will be settled.
Did you hang out at the Carousel?
-Ma'am. -Unbelievable.
Troy,
if you're hiding something...
...the death of your father,
as well as the attack on Mrs. Sterling.
No, I...
I hated the fact that Harold was paying for my education.
And so I'd pick up some shifts from time to time,
you know?
I'm not gonna lie. I had motive
just like anyone else in this room.
Am I under arrest, Deputy?
Maybe even more so.
Let's see what she has to say about the matter.
Why don't you just let Vera do her job.
Her job?
Her job is writing puzzles for the paper.
Okay.
I'd like to see you actually try and solve one.
The point is she is an invited guest
who can just as easily be uninvited.
"I built it with my own hands,
yet it's not what I intended.
I thought I could escape it,
but now I'm the one who's trapped in it."
Anyone?
A lie.
Yes.
Just give me time.
I'll let you know when I need you.
-Okay. That's it. -What is with her?
Don't worry. I'll handle it.
Darren was on the porch.
Troy was in the library.
Ellen was getting ready for bed.
Catherine was in her bedroom.
Hmm.
You got something?
Vera.
I asked if you found something.
Just trying to put the puzzle pieces together.
Sure don't look like a happy family.
More like a game of survival.
Troy?
Harold Sterling was murdered by someone in this house.
Troy lives in this house.
He does, but, you know, you...
No. I don't know.
You like him.
Liking someone doesn't make them innocent.
Okay. Wanna make sure you're seeing things clearly.
My vision's fine.
Every single one of them is hiding something.
The more they try covering it up,
the clearer it becomes.
Is that really necessary?
Christmas music?
Our father is lying dead upstairs so, no,
I'm not really in the mood for dancing sugarplum fairies.
Nothing says holiday homicide like Tchaikovsky.
What is wrong with this family?
Oh, Michael, please.
-Everyone is upset. -Are they?
Because Catherine's over here pretending like this is
some twisted holiday party,
and Troy's going for a PhD in smugness.
No, I'm just trying to not add
to the shrieking chorus.
Seemingly I failed.
Oh, well, God forbid
someone tries to break the tension.
Sorry, I didn't bring a black veil and a pipe organ.
Maybe dial it down a bit, Catherine.
Not everything is a performance.
Hmm. Coming from the man
who pretended to like Dad for 15 years
-just to stay in the will. -Really?
Is this what you wanna do? Do you wanna do this now?
-Hey! -Actually.
Enough! All of you!
Back in the 1800s, mass printing
led to the rise of illustrated magazines and story books
that often use visual puzzles
designed to take advantage of the medium.
Spot the difference.
Looks the same to me. I don't...
Almost.
This is exactly what your father didn't want.
How would any of us know what he wanted?
There were...
there were some things that he couldn't tell you.
Like changing his will?
-Wait, what? -What?
He wanna change the will?
He was weighing his options.
And now he's dead. Hmm.
Well, this turned dark fast.
Is that why he wanted you here?
Who is he cutting out?
I'm not at liberty to say.
What are you not telling us?
Well, I know he wasn't gonna cut me out
because I have stood by him more than any of you.
Seriously, what was he gonna change?
I told you. That's confidential.
-Michael!
For crying out loud. They don't need a detective.
They need a referee.
Boys!
What is going on in here?
Can we talk?
Of course.
Um, I'll just hang back here and keep the livestock
from getting too rowdy.
I apologize.
It seems that self-restraint is not a Sterling virtue.
What about the ones that aren't Sterlings?
What?
You know what I'm talking about.
Slide open that panel.
Five-six-three-one.
How did you know?
Earlier you said the children were next in line.
Ordinarily, that would be you.
The spouse.
So, something must have happened
for you to be removed from the equation.
Something that a man like Harold Sterling
would find unforgivable.
You should know he knows.
What?
Troy?
How? I never told him.
There was an envelope on his desk
from the genealogy company.
Since I've been here, he's never referred to Harold
as his father.
