[theme music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[instrumental music]
(Spenser) Boston at Christmas
crisp air, the smell of roasting chestnuts
the promise of snow and good cheer.
I love it.
Buying presents is a specialty of mine
but I learned years ago that my wrapping leaves
something to be desired.
Fortunately, I discovered that little elves will do it for you
behind the counters on Boylston Street.
Apparently others knew of my secret.
- Rita. - Spenser.
Can you help me with these?
- 'Cause I'm having a.. - Oh, sure. Yeah.
Can you get this some too? They're so heavy.
- Yeah. - Here.
- Sure. - What a nice surprise.
Nice surprise for you
running to a pack mule when you needed one most.
Not so.
Hey, what's with all these packages anyway?
I thought you're going away for Christmas.
I was, but Judge O'Hare denied my continuance
in the Kenny case.
So I'm swamped with work.
It looks like I'm stuck in town
while my family merrily ski their hearts out in Maine.
Well, it doesn't have to be so bad.
Maybe we could, uh, share it together.
Christmas that is.
I can make it real special.
Just what do you have in mind?
Well, turkey, all the fillings, caroling
Nat King Cole singing "Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire"
midnight mass.
Heck if it snows, I'll even throw in a sledge ride.
You go to all that trouble by yourself?
No trouble.
Well, thank you for your help, Spenser.
I gotta be going.
Merry Christmas.
Yeah, come on, how about it?
How about what?
Me treating you to a Spenserian Christmas.
(Spenser) The first thing I suggested
was that we journey into the wilds
and find ourselves a Christmas tree.
The particular forest I had in my mind
sat near Donnelli's grocery
downstairs of my apartment.
Hey, Tim, my man, how are tree this year?
Kinda lopsided.
My dad's gone in to buy this one.
It's the best one we could find.
Who's your friend here?
Andy Chandler. He's moved here from Syracuse.
- Well, welcome to Boston, Andy. - Thanks.
Hey, Spenser, how about this one?
Yeah, let me see.
Great.
Boat rack with needles.
- Boat rack? - Look, trust me.
This is my area of expertise.
Ha! Take a look at this one.
It's perfect.
It's a real nice one.
Tim, would you hold this
'so I can take another good look at it.'
- You got it? - Uh-huh.
Yeah, it is nice.
But now that I look at it again
it's, uh, probably little too big for my place
so why don't you take it?
You mean it, Spenser?
Yeah.
Hey, dad, look at this tree Spenser found for us.
I thought we were taking this one.
This one's lots better.
Yeah, but I already paid for this one.
Merry Christmas, Tom.
Well, what do you say, son?
Thanks, Spenser.
You bet.
Andy, you wanna come over and help decorate?
Sure, I'll go ask my mom.
Charlie, Franks-and-Beans
is hardly a traditional Christmas meal.
I know, but, hey, I go the holiday shift.
When am I gonna have time to cook?
What you need is a--
Well, Pop, when you start stocking these shelves
with nice eligible girls, you let me know.
- Hi. - Hey.
- Hi. - Hi.
Hey, Pop, you got my turkey?
Coming right up, Spenser.
- You are gonna love this. - How could I not?
I fix it with all the trimmings in my dressing
a little chopped walnuts, some onions, some apples
and some.. Well, it's legendary.
Here you go, Spenser.
- Plump fresh pounder. - Looks good.
Listen, if you make some extra
I want some of your dressing, okay?
- What'd I tell you? - Mm-hmm.
Tim, let's try and think
of a nice present for Mr. Spenser, huh?
Okay.
Hey, mom!
Open the door, let him in, and keep your mouth shut.
Mom, we got the tree.
Against the wall!
- Hey, leave him alone. - No!
No, don't hurt Timmy.
[screaming]
Timmy! No..
Alright, get the stuff and get outta here.
[dramatic music]
No.
Honey.
(male #) 'Hey, put it down. There's a kid watching.'
[tires screeching]
Get outta here.
[tires screeching]
- Pop. - Thanks for coming, Spenser.
It's a terrible thing.
Right in their own home. It's not right.
We're gonna put a stop to these guys, Pop.
Are the Sullivans alright?
Well, Tom got b*at up.
Emily's arm is broken.
What about the boy?
He's scared, but he's otherwise okay.
Listen, Spenser, you're part of the neighborhood.
I thought maybe you could..
Hey, Pop, I'll do what I can.
