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01x01 - Poison in a Pear Tree - Part 1

Episode transcripts for the TV show, "Mistletoe Murders". Aired: October 31, 2024 – present.*
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Emily Lane, a mysterious woman, moves to the small town of Fletcher's Grove in Upstate New York and buys a year-round Christmas shop.

01x01 - Poison in a Pear Tree - Part 1

Post by bunniefuu »

There's nothing

worse than a nightmare

so intense that even

after you're awake,

you can't be sure

it wasn't real.

Good morning, boys!

Mama loves you. Yes, I do.

They

say Fletcher's Grove

is the kind of small town where

time moves a little slower,

where everyone knows

everyone else's business

and people keep

their doors unlocked,

because you never know

when a friend might pop by

for a visit.

I haven't been here long

enough to confirm or deny this,

but as someone who strongly

values their privacy

Hi.

Well,

let's just say,

I keep my door double-bolted.

Large black coffee, order up!

Oh, thanks, Sue,

you're a life-saver.

Whoa hey!

That one's actually mine.

I ordered before you.

Well, I guess chivalry is dead.

Not dead, just on a

case-by-case basis.

I'm sure yours will be right up.

That was the

end of the pot.

Grab a seat. I'll

brew you another.

There are

days when I think to myself,

"Who is this socially awkward,

caffeine-obsessed cat lady?"

But most of the time, I

see myself as your average,

unassuming, small-town

retail store owner,

who leads a perfectly

ordinary life.

Then again, a shop that worships

at the shrine of Christmas

365 days a year may

be considered by some

to be far from ordinary.

In which case

I'm a rock star.

Violet, crank it!

I love this song!

Emily, I'm begging you to

let me pick a new playlist.

Maybe with some songs

from this century?

And that's a

wrap! Here you go.

Thank you. It's perfect.

- Em?

- Yeah?

I was thinking, you

could train me on cash.

Not that I don't love

stocking shelves,

but I've been here

almost three weeks

No, no, no, you're

right, you're ready.

Uh, we'll start next shift.

Why not right now?

I actually have to close

the store early today.

June's coming by to

give Doyle his check-up.

You know, I should actually

bring something for her

What

Yeah!

June

Hubble is not just

the best veterinarian I know,

she's also one of the

few people here in town

that I consider a true friend.

Hey, us cat people

have to stick together.

Everything looks good.

His incision has healed nicely,

and I see his

weight is up a bit.

Oh, yeah, he's definitely

got his appetite back,

that's for sure!

You've been a good patient, huh?

Yeah!

If anything changes,

you call me right away.

I don't care if I'm, uh

walking down the aisle?

No!

Marcus proposed!

We're talking about

a May wedding.

Congratulations! I'm

so happy for you both.

It doesn't even feel real.

Marrying my ex-husband,

I mean, who does that?

People who deserve

a second chance.

Oh, I have something

for you, actually.

Um

Oh!

You didn't have to do that.

You kidding me?

You saved my sweety, you

get cookies for life!

Aw, well, I'll save

it for tonight.

Marcus is taking me on

a horse-drawn wagon ride

at the Christmas tree farm.

Sounds romantic.

Sounds like we're gonna

freeze our butts off.

All the more reason to

snuggle up together.

Oh! I like the way you think!

Deck the halls with

boughs of holly ♪

Fa la la la la

la la la la ♪

Not too cold, are you?

Not at all.

It's beautiful here.

Not as beautiful as you.

Troll the ancient

Yuletide carol ♪

Fa la la la la

la la la la ♪

Um, after the ride,

I've got a bit of business to

take care of here at the farm.

- What kind of business?

- It's nothing.

It's just bank stuff.

Marcus!

Okay, you got me.

The truth is, it's a surprise.

For you.

And I promise you're

gonna love it.

You trust me?

Whoa-h*, up there!

Okey-doke, folks, that

is the end of the line!

Woo!

Now, we got some hot

chocolate waiting for you

by the gift shop,

and, oh, don't forget,

Christmas trees are now

available for pre-order.

Rowen!

Watch your step.

Thank you.

My lady.

Here. It'll warm you up.

Um, I'm gonna handle

that bit of business

that we talked about first.

But, when I get back

wanna grab some dinner?

I am starving.

Here.

Something sweet

to tide you over.

Thank you. I'll be right back.

Marcus.

We need to talk.