Only by his name.
He also works part-time at his brother's club.
And that's not something that a trust fund kid would do,
unless he thought that trust was running out.
His father was an employee of Harold's.
Doesn't matter who it was.
He didn't know that Troy was his.
But Harold knew.
Harold caught us.
What did he do?
Harold was pragmatic.
He didn't wanna make a scene.
He fired the employee, of course.
And then he dealt with me.
He knew a divorce wouldn't help.
It would be a public spectacle.
He would be ruined.
His company,
his legacy.
Harold was not about to let that happen.
And Troy?
Harold treated him as his own.
What about his share of the will?
Did he even have one?
I threatened to tell the truth if Harold refused.
So none of the children knew?
No.
Darren is the only one who knew.
He handled the finances, the trust.
He had access to everything.
Hmm.
Troy really knows?
I'm certain of it.
You don't think...
he didn't know the promise that you made to Harold?
Troy is not a killer.
But then, you don't need me
to tell you that, do you?
You have a connection, don't you?
I'm glad.
He needs someone who sees him, really sees him.
Michael?
Yes, Mother?
Had you seen your brother?
Upstairs.
Excuse me.
I would like to talk to him myself.
Of course.
Shirley Temple for the puzzle editor?
I'm fine.
Okay.
You must think we're a pathetic bunch, huh?
Why do you say that?
I mean, look at us.
I think you're a family that suffered a great tragedy.
Yeah.
I'd love to see what my father would say about all this.
I'm not quite sure I follow.
My father used to journal when he was younger.
Literally recorded everything.
Business meetings, family outings,
blah, blah, blah.
It'd be hilarious to see, uh,
how he'd describe his own death?
"Final entry.
Couldn't say I didn't see this coming."
Do you know if he still keeps them?
His journals?
I don't know. Why?
Mind if I join you?
Hmm. Sure.
I just talked to my mom.
I get it.
Family doesn't always feel like family,
especially when things are this messy.
I think I've always, you know,
like I was an outsider looking in.
Just never quite fit.
It's hard when...
everything you're meant to fit into feels...
wrong.
It's all a lie.
Our family.
Everything I thought I was.
Sometimes, the truth shows us where we belong,
even if we don't wanna see it.
You always speak in riddles?
Only when I'm trying to get to the heart of things.
Well,
I guess, we're gonna have to figure this all out together.
And if only we could have known what Harold was thinking.
Yes.
If only.
Where are they?
-What's going on? -I don't know.
My head.
Michael, do you know who did this to you?
-No. -What happened?
Someone hit him off on the head.
Michael? Michael, can you hear me?
Did you see who did this to you?
Is there anything we can do?
-I'm gonna call an ambulance. -Okay.
Michael? Michael, stay with me! Hey!
What's all the...
Michael?
He came to the door and collapsed.
Ambulance is at least 30 minutes out.
Don't they know whose house this is?
It doesn't matter.
It matters. I'll call.
What is all this noise?
Michael! Oh, my...
Michael. Is he okay?
Michael, talk to me. Are you hurt?
-What happened? -I don't know.
Hey, could you come with me for a second?
-Sure. -Take it easy.
It's okay.
Okay. Please tell me you are close to cracking this case
because the Sterlings are dropping like flies.
Actually, I had a question about your father.
Harold.
Ah.
Michael mentioned he kept journals.
And I have turned his entire office upside down
and I have looked through this library
and I can't find them anywhere.
Really?
You wouldn't happen to know...
I've already looked all through here.
-Clever. -Oh, yeah.
He had a knack for hiding things and tricks and stuff like that.
You know, he used to do your puzzles every morning.
-Really? -Oh, yeah.
We used to think he was obsessed with his stock portfolio
or the latest mergers, but no,
it was "Vera Vexley's Puzzles."
Here. Will that help?
Time to connect the dots.
How is he?
Uh, he took a pretty big hit,
but it doesn't look like a concussion.
Wouldn't hurt for paramedics to take a look.