Frank, what's going on?
All we know is they've been hitting
the neighborhoods at random.
- Day or night and.. - And?
Well, they usually hit in the same neighborhood
more than once.
Look, Spenser, push came to shove.
I was hoping you could help out.
- See Charlie Horn over there? - 'Yeah.'
(Frank) 'He's the cop on a b*at in the neighborhood.'
Now, he-he's my nephew.
He's a good young cop.
It's just that I don't want him gettin' hurt
on a Christmas time.
What would I tell my sister?
[instrumental music]
(Spenser) Time's a good cheer and peace on earth.
v*olence in any neighborhood is grotesquely out of place.
I meant what I had said to Mr. Donnelli and Belson.
I would help.
Even a good cop like Charlie Horn
was no match for four armed men.
Mr. Chandler, my name is Spenser.
Oh, how you doing?
Yeah, Pop Donnelli told me all about you.
I'd like to talk to your son Andy.
Andy's not here, he's at school.
Did you hear what happened at Sullivans?
Yeah, I did.
Yeah, they even got the little kid.
That's not gonna happen here. I'm not gonna let it.
You know what I mean?
You know, my Andy got a look at him
so I'm not taking any chances.
Most people will wait till it's too late
to put these security systems in
but I'm not waitin'. You know what I mean, Spenser?
Dan.
Oh, sorry. I didn't know you had company.
Oh, it's okay, honey. Say hello to Mr. Spenser.
This is my wife Jane.
- How do you do? - Mrs. Chandler.
I'll be with you in a minute, alright, honey?
Okay.
Been married three months.
I became a husband to Jane
and an instant father to Andy just like that.
Now I'm responsible for both of 'em.
So you know what I was thinking?
I was thinking, maybe we, uh
get some of the guys from around here
we wait for those punks to reappear.
Do you think a vigilante group's a good idea
against a bunch of armed thugs?
Somebody's gotta do something around here?
Why don't we let the police handle it?
Well, Charlie Horn can't be everywhere.
[car horn honking]
You looking for somebody, buddy?
Hey, he's a friend of mine.
Remember what I said, Spenser.
I'm not gonna let it happen here.
Nice, relaxin' neighborhood.
The att*ck last night has got everybody uptight.
Well, even as astute Boston citizen oughta know
I haven't been runnin' around in a goalie's mask.
How's that?
When's the last time you seen a black hockey player?
Well, you know their modus operandi.
What else did you find out about 'em?
New breed of cats been hitting all over town
been hitting hard and fast.
Always some rough play.
'See, these boys like to hurt people.'
- They k*ll anybody yet? - Never been proved.
There was one witness who saw their faces once.
Witness vanished.
Sounds like you've done your homework on these guys.
- We've been close. - How close?
Real real close.
When they get close one more time
I got something for 'em.
They hit you?
How'd they survive?
I wasn't home.
[bell ringing]
Andy, this is Mr. Spenser.
He'd like to ask you a few questions.
Hey, Andy, remember me?
Yeah, you were the guy who traded trees with Tim.
Yeah, that's right.
Listen, your father tells me--
My stepdad.
My real dad d*ed last year.
Ah..
Well, he says that you saw the men
who tried to hurt Timmy and his family.
I sort of.
Did you see their faces?
One of 'em, but only for a second.
I'm not really sure what he looked like.
He had scary eyes.
Yeah.
Is there anything you remember about him?
How big he was, how tall?
No.
What about the color of his hair?
I only saw his eyes.
Andy, did he see you?
I think so.
Excuse me, Mrs. Jarvis, you asked me to stop by?
Come in, Hal.
Spenser, this is Hal McGraw.
- He's Andy's teacher. - Mr. McGraw.
Ah, Mr. Spenser is a private investigator I told you about.
He wanted to ask Andy a few more questions.
Did you remember anything new, Andy?
No.
Can I go back to class now?
Sure. Thank you.
And thanks for talking to me, Andy.
I'll be right there, Andy.
Well, thanks for your time. Nice to meet you.
Mr. Spenser, I'm concerned about him.
Do you think there's any danger associated with what he saw?
You can't be too careful.
Well, then I think I'll walk him home from school
for a few days, just to be safe.
Good idea.
[instrumental music]
(Spenser) I had the spirit, I had the tools
I even had the place
but what I needed for a Spenserian Christmas
most was time.
I figured I had only one night left
to build my magical forest.