Not now, Gordon. I've

done what I can for you.

You're just gonna have

to be patient, okay?

Alright.

Dashing through the snow ♪

On a one-horse open sleigh ♪

O'er the fields we go ♪

Vy?

I need your help.

I'm trying to place

this special order

for this lovely lady,

and it's frozen.

Why does technology hate me?

This thing is ancient.

Here, let me try rebooting.

Jingle bells,

jingle bells ♪

Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

In a one-horse

open sleigh, hey! ♪

Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪

Jingle all the way ♪

Let me guess.

You're here to apologize for

taking my coffee yesterday.

Not quite.

I'm actually here in

an official capacity.

Detective Sam Wilner.

- Oh, um

- What are you doing here?

Checking up on me or something?

I'm actually here about a case.

Could you give us a minute?

You got it.

Violet's last name

is Wilner too.

- She's my daughter.

- Right, yeah.

Should have put that

together sooner.

Uh, I'm Emily Lane.

It's nice to

officially meet you.

I wish it were under

better circumstances.

Are you familiar with a

man named Marcus Donavan?

Yeah, he's my friend

June's fiancé.

Why do you ask?

There was an incident at the

Chalmers Tree Farm last night.

Marcus is dead.

Uh

I can't I can't believe

it. How did you say he died?

I didn't.

Yeah, but you're

here investigating,

so you must suspect foul play.

"Under the Mistletoe."

This came from your

store, did it not?

Uh, yeah.

Don't know what it's doing

in an evidence bag, though.

This wrapper was found

next to Marcus's body.

The cookie was ingested

just prior to his death.

I'm sorry you're telling me

that my cookie k*lled Marcus?

I'm sorry, that was

taken out of context!

Our cookies are very

safe! Come again!

Did I hear you say someone died?

It doesn't concern you.

It does if there's a maniac

loose on the streets.

Do I look like final

girl material to you?

- Violet.

- Whatever.

I'll just get Emily to

tell me after you leave.

Sorry about that. Where was I?

You were explaining

that Marcus was poisoned

by one of my cookies.

Who said anything about poison?

What other way is there

for a cookie to k*ll a man?

I can't discuss the

details of the case.

Is this your entire stock?

No, I have a bunch

more boxes in the back.

Well, I'm gonna have

to take them with me,

if you're okay with that.

And if I'm not?

I'll come back with a

warrant and take them anyway.

Great, yeah, I'll go get

those packed up for you.

That's all of 'em.

Okay, thank you. I will, uh

get these back to you if I can.

See you after your shift, Vy.

Later, Dad.

Do you need some

help with that?

No, I got it, I think Um

- Actually, yes.

- Ah.

Thanks for your help, Ms. Lane.

It's just Emily.

Okay. Emily.

Bye, Sam.

I suspect

my perfectly ordinary life

just got more complicated.

But that's nothing

compared to the loss

my friend June must be feeling.

There was a

time I would have been curious

about a man leaving the home

of a dead man's fiancé,

but today I'm just here

to comfort a friend.

It's a veggie

casserole from Sue's.

She sends her condolences.

Those are nice.

They were from his

coworkers at the bank.

Marcus's supervisor

Trent delivered them.

They were close.

I saw him on his way out.

I thought I recognized him.

I have an account

at that branch.

I didn't know what

to say to him.

I just still can't believe

that Marcus is just gone.

I know. It's

just so unfair.

At the farm, you didn't

you didn't notice anything,

or anyone unusual?

No.

After the wagon ride,

Marcus said he had something

to take care of and

that he'd be right back.

When he didn't return, we

searched the grounds, and

- I'm sorry.

- No, no, no, don't be.

This is

impossible.

I should have asked

more questions.

Especially after

After what?

Marcus and I were

apart for three years.

We both dated other

people in that time.

But Marcus was seeing

someone till right before

we rekindled things.

Lizzy Klein.

What is she even

doing here, anyways?

No clue.

It's a coincidence.

Really, I mean

what are the odds?

I know it's not

your fault, but

Listen to me.

If there's one thing I

learned during our time apart,

it's that I don't want

to be with anyone else.

I love you.

Only you.

So

he brought his ex-girlfriend

along for the wagon ride?

No, no, it wasn't

like that at all.

They didn't even

talk to each other.

Let me make you some tea.

Don't you dare.

You go sit down.

I got it.

Oh, Sue, that

was delicious.

