- 2 days ago
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00:00:12What's going on?
00:00:15You're here. You're here.
00:00:25He's dead.
00:00:30He's dead.
00:00:31He's dead.
00:01:32Yeah, yes.
00:01:34What's trendy?
00:01:34An elf wandered into a supermarket.
00:01:37Ah.
00:01:38Make it a reindeer, and I'll bump the food drive to A2.
00:01:40Yeah.
00:01:41Did you see my...
00:01:42Oh, no keys.
00:01:43Sorry.
00:01:44And we're still missing Vera's puzzle for C7.
00:01:46What's a four-letter word for procrastination?
00:01:56Vera, I...
00:02:00Vera?
00:02:01Ten letters.
00:02:02It's one o'clock.
00:02:0412.58.
00:02:05The deadline is six.
00:02:07Normally the deadline is six, but today is Christmas Eve, and on Christmas Eve the deadline
00:02:13is one.
00:02:13Didn't you get my...
00:02:17My memo?
00:02:20Tannenbaum.
00:02:24So are you done?
00:02:27Here you are.
00:02:28And just under the wire.
00:02:32Thanks.
00:02:35Cynthia?
00:02:37Yes?
00:02:38You never responded to my pitch about expanding the puzzle section?
00:02:41You know, most people around here like to spend Christmas Eve at home with their families.
00:02:47If you could just take a look.
00:02:49As a matter of fact, I have.
00:02:52And?
00:02:52And the puzzle section is one quarter page.
00:02:55It's always been one quarter page.
00:02:58That doesn't mean it can't grow.
00:03:00Anagrams.
00:03:01Cryptid crosswords.
00:03:02Look.
00:03:04If I promise to consider it, do you promise to go home and do whatever it is you do?
00:03:11I have plans.
00:03:13Moonlighting with the Sheriff's Department again?
00:03:14The Sterlings have invited me to their estate for the weekend.
00:03:17Eh, too bad.
00:03:19I actually could use a detective around here to find...
00:03:21Your car keys?
00:03:23They're in the break room.
00:03:24How do you...
00:03:25Here's what we know.
00:03:26You and I always arrive to work at the same time.
00:03:29And today you weren't there.
00:03:30Which indicates you were running late.
00:03:32You always stop by the break room for coffee on your way in.
00:03:34And the coffee stain on your notebook tells me you were holding a mug and not your car keys when
00:03:38you left.
00:03:39Which means your car keys are to the right of the coffee machine.
00:03:43Vera, that's...
00:03:43Observant?
00:03:45Something like that.
00:03:47Hm.
00:03:48Wait.
00:03:49There's only one puzzle here.
00:03:51What about tomorrow's?
00:03:53What about it?
00:03:54It's Christmas.
00:03:55The office is closed.
00:03:56It was in...
00:03:58The memo.
00:03:58Right.
00:03:59However, since you are actually making an attempt at human interaction, I'll let you email me.
00:04:06But just this once.
00:04:09Don't make me call you.
00:04:29Everything is polished and crept.
00:04:32The only thing missing is the staff.
00:04:35Are you sure we didn't make a mistake by sending them home?
00:04:39If we didn't give them Christmas off, they sulk into the new year.
00:04:43Besides, the food's already prepared.
00:04:46But what about the gifts?
00:04:48Already under the tree.
00:04:50Including one for Darren.
00:04:55Why did you invite him?
00:04:57We never have outsiders over at Christmas.
00:05:00As I recall, you invited a guest as well.
00:05:02Ah, yes.
00:05:03But Vera had no one to spend Christmas with.
00:05:05And I thought she would find the company interesting.
00:05:08As with Darren.
00:05:10Darren is your lawyer.
00:05:11If he had no one to spend Christmas with, it was well deserved.
00:05:14As it happens, I have business to discuss with him.
00:05:17Hm.
00:05:17Well, Katherine could have handled that.
00:05:20You know how I feel about her daughter working for the family business?
00:05:25She specializes in real estate law.
00:05:28We've had this discussion.
00:05:30It would be a conflict of interest.
00:05:31Oh, come on.
00:05:32Many children go into the family business.
00:05:35Not if they work for the competition.