I can't believe you're doing this.
Well, in the country we use a saw
in the city we improvise.
As a poetic man once said
"It's the indefatigable pursuit of unattainable perfection
"that alone brings meaning to our lives
on this unavailing star."
You did say unattainable perfection, didn't you?
It'll look a lot better once we get the lights on.
I can't get this blue one to work.
Aha!
This reminds me, when I was a kid
my brothers and I had this neighbor.
He had all these baby fir trees growing in his backyard.
We also happened to have this really great fort.
One year, we decided our fort needed a Christmas tree
so we cut one of his down and dragged it home.
We had the best looking fort that year, until--
Is this gonna be one of those
George Washington cherry tree stories?
Yup, we couldn't tell a lie
and we were sentenced to a whole year of mowing lawns.
So, are we ready?
Yeah.
We don't have any on top.
Sure we do.
- Okay. - Put it in.
[electricity crackling]
[groans]
Are you alright?
I think maybe we should've stuck to popcorn balls and tinsel.
[laughing]
[intense music]
Pick us up around the back.
Take your time, Maggie.
I don't close for minutes.
(male #) 'Let's go, old man.'
(male #) 'What do you think you're doing?'
(male #) 'One word and you're dead.'
Get over here with the old man.
He said, you get back here.
Hurry up! Get the money.
Hey, hey.
Amazing. It looks great from here.
- 'Distance helps.' - 'Uh-huh.'
But we better a new fuse
before the penny I put behind that one blows
and the whole place burns down.
Besides I'm ready for my Christmas salami sandwich.
Your what?
What would you say if I told you
it was tradition in our house
that after we decorate the tree
we have a salami sandwich.
I'd say that you were hungry.
Yeah.
Okay, I got it.
Alright, let's get outta here.
She saw my face.
'I gotta take her out.'
[intense music]
Oh, my God!
- No. - We gotta.
[g*nshots]
[tires screeching]
Are you hurt?
It's just a bruise, I think.
- What's happened? - She fought 'em off.
It's those same guys.
I think we should take her to emergency.
Stay here. I'll call in for an ambulance.
-, that's Max's Deli on main street.
Now get that wagon rollin'.
Officer, oh, please, I need your help.
I-I don't know what to do.
Easy, Mrs. Chandler. W-what's happened?
It's Andy.
He's hours late coming home from school.
He's missing.
[intense music]
[instrumental music]
My guess is, they're separate incidents.
I mean, these guys, they're hoots.
They're not child molesters.
But Andy was an eyewitness.
And I saw what they were going to do to Maggie
for seeing one of their faces.
Spenser, you know as well as I
there's a lot of reasons why
a kid disappears this time of year.
It could be a custody fight.
No, Andy's real father is dead.
Well, alright then, maybe he just ran away.
But don't worry. We're checking out every lead.
We're even bringing in known sex offenders
at Christmas time. Can you imagine that?
How's it going here? Any luck?
- No. - Mm.
[exhales]
Oh, Frank, terrific.
Thanks.
You wouldn't mind doing a little police work, would you?
Can you get the police artist down here?
Ah, lieutenant, the artist called in sick.
We're gonna have to do the sketch later.
What about this woman, lieutenant?
What about her?
Well, I think we should give her some protection.
Odds are, she'll be a target. We should put some extra patro--
Charlie.
We don't have extra patrols, Horn.
It's Christmas.
'When you get a little more experience on the force'
you will realize that everyone calls in sick
at Christmas.
When you get a lot more, you're gonna call in sick yourself.
If you're ready I'll take you home.
Yeah.
[instrumental music]
(Spenser) I had learned quite a bit about Maggie Ellis
in the past few hours.
She was and worked nights at the phone company.
She was also a very brave young woman
who had taken on a gunman
with nothing but her fingernails.
[instrumental music]
- Wanna come in? - Sure.
Actually, at the time I was too scared to do anything else.
How's the cheek?
Well, it's a little tender but it'll heal.
How's everything else?
What do you mean?
I talked to the doctor in the ER room who examined you.
He told you I was pregnant.
Yeah.
Well, I mean, it's okay.
If you know, everybody's gonna know soon.
Are you going to have the baby?
Yeah.
I can't wait, I already took leave off of work.
What about the father?
He's, uh, gone.
Took off right after I told him.
'I don't even know where he is.'
All that doesn't really matter.
What's important is, I want to have this baby.