Darren, I'd like to speak with you alone for a moment.
What for?
I knew it.
Please?
Yeah.
Sit.
I'll stand. Thank you.
No, sit.
Okay.
What?
I need to see the will.
No, not happening.
I can get a warrant or a subpoena.
Go right ahead. I'm not just giving it to you.
You do realize that document
might be critical to this investigation, right?
Then it shouldn't be too hard to get a warrant.
Or you can wait for probate.
We don't have that kind of time and you know it.
That's not my problem.
One Sterling is dead and two more have been injured.
Again, that's not...
Not your problem. I know.
How long have you been having a relationship with Jan?
How'd you know?
The way she looked at you,
the way her husband distrusted you.
The two glasses out by the porch
after you shared a kiss up against the window.
You didn't wanna arouse suspicion,
so you went around the back...
and dropped this, by the way.
And you reek of Chanel perfume.
Don't worry.
I'm a consulting detective, not the moral police.
We done?
Almost.
Right over here.
-They're here. -Oh.
Is he going to the hospital?
That may not be necessary, ma'am.
Deputy, a word?
Okay. Deep breath.
Nice and easy.
-Good. -Are you sure?
All right. You're gonna follow my finger now.
Okay? Ready?
-Whoa, whoa, whoa. What is this? -Mr. Caldwell...
I knew it! I knew he did it!
Whoa. What...what's going on?
You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say can and will be used against you
-in a court of law. -Okay. I know my rights.
You have the right to an attorney.
If you cannot afford an attorney,
one will be provided for you.
You better hope this sticks.
Okay. Okay.
I'm sure this isn't what anyone was expecting at Christmas.
I can't believe it was Darren.
He'll have a fair trial just like everyone else.
Please!
You wouldn't risk an arrest unless you were certain.
So, what do you have?
He didn't have an alibi for Harold's murder.
And what about Jan and Michael?
Would he have attacked them, too?
The probability of having two murderers
at Christmas dinner is very low.
He's stable.
Make sure he gets plenty of rest and, uh,
-he needs to avoid alcohol. -Hmm.
-What? -Good luck with that one.
-Come on. -Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
This is all well and good,
but it's still mostly circumstantial.
You wouldn't arrest someone on just that.
What aren't you telling us?
I probably shouldn't tell you this,
but seeing as it's going to come out in discovery anyway.
Here's what we know.
Harold kept journals for most of his life.
He extensively detailed his work
and everyone he met with.
You told me that.
It's true.
I haven't read them all yet,
but I have read the last two entries.
And?
And he detailed
a terrible argument with Mr. Caldwell.
It seems Mr. Sterling was revising his will
and left Mr. Caldwell off it.
Given his years of loyalty,
Mr. Caldwell believed he deserved something.
But why would he attack Michael?
And why would he go after me?
Mr. Caldwell believed that it was Michael
who convinced Harold to leave him off the will.
-No. -And as for you...
Hmm.
...maybe he was the jealous type.
But why would you need the journals?
Harold wrote everything down.
Business meetings, family trips.
If Darren confronted him, it was sure to be in there.
So, what do we do now?
Nothing. In the next few days,
Deputy Neal will have you all come down to the station
for your official statement.
Well, thank you for everything.
I'm sure this is not the way
you wanted to spend your Christmas.
Oh, I had a great time.
And I feel happy that I was able to bring you some closure.
I will go upstairs and pack.
I'll help you.
Are you sure you won't stay for dinner?
Consulting detectives don't get hazard pay.
Funny.
You know, it's gonna be dull not having you around.
You could give me your email
and I could send you some puzzles.
I don't suppose I could...
see you again maybe?
Sometime.
The Rialto is playing "It's a Wonderful Life."
-I could take you. -You could take me?
I said we don't get hazard pay, but we do get paid.
Another joke.
Yes.
Well, then it's a date.
-Thank you. -Ah.
Vera, I-I was--
Looking for a midnight snack?
What are you doing here?