So glad you liked it.

I'll, um, bring

you both some pie.

Not for me, thanks.

I'm stuffed.

Same here.

I got way too many blueberries

and no room in my freezer.

Pie is happening.

Deal with it.

Guess we're having pie.

Oh, hey, before I forget,

tickets for the

Festival of Lights

go on sale this week.

Do you have a preference

for what night you wanna go?

Oh, we don't have to do that

this year if you're too busy.

What are you talking about?

It's a family tradition.

Yeah, but the light show

was always more Mom's thing.

What is it you say every year?

"I'd hate to get

that electric bill!"

Do I really sound like that?

Oh yeah, I nailed it.

Hey, I know things are

different this year,

but just 'cause it's

only the two of us,

it doesn't mean we can't do

all the fun holiday stuff

we usually do. Alright?

Absolutely.

Hi, boys.

Mama missed you.

Everyone knows

that when someone is k*lled,

the first person the

investigation will focus on

is the significant other.

Which means June is likely at

the top of Sam's suspect list.

But after spending

time with her,

really getting to know her,

I have to say, that just

doesn't sit well with me.

Which is why I can't

help but feel obligated

to temporarily fall

back on some old habits.

Hello, Lizzy Klein.

As I dug

into Lizzy Klein's past,

I admit, I made some

assumptions about her character.

Most of them revolved around a

jilted lover blind with envy.

This is why we shouldn't assume.

Good morning!

Hi, there.

Can I help you?

Yeah, I hope so.

Uh, I have a friend who's

moving into the area.

I'm just scouting out

childcare options.

You don't have any

spots available, do you?

We absolutely do.

I'm Lizzy.

I'm Emily. I own

"Under the Mistletoe."

Of course, the Christmas store.

I popped in when

you first opened.

Oh.

You said you're

here for a friend?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, she

just got a job at the bank

right down the

street from my shop.

Oh

I used to date someone

who works there.

I just learned he passed away.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Wait, was his name Marcus?

Yes, exactly.

We dated for a year, but we

broke up a few months ago.

Must have been hard.

I think it was inevitable.

We wanted different things.

Aw, you're expecting!

Oops.

It's getting harder to hide.

- Oh, I shouldn't pry.

- No, not at all.

It's nice to open up to someone.

I met someone new, and, well

things happen.

Wait, so did Marcus

know about

What am I doing? I am I am

such a busybody, I'm sorry!

It's okay.

That's what I meant when I said

we wanted different things.

- So you just went your own ways?

- Exactly.

Although I saw him at the

tree farm the other night,

and his new lady kept

giving me the evil eye.

Not that I can blame her.

You were there with

your new boyfriend?

Um

just me.

I'm considering

taking the kids there,

and I wanted to go myself

first to make sure it was safe.

Listen to me going

on about myself.

You wanna know

about the daycare.

I can already tell they're

in excellent hands.

My friend will be in touch.

I don't love lying

to people to get them talking,

but when it comes to her reason

for being on that wagon ride,

Lizzy is also playing fast

and loose with the truth.

Morning!

Oh Can I help

you with something?

Yeah, I was hoping to sign up

for one of the wagon rides.

I tried to do it online, but I

couldn't figure out how to

I got almost 60 years without

using a computer, young lady.

Ain't about to start now.

As for the wagon ride,

sorry, we're booked up

solid through Christmas.

Oh! I see.

Um, I'd heard that there

was a death on the property.

I thought maybe that

would hurt business.

Just just wanted

to show my support.

Well, that's kind

of you. Yeah.

We did have a few cancellations,

but those slots filled

up pretty quickly.

The families around here

have been coming forever.

I guess those folks

understand that

tragedy can strike anywhere.

It's very true.

I'm sorry, um

Are you okay?

Ah, I, uh, lost my footing

coming down off the wagon.

Anyway, you, uh, still want

your name on the waitlist,

my daughter Anna can set

you up in the gift shop.

Great, appreciate it.

I kind of

feel bad for the guy.

I know a blistering

hangover when I see one.

Wilner.

Yeah. Came in just now?

Okay, thanks for the heads up.

Pentobarbital?

Oh

Ah

This

is a boot scuff.

I think Marcus

climbed this tree,

which means he was likely

either hiding from someone

or spying on someone.

Where did you come from?

There's a shortcut through here

that leads up to

the gas station.