Good for you.
But, uh, what about the guys I saw, right?
Yeah.
You should know that more than likely they'll come back.
'And it's not like the Chandler boy.'
'You saw them, face to face.'
Well, I can't help that.
What are you saying?
I think you should get out of town.
Out of town?
I can-I can't just pick up and leave.
- This is where I live. - Listen.
You've got to consider what's right for you and your baby.
Now, I admire your courage for wanting to stay but..
...maybe the smart thing is to go away for a while.
At least until we find these guys.
Spenser, I'm no hero. God knows.
But this is my life. This is my home.
I'm having my baby right here.
Just 'cause a bunch of creeps att*cked me
doesn't mean I have to go hide in a hole somewhere.
I'll just have to get through it.
I'm staying.
Okay. At least you don't have to go through it alone.
I want you to call me.
Day or night, alright?
I'm right down the street.
Thank you.
[instrumental music]
Mr. Chandler.
- Mrs. Chandler. - Spenser.
We were just gonna talk to the father.
Personally, I don't see much in talking to a priest
but, uh, it's comforting to my wife.
Any word on Andy?
We called some friends in Syracuse
in case he has run away.
Maybe he'll show up.
He knows his way around there and he likes Syracuse.
Do you know any reason why he might wanna run away?
No.
He didn't run away, Spenser. Something happened to him.
Alright, this is a tough question to ask, but, uh
is everything okay at home?
Oh, we had our differences, but it was no big deal.
What kind of differences?
Uh, look it's tough for a kid Andy's age
to accept a new father.
'And sometimes, I'm a little, uh'
'set in my ways too much.'
But I loved that kid, Spenser, like he was my own.
And he didn't run away.
Come on.
[instrumental music]
(Spenser) Hawk had called and said he had a lead.
Since we were after street punks
I was a little surprised to find
that we were going to a jewelry store in..
So, we're already Christmas shopping?
Got to see a man.
Might have to talk to him
about the layaway plan, uh-huh.
Good day, gentlemen.
I'm Mr. Andre. May I be of some assistance?
Let me see this.
(Mr. Andre) Certainly, sir.
Blue.
Where did you get this?
Amsterdam, I believe.
Don't you con me, Dandy Andy.
I remember you when you used to wear a tam.
I remember when you used to fence transistor radios
'and hubcaps on the street corner.'
Now I want a name and a place
or I'm gonna bust your head and what's over it.
Long time no see, Hawk.
Three gold chains and a very expensive ruby ring
have been returned.
You just saved your insurance company
innumerable dollars.
No, no, I'm still likin' a Rolex watch
and a little pair of cufflinks cost me five big ones.
Yeah, then you're probably motivated
to find that name and address he just gave you.
Who told ya?
(Spenser) Hawk's lead sounded like a dead end.
But he said he'd chase it down.
Meanwhile, the police finally had a lead of their own.
Stolen car used in the att*ck on the deli.
Now, I only had Spenser's number one rule
to fall back on.
When in doubt, as to where to go next..
...talk to your witness again.
Now, wise men, when I said put a little awe into it
when you see the star, I didn't mean for you
to all shout awe, okay?
Mr. McGraw, if we don't say it, how do we do it?
Just act impressed. Okay, Timmy?
- Hi, Spenser. - Hi, Timmy.
How are your folks doing?
- Better, thanks. - Good.
Mr. Spenser, my, uh, wise men can't seem to grasp
that the star of Bethlehem
'signifies a change in the future of the world.'
In fact, one of them claims it's only a cardboard cut out
and a bunch of wrinkled aluminum foil.
[laughs]
Well, maybe that one will be a scientist.
Hmm, maybe. What can I do for you?
Can I talk to you about Andy?
Ah, sure.
Just a minute, kids.
Uh...I-I already spoke to the police.
- Yeah. - Um, what do you wanna know?
Well, you walked him home, right?
Yes, I guess I was the last one to see him.
Were his parents at home?
No, but I made him promise he'd stay inside
until they came back.
Did you talk about anything in particular?
Christmas, uh..
He was telling me he was gonna get his mother
a special gift this year.
A, um, winter coat she's always wanted
'one with the fur collar.'
Mr. McGraw?
Yes, Timmy, uh..
I gotta go.
Uh, will you let me know if you find out anything?
Sure. Thanks.
Okay, everybody. Let's take it again from the top.