Wondering what you're doing
snooping around your father-in-law's office.
I was just...
looking for memories for Michael.
It must be a trying time for you, Mrs. Sterling.
It is.
No!
Jan Sterling, you're under arrest.
Oh!
Hmm.
Here's what we know.
The autopsy results will be back in the next few days,
and I'm confident we'll find aconite in his system.
-Which is? -Poison
derived from monkshood.
A highly toxic plant which you happen to have
growing by your gazebo.
Any former floral designer
with a background on horticulture
would know its uses.
She must have picked the flowers
at some point after her arrival.
So, Jan knew Michael talked to our father
about their impending divorce?
And she also knew that Harold was gonna announce
a change to his will, cutting her out.
Why would she try to kill Michael?
As Michael's widow,
she would get his share of the estate
even if she herself was cut from the will.
Exactly. She was afraid the new will would be enforced.
I knew she was capable of some pretty twisted things,
but...not this.
So, then...
who tried to kill her?
That's what initially threw me off.
When I first examined the stairs,
there was no signs of struggle,
no scuff marks, and her shoes were still on.
So, who pushed her down the stairs?
No one.
Jan staged her fall.
She figured that by being the next victim,
she would shift blame from herself and she was right.
So, when did you know Darren was innocent?
The first column in any logic puzzle is motive.
Darren had none.
You had every reason to be angry with Harold, you know.
You served him faithfully for many years.
But Harold Sterling wasn't killed in a fit of rage.
He was killed in a meticulously planned murder.
Besides, with Mr. Sterling being dead,
Darren was less likely to even get anything.
When did you let Darren in on your plan?
When I invited him to the office.
And I agreed right away.
I had to have Jan completely convinced
that we had our man.
Okay. So, how did you know
that Jan would go looking for the journals?
Because they were the only thing that could trip her up.
I strongly suspected that Jan had gone to blackmail Harold.
That is why she was having an affair with Darren
to get the dirt on Harold.
Sorry.
Now, if I was wrong,
the journals wouldn't have made a difference,
but if I was right,
the journals would have contained a record
of exactly what she was trying to do.
Which was why she had to find them.
-Yes. -Oh,
so, where exactly are these journals?
Oh, Harold hadn't actually kept a journal for years.
That was obvious from the amount of dust on them.
But Jan didn't know that.
What was important was that she thought he did.
Now, I'm sure you have a lot more questions,
but you could use your privacy.
You have a lot to discuss.
Well, we've actually already discussed quite a bit.
And considering that the three of us
control the estate in equal measures,
we've decided on a division of assets.
An equitable division.
Something we all could be happy with.
That's a good idea.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
My editor will be furious
if I don't finish tomorrow's puzzle.
Get over here.
Merry Christmas, Mom.
Welcome to the family, Darren.
-Hugs. -That was incredible.
Yes.
"Here's what we know."
It was nice having you around.
It's not every day I get to put my skills to the test
for a Christmas mystery.
Hey, I mean it.
It was nice having you around.
You could always email me for those puzzles, you know?
I'll take you up on that.
We go to press in an hour. What's my lead story?
"Real estate tycoon found dead on Christmas Day."
"Found dead?" You make it sound like
the guy died in his sleep.
How about "slain?"
-Done. -I got an interview
with the deputy that broke the case.
Ah, the great minds of law enforcement
-to the rescue again. -Side bar, A2.
Side bar, A5.
They're not that great.
-Has anyone seen... -Purse. Side pocket.
-How did you... -I saw you put it in there
-when you came in. -Ugh. It's almost deadline.
-Where's my puzzle? -Crossword's in your inbox.
And my New Year's puzzle?
I thought you'd wanna be the first to read it.
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year, Vera.
"Here's what we know.
Man in his 60s found deceased in his bed
in a house with his wife,
three adult children,
one sister-in-law and one lawyer,
all of whom have an alibi for the time of death.
You know his will had recently been changed
and you suspect foul play. Now..."
"It's time to connect the dots."