00:05:37Oh.
00:05:40Thank you, Drew.
00:05:41Everything is ready.
00:05:42Perfect.
00:05:43Merry Christmas.
00:05:44You as well.
00:05:45Merry Christmas.
00:05:48Look.
00:05:49Ellen.
00:05:51I would love it if Katherine would come and work for me.
00:05:54But she's never shown the slightest interest.
00:05:57Funny.
00:05:59I always thought I made my interest pretty clear.
00:06:04Father.
00:06:05Katherine.
00:06:11That's my girl.
00:06:13We were just discussing.
00:06:15I know.
00:06:16And I am very interested in the family business.
00:06:20After all, someone has to protect the public from people like you.
00:06:26Funny.
00:06:28So, where is everyone?
00:06:30Your father sent them home for Christmas.
00:06:33He thought it would be good for morale.
00:06:36And not the staff.
00:06:37Michael and Jan and Troy.
00:06:39Ah.
00:06:40Your brothers are late, as usual.
00:06:43Well then.
00:06:45I might as well go get settled.
00:06:51She's always had a penchant for theatrics.
00:06:56Just like her father.
00:06:57Oh yeah.-
00:07:07Oh yeah.
00:07:14Did my wife.
00:07:22I think she dumped over.
00:07:24I think she did it.
00:07:24Well then.
00:07:26We got my 23-ê°” separat.
00:07:39I'd like to make it through Christmas alive.
00:07:42Thank you very much.
00:07:44All my friends are in Cabo,
00:07:46but me, Sir Aspen,
00:07:48I'm stuck here
00:07:50in the middle of freezing cold nowhere.
00:07:53Say the word, Jan.
00:07:55I'll drive you back to the airport.
00:08:11Bags are in the car.
00:08:12You can take them to the room in here.
00:08:14Presents going to the tree.
00:08:16So?
00:08:18I don't work here.
00:08:24They don't expect us to carry in our bags, do they?
00:08:26I hope not.
00:08:48Hello?
00:09:12I'm so glad that you're here.
00:09:17Your mother would kill me
00:09:19if her daughter spent Christmas alone.
00:09:22Oh, you remember Catherine?
00:09:25Of course.
00:09:26Hello.
00:09:27Oh.
00:09:29I'm sorry about your engagement.
00:09:31Excuse me?
00:09:32You have a tan line where your ring was.
00:09:43Here we are.
00:09:45Here we are.
00:09:45Carrying the bags.
00:09:46Hey!
00:09:47Michael!
00:09:49Thought this was a party!
00:09:51I got it.
00:09:52Oh, my goodness.
00:09:54Sister.
00:09:56Ah.
00:09:58See you came alone again?
00:10:00Ask her.
00:10:00She'll tell you all about it.
00:10:02Hmm.
00:10:03Hmm.
00:10:04Well, I always thought you could do better.
00:10:06Aw, my brother.
00:10:07Ever the romantic.
00:10:08Wow.
00:10:09Ooh, I found wandering around outside.
00:10:11Oh, well, hello, Darren.
00:10:14Hi, Ellen.
00:10:15What's he doing here?
00:10:17Ah, always so nice to see you too, Michael.
00:10:20Don't tell me you're afraid of lawyers.
00:10:22Just the ones that think they're family.
00:10:24Hmm.
00:10:25Let's get you a drink, Darren.
00:10:27Yeah.
00:10:46These poinsettias are holding up well.
00:10:49Most people don't know this, but they thrive in cooler air.
00:10:53There's plenty of cold air in this house.
00:10:56How do you know the Sterlings?
00:10:58Family friend.
00:10:59Vera Vexley.
00:11:00Full-time puzzle editor and part-time consulting detective for the sheriff's department.
00:11:05Could you believe this?
00:11:07And observer of holiday dysfunction.
00:11:09In other words, you're perfectly qualified.
00:11:34It was an investment, Michael.
00:11:36Not a loan.
00:11:37I'm your son, Dad.
00:11:38And that's the reason for a man to make poor investments.
00:11:42I raised you better than this.
00:11:44Come on, man.
00:11:44There'll be some big changes around here.
00:11:46Money doesn't grow on trees.