[instrumental music]
♪ Deck the halls ♪
♪ With boughs of holly ♪
♪ Fa-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La-la-la-la ♪
♪ 'Tis the season ♪
♪ To be jolly ♪
♪ Fa-la-la-la-la ♪
♪ La-la-la-la ♪
♪ Don we now our gay apparel ♪
♪ Fa-la-la la-la-la la-la-la ♪
♪ Troll the ancient.. ♪♪
Mr. McGraw.
I'm Detective Spotano.
We'd like you to come down to the station
and answer a few questions about Andy Chandler.
Hal, I'll take care of things here.
And don't worry. It'll be okay.
Horn, what's goin' on?
We got a tip.
Six years ago, he was picked up
on a child molesting charge.
[instrumental music]
(Rita on voicemail) 'Spenser, we keep missing each other.'
'I'll be over tomorrow to make the fruit cake.'
'I hope you won't live to regret it.'
(Jane on voicemail) 'And this is Mrs. Chandler.'
'Please come quick, my husband and some others'
'are outside the tavern.'
'The police just released that teacher'
'and there's going to be trouble.'
- You're a tough guy, huh? - Listen.
- Real tough guy, huh? - Listen, Mr. Chandler.
You like little boys, McGraw, huh?
- I didn't do anything to Andy. - Shut up!
I'll put this fist down your throat.
- I walked him to your house. - You walked him to my house?
Come on, knock it off. What are you doing?
Alright, Spenser. What do you want?
His side? He hurt Andy.
How do you know that?
- None of you know that. - I tried to tell them that.
It was all a mistake. The police released me.
Which means he's free to go anywhere he wants.
'If you hurt this man you're no better than the guys'
terrorizing our neighborhood.
You don't want that.
Not now, not ever.
Dan.
Come home, please.
Come on.
- You're alright? - Yeah.
My God, Spenser, how long do I have to live this?
I was never even charged with anything.
I mean, don't they understand? I feel terrible about Andy.
It's panic.
Fear. Everybody's upset.
Why don't you go on home?
Thanks.
[dramatic music]
[engine revving]
[dog barking in distance]
(Spenser) The fear of danger is far more terrifying
than danger itself.
In this case, it was turning neighbor against neighbor.
Before that happened
I wanted the full story on Hal McGraw.
Hey.
Hi. I'll be right back.
I heard what you did last night for Mr. McGraw.
Thanks.
Did you know about his past when you hired him?
Oh, yes.
Mr. McGraw was very concerned
that we know the whole story before we hired him.
Six years ago
one of the girls in Mr. McGraw's class
held a grudge over a bad grade.
She made up the molestation charge.
But admitted it was a lie when police questioned her.
But a damaged reputation is not easily mended.
No.
So, you're taking heat?
Oh, I can take a little heat.
If only Mr. McGraw can too.
You're worried he might not come back?
Stories like this die hard.
It's something that can ruin a teacher's life.
I don't want that to happen to Mr. McGraw.
I want him back here as soon as possible.
He's too good a teacher.
Well, he's too good a man.
I'll talk to him.
Hey! How's that Christmas pageant coming?
That's another reason I want him back here
as soon as possible.
(Spenser) The ugly incident with Hal McGraw
the growing tension in the neighborhood
all of it was pushing the normal joy
and warmth of the Christmas season
further into the background.
A small renewal of hope
was what I needed and got
from an unexpected source.
Spenser.
- Dan. - Hey.
I just want to say, uh..
...uh, I-I'm sorry for what happened last night.
It's not my style, you know.
I-I just kind of lost it
what with Andy being gone and all.
Then I'm sorry you have to go through this.
It was gonna be our first Christmas
you know, uh, together.
I-I just can't believe this is happening.
I know it's tough.
But don't give up hope.
No, no. I got a lot of hope.
I also got Jane, you know
um, she needs my support too.
Yeah.
[sniffles] I'm sorry.
Merry Christmas, Spenser.
Merry Christmas, Dan.
[instrumental music]
[doorbell buzzes]
Hey!
Time to check the baby here.
I don't know, Spenser, I'm not so sure
you should have put me in charge of..
I mean, I've never made one before.
Well, it's about time you learnt.
Besides, this is just a quickie recipe
you know, the classic.
Fruit cakes should be covered for weeks.
I knew a lady who used to bury 'em under a toolbox..
Burial is not a bad idea.
How'd they get to be that shape?
You mean that sort of toadstool modern look?