They sell sandwiches.

Oh, good to know.

I think I took a wrong turn

on the way to the gift shop.

Do you work here?

Goin' on 10 years.

Do you know what

that ribbon's for?

Yeah, that's so

customers can handpick

their own Christmas trees.

They put a ribbon around

it with their contact info,

and we, uh, hack it

and pack it for 'em.

Although I don't know

why that's there.

These trees aren't for sale.

No.

Ah, come on, I'll walk

you to the gift shop.

Great, thanks.

You must be Anna?

Your dad told me

to come find you.

Poor guy looked like

he was set to collapse.

Yeah, he runs himself ragged

trying to keep this

place together.

That's nice you can

be here to help.

Mmm, not as much as I'm needed.

I'm away at college

most of the week.

Oh, what's your major?

Agriculture.

My hope is to make the

farm more efficient.

Of course, Dad doesn't

exactly embrace change.

I suggested we go

green and he said,

"The trees are green enough."

- That's a pretty good line.

- Sure.

The first time you hear it.

So, how can I help you?

Uh, there was talk

of a waitlist.

Ah, yes, let me just check

our big, red computer here.

Did you have a date in mind?

Uh, you mind if I

just take a look?

- Have at 'er.

- Great.

What I'm

actually after here

is a comprehensive list

of names of everyone

who rode on that wagon with

Marcus the night he died,

which is kind of hard

to get with an audience.

Oh my gosh, I love this!

Make a great gift

for my riding club.

Do you have more of these?

Let me check the back.

- Found some!

- Oh, great!

Is that enough for you?

- Yeah, that'll do it.

- Great.

Emily!

What brings you out here?

Uh, just

picking out my tree.

The big one in your

shop's not enough?

Pssht. You can never have

too many Christmas trees.

Unless you have more than

five, then that's too many.

Hah.

Ah

I hear this place

is pretty popular.

You ever done the wagon rides?

Only every year.

Until recently.

But even after my

wife and I split up,

we'd still all come as a family.

Nice that you could

still do that together.

Yeah, we somehow managed

to stay on good terms.

Of course, the last

few times we came,

Violet barely looked

up from her phone.

Oh, well, the age when

nature doesn't hold a candle

to social media.

Exactly.

Well, I should

Yeah, I gotta also.

Okay.

There's something

in the air ♪

Joey Vaughan

Why can't I find you?

Whatcha workin'

on over there, Em?

Doing a search

of all the names of the people

who were on the wagon with

Marcus the night he died.

Just looking at cute cat videos.

Please tell me this isn't what

my 30s are gonna look like.

Hey.

Emily, are you busy?

- Emily!

- Oh, hi!

Your regular order?

Yes, but I will take

it to stay this time.

Brooke and her friends.

They take up a big

booth for two hours

and they only order water.

And then they wonder why

I have to raise my prices.

Emily!

Brooke Carmichael.

Come say hi!

The

neighbourhood alpha retailer.

I'm pretty sure she despises

me, but that hasn't stopped her

from trying to recruit me into

her book club/gossip circle.

Brooke. Ladies.

You know, one of these days,

you are gonna accept my invite

and join us, Emily.

We have a real steamy one

this month, don't we, girls?

Well, I do appreciate

a good bodice-buster,

but lately I've been on

more of a mystery kick.

You know, something

with a body count.

Oh! Well, we are

open to all genres.

Maybe we will let you

pick January's title.

I'll have to think about that.

Have a good one.

- Hey, Emily.

- Oh, hi, June!

I couldn't stay there while

the police tore my place apart.

Of course. Anything you need.

What are they even looking for?

I don't know.

They just said it was part of

a routine police investigation.

There's nothing "routine" about

tearing someone's life apart.

But if it helps them figure

out what happened to Marcus

it'll be worth it.

I miss him so much already.

I always loved him,

even in our time apart.

June.

You need to come with us.

Sam, not like

Ms. Lane, you have

to let me do my job.

It's okay,

Emily. I'll be fine.

June Hubble,

you are under arrest

for the m*rder of

Marcus Donavan.

You have the right

to remain silent.

Anything you say can and

will be used against you

in a court of law.

Emily. How can I help?

I would like to discuss

what happened at the diner.

You mean with June?

I mean with your

very public arrest

of an innocent woman, yes.

Have a seat. You

want some coffee?

No, I don't want

coffee. I want answers.