00:11:48Though you kids act like it does.
00:11:50Yeah, Michael.
00:11:51Listen to me.
00:11:52I just need a little help.
00:11:54How much?
00:11:56A hundred grand.
00:11:58Maybe 125.
00:12:00If I agree, it's going to be tacked on the principal.
00:12:03I know it's not a gift.
00:12:05Unlike Troy's endless tuition.
00:12:07What I do with my money is my business.
00:12:10I know.
00:12:11I'm family, though.
00:12:14Unfortunately.
00:12:16Nice one, Pop.
00:12:18I'm going to go check on Jaehan.
00:12:20Please don't be late for dinner.
00:12:21You know how it bothers your mother.
00:12:24It won't.
00:12:27What are you looking at?
00:12:35Not now!
00:12:36Mom!
00:13:13Careful.
00:13:15You fix that, they'll have you reorganize the whole house.
00:13:20Troy Sterling.
00:13:22Black Sheep in Residence.
00:13:24Is that a habit of yours?
00:13:27Sneaking up on house guests in the shadows?
00:13:29Oh, I'm just hiding from family drama.
00:13:32Amongst Russian literature and mild existential dread.
00:13:36Sounds productive.
00:13:37You must be Vera.
00:13:40You write the puzzles that keep my mother humble.
00:13:43There's nothing humble about your mother.
00:13:45She also mentioned that you are a part-time detective.
00:13:49Consulting detective.
00:13:52I am surprised we haven't met.
00:13:55I'm not.
00:13:56I've been buried in a comparative lit PhD for the past seven years.
00:13:59They only let me out for holidays.
00:14:01And funerals.
00:14:03And which is this?
00:14:04Ask me after dinner.
00:14:07So, how does a puzzle editor become a detective?
00:14:11They called me in.
00:14:12They needed help with the case.
00:14:14It's all a big puzzle, isn't it?
00:14:17Finding the missing pieces.
00:14:19Connecting the dots.
00:14:21Figuring out which details don't quite fit.
00:14:24And to think I was starting to worry no one here could keep up.
00:14:28Hm.
00:14:35I speak without a mouth.
00:14:37I hear without ears.
00:14:39I have no body, but I come alive with the wind.
00:14:44What am I?
00:14:47It's a riddle.
00:14:49A challenge.
00:14:52So go ahead.
00:14:53Why don't you see if you can keep up with me?
00:15:05This looks delicious, Ellen.
00:15:09Aw.
00:15:10Of course.
00:15:13I would like to thank all of you for coming here for Christmas.
00:15:16Your mother and I appreciate it tremendously.
00:15:19There's nothing more important than family.
00:15:22Hm.
00:15:23And family friends.
00:15:26And family lawyers, apparently.
00:15:29Darren was invited not only because he's a family friend,
00:15:32but for no other reason that will soon become apparent.
00:15:35What's going on, Dad?
00:15:36Not now.
00:15:37Tonight, let's enjoy the meal and the company.
00:15:40Merry Christmas.
00:15:41You're here.
00:15:42You're here.
00:15:43Yes.
00:15:43Merry Christmas.
00:15:45Merry Christmas.
00:15:45Merry Christmas.
00:15:47Thank you for having me.
00:15:48Appreciate it.
00:15:49Hm.
00:15:49Hm.
00:15:58Are there any vegetarian options?
00:16:01Uh, since when are you a vegetarian?
00:16:05Pretty sure I saw you eat ham last year.
00:16:09First of all, that was pancetta.
00:16:11Oh.
00:16:12Second, it was only a bite.
00:16:15Okay, go easy on her.
00:16:16Hm.
00:16:17You've been in school so long, I'm surprised you remember what real food is.
00:16:20Oh.
00:16:20Yeah, are you still going for a degree in books nobody reads?
00:16:24Uh, comparative literature, I guess.
00:16:26Oh, exactly.
00:16:27All right, enough!
00:16:29Please.
00:16:31We have sweet potatoes and green beans and plenty of bread.
00:16:36No one's starving.
00:16:39Are they always this festive?
00:16:41Oh, this is nothing.
00:16:42If you want vegetables, there's always a good idea.