[laughs] Yeah, the..
That red, green, brown
toadstool modern shape.
Fruit cake, one. Rita, zero.
I don't know, cooking just makes me insane.
I can't handle it.
Your wreath's coming along nice.
Yeah, it's for Maggie Ellis.
Oh. How's she doing?
She's doing good.
She just moved into her apartment
and I figured..
...a little Christmas cheer would be in order.
You know, I have to admit, if the same thing happened to me
I think I'd leave
'at least for a little while.'
Well, I talked to her about it
but she was firm on the point.
She's a gutsy lady.
[instrumental music]
[dramatic music]
[music continues]
[creaking]
[ringing]
- Spenser. - It's Maggie.
Someone's following me.
Where are you?
- I'm at home. - Stay put. I'll be right there.
[dramatic music]
[doorbell buzzes]
(Spenser) 'Maggie?'
There's nobody there.
[Maggie sighs]
I saw someone. I heard footsteps.
[music continues]
I must've scared him off.
Look at me, the tough talker. I'm shaking like a leaf.
Well, you have every right to be frightened.
Remember what I told you, you could go away.
- You should go away. - And go where?
That would really make me hysterical
always looking over my shoulder.
There's only one way this is gonna end.
When these guys are caught.
Yes.
I've talked to Officer Horn.
You've given me your help.
You're both around.
Wait a second. You wanna set yourself up? Be a bait?
- No! Absolutely not. I won't-- - I'm willing to do that.
Yes! There is no other way.
I'm glad you're here.
I'm glad you're here.
(Spenser) Often in battle, the most unlikely heroes emerge.
In this case, it was a young, pregnant woman
holding front.
If things went well, we would all owe her a great debt.
If things went badly..
...well..
...Hawk joined me in the stake out
to make sure they didn't.
It's chilly.
Hot herbal tea.
Thoughtful.
That's me, Mr. Thoughtful.
How can you drink that stuff?
Nervy lady, being the cheese that baits the trap.
[dramatic music]
Midnight stroller?
Gonna find out. I'll go around back.
[music continues]
Hawk, it's goin' down.
Hey!
[g*nsh*t]
[intense music]
[music continues]
[laughing]
[instrumental music]
I don't know nothin' about any kid disappearing.
Look, don't give us that.
We got a kid gone. We want him back!
That's your problem.
Then why don't we make it your problem, huh?
There's a kid missing and you don't care--
Hey! Take it easy.
- Let me go! - Cool down first.
You watch your mouth, punk.
You know, you got enough problems as it is.
You're up for armed robbery
as*ault with a deadly w*apon.
I've even got a witness
who could nail you for attempted m*rder.
'You're gonna try for kidnapping too?'
What kinda help are you looking for?
We want your friends.
Forget it.
[telephone ringing]
Quirk.
Just a minute.
For you, Frank. It's Horn.
He says it's important.
Sometimes that boy makes me wish
my sister would become a nun.
Yeah, Charlie?
'Yeah, right.'
I hear ya, Charlie. I hear ya.
Charlie got another stolen car.
'He wants us to call out the Fifth Army.'
Another stolen car.
Maybe your friends are on the move again.
Don't give me that. They don't move without me.
They're dumping you.
No way, man.
Yeah, they are dumping you.
They're leaving you with us.
They're gonna make one big last score
and they're gonna disappear.
You're dreaming, bud.
We're tight.
They'll come looking for me first.
But they're not gonna find you at home, bud.
Because you're staying right here for the duration.
Where're you going, Spenser?
They don't find him at home
they are gonna look for him at Maggie's.
[g*nf*re]
[tires screeching]
Freeze!
[g*nsh*t]
Hold it!
Ho, ho, ho!
[intense music]
You're looking for this guy, Spenser?
I knew they'd come here looking for the other guy, Spenser.
Did you call an ambulance?
I already did.
I got sloppy, I guess.
You got hurt..
...being a good cop.
So just lie still.
I'm back.
Andy.
Oh, thank God.
Andy, where the hell have you been?
Syracuse.
I took the bus.
You mean you went all the way..
And you didn't tell anyone.
Well, it'd ruin the surprise.
It's okay. I knew where I was going.
- 'What's the big deal?' - The big deal?
What's the big deal?
You had your mother and I worried sick.
What's the matter with you? We almost had a heart att*ck.
You can't just do that. You should've told us!