Why are you so convinced

she's innocent?

You said it yourself, you

only met her a short time ago.

For starters, I am a very

good judge of character.

I don't doubt that. What else?

Okay, during my first week here,

one of my cats had

a medical emergency.

I thought I wouldn't be able

to get him in to see anyone

till the next

morning, but somehow

I managed to get a

hold of June at home

and she insisted that

we come over right away.

Turns out, it was

a ruptured ulcer.

Doyle wouldn't have made

it through the night

if June hadn't acted so quickly.

She put his life

over her own needs.

That is who June Hubble is.

I'm glad your cat

pulled through.

That is your only takeaway?

June's arrest was justified.

Okay.

Well

you pretty much told me

that the cookie is poisoned,

so, what, you've got

eyewitnesses at the farm who

saw June give Marcus the cookie?

I can't answer that.

You were searching her home.

What were you looking for?

It doesn't concern you.

You were looking for

the poison, right?

And since you arrested

her immediately after,

you must have found it. So,

what kind of poison was it?

Are you seriously

asking me that?

I'm guessing it's not one

of the biggies like arsenic

or strychnine.

She wouldn't have

that lying around.

But, hey, maybe something a

little more related to her job,

like, um like, like

like the drug used

to euthanize animals.

What is that called again?

It's pento-something, right?

You're wasting your time.

Pento, pentobarbital.

Right?

I can't confirm that.

Oh, but your face just did!

You know what? I have

to get back to work,

but thank you for

coming by, Emily.

You got the wrong

person, Detective Wilner.

I understand

that Sam has to follow

departmental procedure,

but I've never been

one to sit back

and hope for a good outcome.

Not when I can

roll up my sleeves

and get the job done myself.

And in my experience,

the best way to get into

the mind of a criminal

is to consult one.

Every charming little town

has a dark underbelly,

if you know what to look for.

It's not the kind of thing

that's usually advertised

with a big sign

But lucky for me,

there are exceptions

to that rule.

That is real mahogany

and you picked my

pocket on the price!

Okay, now, you don't tell

anybody you caught me

in a moment of weakness, okay?

Hi, Ray.

Emily!

Make yourself comfortable.

Now

If you're here about

that, uh, special order

you placed last month,

it hasn't arrived yet.

In fact, it was, um,

rather tough to source, hm?

But, uh, I'll give

you a good discount

if you finally tell me how you

found out about my

little side business.

Game recognizes game.

I love that answer.

It doesn't tell me

anything, but I love it.

I need some information, Ray.

Sure. Usual terms, of course?

Yeah, just add it to my account.

Do you know anyone local

named Joey Vaughan?

I know a couple of

Vaughans, but "Joey"?

I don't think so, why?

- You heard about Marcus Donavan?

- Oof, poor guy.

Yeah, I knew him a little.

Was he into anything shady?

Not as far as I know.

I have heard that some drunk

was mouthing off about him

at an underground poker

game recently, though.

You know, uh, Gordon Chalmers?

Uh, the guy that owns the

Christmas tree farm, right?

Hm, yeah, that's him.

Apparently Marcus turned

him down for a bank loan.

Yeah, his daughter mentioned

that the farm was

struggling financially.

That is the least

of his worries.

I mean, that guy is up to

his neck in gambling debts

to dangerous people.

So, Marcus turned Gordon down

for a loan, and days later,

he's found poisoned

on Gordon's property?

Hmm.

I don't suppose you'd consider

sharing this with the police?

Well, don't even joke about it!

I mean, do you know how fast

my sources would dry up?

Don't worry, Ray. Your

secret's safe with me.

Oh, I'm glad to

hear you say that,

because taking

care of each other,

that's how people

like us survive.

See ya 'round.

Joey Vaughan

I'm not surprised to

hear about the drinking.

It's the gambling I

find more troubling.

Who did you say told you this?

Uh, no one in particular.

Just overheard a

conversation at the diner.

Right.

Well, I appreciate you

bringing it to my attention.

You gotta admit, this does

make Gordon a credible suspect.

Why, because he was

turned down for a loan?

I mean, it's not

exactly a smoking g*n,

but you'll look into it, right?

Was there anything else?

Yes, actually.

I would like to come

and visit June tonight.

Uh, that's not a good idea.

I could always go through

her lawyer, if you prefer.

Or you could just be a

nice guy and help me out?