00:16:44Now if someone brings up politics or the will, run.
00:16:48This looks amazing.
00:16:49Perfect.
00:16:50All right!
00:16:51That's what I want to happen.
00:16:52All right.
00:16:53First of all.
00:17:00If I want to change my position, I'm going to have to do something about it.
00:17:05Some have just become evident.
00:17:06Let's talk tomorrow.
00:17:08Once I can get away from here for a bit.
00:17:10No.
00:17:10No.
00:17:10Things here are just as I thought.
00:17:13Yeah.
00:17:15Some things never change.
00:17:17Hm.
00:17:19Hold on one sec.
00:17:23Hold on one sec.
00:17:50One last time, sir.
00:17:52I implore you.
00:17:54You're not going to convince me, Darren.
00:17:57My mind is made up.
00:18:04When will you make the announcement?
00:18:05Tomorrow, during Christmas dinner, we can discuss the new parameters.
00:18:10And then after, we'll have the signing.
00:18:23Something bothering you, Darren?
00:18:27I've been a trusted advisor to you, haven't I?
00:18:30Indeed.
00:18:31Indeed.
00:18:32And a reliable counselor.
00:18:33Of course.
00:18:34I expected the revised will to reflect that.
00:18:38If you're not happy with the arrangement, you're free to leave at any time.
00:18:44It's a matter of fairness, sir.
00:18:47Fairness?
00:18:48If I knew that word was even in your vocabulary, I would never have hired you.
00:18:58Good night, sir.
00:19:07Lawyers.
00:19:41Did you try CPR?
00:19:43I woke up, and I knew immediately that something was wrong.
00:19:48Your father never slept later than me.
00:19:51I'll call the sheriff.
00:19:59Deputy Neal here.
00:20:01It's Vera.
00:20:02Vera! Well, Merry Christmas!
00:20:05You know my mom has been glued to one of your puzzles all morning?
00:20:08You're welcome. Put the sheriff on.
00:20:10Sheriff Brackett's in the last good-nongest polar bear plunge.
00:20:13But I'm sure I can be of assistance to our finest consulting detective.
00:20:17Harold Sterling is dead.
00:20:23Do I want to ask how you know that?
00:20:26Because I'm standing in his house, and he's not breathing.
00:20:29That'll do it.
00:20:30The wife found him unresponsive in bed this morning.
00:20:34On Christmas of all days.
00:20:35I'm on my way.
00:20:36Do hurry.
00:20:39We may have a second body by the time you get here.
00:20:47Oh, heck.
00:20:51Merry Christmas, Harold.
00:20:58So, Vera, what do you think?
00:21:00What do you think?
00:21:01What?
00:21:05What?
00:21:09What?
00:21:24Merry Christmas.
00:21:24Oof.
00:21:42Ew.
00:21:56Vera.
00:21:59Poison.
00:22:01Don't you think we ought to wait on toxicology?
00:22:04Here's what we know.
00:22:06I suggest sudden cardiac failure, bluish tint on the lips and the tongue, and a slight smell of almonds.
00:22:14Whatever he drank, it was the last thing he did.
00:22:18So, you know, they're gonna be wanting the whole kit and caboodle. Crime scene folks, lab techs.
00:22:24Or, you could let me work quietly, and you get to be the man that solved the case.
00:22:30You think someone... you think someone meant to harm him?
00:22:35I think someone meant to murder him. And the killer is in this house.
00:22:41Well, I guess I could always forget to call the coroner. Count for being Christmas and all.
00:22:47Then it's time to connect the dots.
00:23:02Would you like a tissue?
00:23:05I... I'm tired.
00:23:09I wanted to speak with you first.
00:23:12You were the one that found Harold?
00:23:16Yes.
00:23:18What time did you go to bed?
00:23:21I don't... I don't know.
00:23:2310.30, 11.
00:23:26And Harold?
00:23:28He was already asleep.
00:23:31At least I thought he was.
00:23:34He was dead.
00:23:37I'm sorry?
00:23:39Well, the body cools at one and a half degrees Fahrenheit per hour.
00:23:43Factoring in the blanket, and the fact that he was warmer than the room...
00:23:47Five plus two plus one. He'd been dead eight hours.