We were worried whether you'd be hurt or-or dead.
I guess that's how mom would worry.
Mom, huh?
Well, you too.
Come over here.
Gonna punish me?
No, I'm gonna let your mother talk to you.
What you got in that package?
It's for mom.
I've been saving up my money all year.
Must be pretty special, huh?
Something she saw in a window back home.
It's a coat with a fur collar.
Said she really liked it.
And the only store in the whole world
where you could get this was, uh, in Syracuse?
Andy, if you would've said something to me
I would've taken you there.
You would've?
Yeah.
You know, you and I may have our differences, but, uh..
...I love you.
- Do you know that? - You do?
That's why I missed you so much.
I love you too..
...dad.
If you want, I can say the package is from both of us.
Yeah.
Yeah.
♪ From Satan's pow'r ♪
♪ When we were gone astray ♪
♪ Oh tidings ♪
♪ Of comfort and joy ♪
♪ Comfort and joy ♪
♪ Oh tidings ♪
♪ Of comfort and joy ♪
♪ God rest ye merry gentlemen ♪
♪ Let nothin' you dismay ♪
♪ Remember Christ our Savior ♪
♪ Was born on Christmas Day ♪
♪ To save us all from Satan's pow'r.. ♪
[knock on door]
♪ Oh tidings ♪
♪ Of comfort and joy ♪
♪ Comfort and joy ♪
♪ Oh tidings ♪
Merry Christmas!
Spenser.
- Huh? - Oh!
I know pregnant women have big appetites
but this would last me a week.
Oh, I never was very good at small portions.
[knock on door]
I took the liberty of inviting Ms. Fiore.
She tells me she makes pretty good eggnog.
Merry Christmas! Pretty good? It's great.
[Frank laughing]
What's going on?
What's Christmas without a tree, right?
It's the least we can do, Ms. Ellis.
- Merry Christmas. Spenser. - Thank you.
(Jane) Hi!
- Here we are. - Hey! Merry Christmas.
Is this the little boy who was lost?
Yeah, you would've met him sooner
but he went all the way to Syracuse.
To get this. Can you believe it?
Oh, well, come in. Make yourselves at home.
- Come in. - Spenser, good to see you.
Nowell, Jack.
Well, I thought you didn't do Christmas.
I don't, this is for helping me
catch the masked gentlemen.
'Merry, merry to you all.'
Hi!
- Merry Christmas. - Hi.
- Nice to see you. - Thank you.
Good to see you.
Well, it's something for the baby after he arrives.
Well, she arrives.
You know?
I know.
It's, uh, it's really sweet of you.
I'll put it under the tree.
[indistinct chatter]
Is this, uh, second line of work for you
organizing block parties?
Well, this is your block.
And your neighbors.
And they want you to know that they..
...care about you.
And that they love you.
And they want you to have a Merry Christmas.
It means a lot to me.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Come on, Maggie. It's Christmas eve.
- Open some presents. - It is!
- It's good to see you. - Good to see you. Hi!
Ms. Fiore, may I speak to you a moment, please?
Oh, yeah.
This party seems to be well on its way.
So, what do you say, we sneak away
for a little brandy and fruit cake?
Brandy sounds fine.
But the fruit cake was a disaster.
I bought another one this afternoon.
♪ Making spirits bright ♪
♪ What fun it is to ride and sing ♪
♪ A sleighing song tonight ♪
♪ Oh Jingle bells jingle bells ♪
♪ Jingle all the way ♪
♪ Oh what fun it is to ride ♪
♪ In a one horse open sleigh ♪
♪ Hey jingle bells jingle bells.. ♪♪
That was a really nice thing you did.
Oh, Maggie is a nice girl.
She'll fit in well in our neighborhood.
Thanks for including me in all this, Spenser.
You said you'd show me a special Christmas and you have.
Yeah, and look at the snow.
[chuckles] It's great.
♪ Holy night ♪
Got off to a rocky start but..
...it almost turned out to be a perfect Christmas.
- Almost? - Yeah.
I forgot the mistletoe.
Do we really need a mistletoe?
Well, it is a tradition.
So is this.
♪ Round yon virgin ♪
♪ Mother and Child ♪
♪ Sleep ♪
♪ In heavenly.. ♪
Merry Christmas, Ms. Fiore.
Merry Christmas.
♪ Sleep ♪
♪ In heavenly peace ♪♪
[theme music]
[music continues]