I will

see what I can do.

See?

I told you I was an

excellent judge of character.

It doesn't matter

what happens to me.

I don't even care anymore.

That's just your grief talking.

I promise this will all

be behind you so soon.

I was wondering

how well did Marcus

know Gordon Chalmers?

They had a bank relationship.

There was an argument

over a bank loan,

but Marcus cleared the

air pretty quickly.

They were thick as

thieves after that.

What's this about, Emily?

I'm just trying to

understand Marcus better.

He was a complicated

guy behind that smile.

All I know is that I saw

a real change in him.

He was less interested in work,

and I became the main

focus of his attention.

That's what won me back.

And then someone took

him away from me.

There

are certain muscles

I haven't stretched

for a while

but I'm hopeful that I haven't

completely lost my touch

in the time that I've been here.

Still got it.

Despite

getting back together,

Marcus and June still

have separate homes.

And what better way to learn

more about Marcus's death

than to see how he lived?

I can tell the police have

been through here already,

probably for the same

reason I'm here now:

to learn more about Marcus.

Interesting bedtime reading.

I've seen a lot

of things used as bookmarks

in my day

but this is a new one.

Strange.

I haven't seen any

other toys in the house.

People who display collectibles

typically don't stop at one.

Unless

it has a more

practical application.

Well, hello.

Forensics

already did a sweep,

but I wanna go through every

inch of this place again, so

why don't you take

the front here,

and I'll start at the back?

Yeah.

That was

way too close for comfort.

Okay,

let's see what we've got.

Oh, boy.

Gonna be a long night.

Marcus was even more

organized than I imagined.

I could learn

something from him.

He kept a digital copy

of every bank form,

loan application,

and lunch order

that ever crossed his desk.

Oh

Wait a second.

No freakin' way.

What were you up to, Marcus?

You really clean

every decoration on this tree

once a month?

Of course.

Christmas is all

about the sparkle.

Dust is the enemy of sparkle.

So it's not just a gimmick.

You're really cuckoo

for Christmas, huh?

You better believe it.

What about you?

Sure.

It's the one time of

year when my mom and dad

would spend time together

after their divorce.

They'd go out of their

way to do all of these

holiday activities with me.

It was pretty special.

You don't do it anymore?

My mom took a new job

in the city last spring.

This is our first holiday apart.

- I'm sorry.

- It's not that bad.

I'm gonna go spend

a few days with her.

But my dad's being a

little weird about it.

It's like he thinks he

needs to personally make up

for the fact she's not here.

What about you?

What kind of family stuff

did you do at Christmas?

You know

My family situation was

a little different.

I sense you don't

wanna talk about it.

That's cool. We can

change the subject.

What are you up to after work?

Oh, big plans.

Gotta get to the bank

before it closes.

I got some business

to take care of.

You lead a very

exciting life, huh?

I wasn't

totally honest with Violet.

While I do have business

here, it's not with the bank

so much as a specific banker:

Trent Hadley, Marcus's

friend and boss.

My hope is that Trent is

the kind of guy Marcus

would confide in,

including any secrets

he may have been

keeping from June.

Well, as far as a loan

goes, I don't see any issues

from the bank's perspectives.

Uh, when were you thinking

your store renovation?

I was hoping early

in the new year.

I've been talking to

Marcus about it

before he passed.

Um, just just to clarify,

you are his direct

supervisor, right?

Correct, although I never

really got used to that.

Really? Why is that?

He and I came up through

the ranks together.

It's only recently I was

promoted ahead of him.

I'm still processing.

I'm so sorry.

You were close?

Not always.

In the early days, when we

were both young and hungry,

we were basically rivals.

But at some point, competition

turned to friendship.

I owe him, big time.

For what?

Marcus was offered

this promotion first.

When he turned it down,

he opened the door for me.

I can't imagine it

was an easy decision

to turn down a promotion.

It wasn't just the promotion.

It was his whole career.

He actually gave his notice.

- He had something else lined up?

- Yeah.

His marriage.

He said he wanted to devote

all his attention towards June.

He didn't want to make

the same mistakes.

That's really sweet.

Sounds like he had

some big plans.

Big expensive plans.

Like I told the police

when they asked,

I love the guy, but he was

making some strange decisions.

Like withdrawing the bulk

of his savings in cash.

You know how much interest

he lost doing that?

Sorry, uh, let's

get back to you.

So, are you a baseball fan?

- Oh, yeah.

- Yeah?

Yeah, collecting memorabilia

is kind of a hobby.

Some of them are even

signed. Check it out.

Arky Vaughan when he played for

the Brooklyn Dodgers in '42.

Arky!

That's an interesting name.

Oh, a nickname. His

real name is Joseph.

Joseph.

Joey Vaughan.

Exactly.

One of the top

shortstops of his era.

So, let's talk numbers.

I came

here for answers,

but I'm left with

a new question:

why would Trent

leave a fake name

in the reservation

log at the tree farm?

There's really only two answers:

he wanted to stay anonymous,

or he was trying to

cover his tracks.

- Okay, alright.

- Yeah, I'll see you guys later.

See you later, yeah.

Hi.

Well played, universe.

I did not see that coming.

I'm still

processing the fact

that Marcus's friend Trent

is Lizzy's baby-daddy.

I wonder if Marcus had any idea.

But before I go down that

particular rabbit hole,

there's still the

question of the contract

I found on Marcus's thumb drive.

They seem nice.

Hello? Gordon?

Whoa, whoa, not so loud.

You're making Shadow nervous.

Sorry.

She lashes out when

she gets scared.

It's a good way to get hurt.

Sorry.

I just saw the hired

muscle racing outta here.

I thought maybe you'd

had some trouble.

Don't know what you mean. I

haven't talked to anybody.

Mind that wood, it's rotting.

Whole place is on its last legs.

Had farm animals come through

the floor of the loft last year.

Had to stop using it.

Anyway, what was it you,

uh, you needed, exactly?

Uh, right, no, I wanted

to show you something.

Um

Do you recognize this?

Where did you get this?

Just found it in some

of Marcus's belongings

when I was helping June pack up.

It looks genuine.

You know, I don't wanna

trouble you with it.

I could just show it to

Anna. I'm sure she could

Yeah, yeah, no, I

don't wanna upset her.

Anyway, it doesn't matter.

The contract was never signed.

So the deal died with Marcus?

Before that, even.

Marcus pumped the brakes

on the deal himself.

He said he needed

a little more time.

I'm sure he had his reasons.

Wedding expenses, maybe?

Well, whatever it was,

paper's worthless now.

So you're keeping

the farm, then?

I was gonna ask June Hubble

if she'd honour the deal.

She come by here the

other day, only I was

under the weather.

Anyway, I think she's got, uh,

more important things

to worry about now.

I still can't believe June

would do something like that.

Well, I guess you

never really do know

what's going through

people's minds, do you?

By the way, this is

not what you think.

I lost this a

couple of days ago.

Found it in the straw while

I was muckin' out the stalls.

Must have put it down

and forgot about it.

- Hmm. Happens.

- Yeah, well

More and more, it seems.

Gettin' old sucks, kid.

I don't recommend it.

Take care of yourself, Gordon.

Yeah, you, uh you too.

Rowen, you know we

don't want to do this, okay?

It's just the farm is

struggling right now.

Ridiculous.

Rowen.

Is everything okay?

Just some

frustration bubbling over.

I asked my dad to

cut back the hours

of some of our senior employees.

I guess Rowen didn't

take it so well.

I don't blame him.

He's been here a long

time. He deserves better.

Oh!

That's strange.

Dad would never let Shadow

out of the stalls unattended.

Shadow's loose!

Somebody get her! Help!

Oh, no! Dad!

- Is he breathing?

- He's breathing.

Okay

Yeah, I need an ambulance

at the Chalmers Tree

Farm right away!

Dad, wake up

We just found

him. He's unconscious.

He's still breathing.

Please, wake up, Dad.

Please, wake up!

Come on, Dad, wake up!

Detective Wilner?

An emergency call just came in

from the Christmas tree farm.

It sounds like Gordon

Chalmers has been poisoned.

What? Who called it in?

Someone named Emily.

Have yourself a merry

little Christmas ♪

Let your heart be light ♪

Yeah. Yeah, yeah,

yeah, I can hear them now.

Okay. Okay.

Alright, they're almost here.

- Okay.

- Yeah.

There's nothing

worse than a nightmare

so intense that even

after you're awake

you can't be sure

it wasn't real.

Have yourself a merry

little Christmas ♪

Make the Yuletide g*y ♪

Next year all our troubles

will be miles away