00:23:50I believe he was poisoned in an act of foul play.
00:23:54Do you have any idea of what Harold was doing before he went to bed?
00:23:59He...
00:24:01He was in here. He was in the office.
00:24:04Alone?
00:24:05No. Um...
00:24:07Darren was with him.
00:24:10Do you know what they discussed?
00:24:13I assume it was the will.
00:24:21Whatever...
00:24:21It was...
00:24:23We were going to discuss it over dinner.
00:24:29Rosie made us a goose.
00:24:37Thank you, Ellen.
00:24:49Helen.
00:24:54So that's it?
00:24:57What's it?
00:24:58It felt like you were just warming up.
00:25:00Those circles under her eyes? No jewelry? No makeup?
00:25:04Have you ever seen Ellen strolling without makeup?
00:25:07I mean, while her husband just died.
00:25:09Exactly.
00:25:11That wasn't a performance.
00:25:13That was a woman in shock.
00:25:15She flinched when I said Harold's name, but not Darren's.
00:25:18Hmm.
00:25:20So she didn't do it?
00:25:22Not sure.
00:25:28Remind me why Abir is in there questioning our mother.
00:25:30She's a puzzle editor.
00:25:32Who better to piece together a puzzle than a professional?
00:25:35Not to mention she's also a part-time consulting detective.
00:25:39What does that even mean?
00:25:41Bit early for the dramatics, Michael.
00:25:43We just lost our father, Catherine.
00:25:45That might not mean anything to you.
00:25:47But some of us are actually human.
00:25:49How dare you?
00:25:51Please.
00:25:52I saw more emotion from you when we had to put Bella down.
00:25:55Excuse me?
00:25:56I can't believe you're doing this right now.
00:25:58Okay. This isn't getting us anywhere.
00:26:01Actually, Troy, it is getting us somewhere.
00:26:03While some of us are grieving, others are just looking for their next tuition check.
00:26:07No, I put my life on hold.
00:26:09You left a stable job so you can go into academic exile.
00:26:14What's better than selling my soul for a necktie?
00:26:16Stop it. Stop it.
00:26:18All of you.
00:26:19Your father wouldn't want this.
00:26:22Actually, Darren, this is exactly what he'd want.
00:26:25He liked to play us off against each other.
00:26:27Gave him something to watch over breakfast.
00:26:29Your father was a very complicated man.
00:26:32Oh.
00:26:34Darren, what are you even doing here?
00:26:36I'm here because your father invited me.
00:26:40Why would anyone invite their lawyer to a family Christmas?
00:26:43Maybe because I was a lot more than just a lawyer to him.
00:26:46And you know it.
00:26:48My brother's unraveling, but let's not pretend that he doesn't have a point.
00:26:52I'm here because I'm trying to help all of you.
00:26:55Okay, then maybe try acting like we just lost a human being and not a client.
00:27:01Mom? Mom? Are you okay?
00:27:05Mom?
00:27:08I'm fine.
00:27:09Uh, you do not look fine.
00:27:13Darren, she's right for you now.
00:27:18Okay.
00:27:20Okay.
00:27:23What's wrong, Mother?
00:27:26Your father's death.
00:27:32It...
00:27:33wasn't...
00:27:35wasn't...
00:27:35from natural...
00:27:37causes.
00:27:49Are you gonna actually ask me any questions?
00:27:54Sure.
00:27:56What's your take, Mr. Caldwell?
00:27:58I'm not a doctor.
00:27:59But you were the last person to see him alive.
00:28:03I don't know.
00:28:04Tired, I guess.
00:28:06But I'll save you the trouble.
00:28:08I didn't kill Harold.
00:28:10I didn't ask you that yet.
00:28:12Yet.
00:28:14She's just warping out.
00:28:16Let's try a different approach.
00:28:19Who would benefit most from Harold's death?
00:28:23You think that someone killed him for money?
00:28:26Money.
00:28:27Fear.
00:28:28Revenge.
00:28:30Houses this big have plenty of motive.
00:28:33I've worked with this family for a long time.
00:28:36Now, are they dysfunctional?
00:28:38Sure.
00:28:40Flawed?
00:28:41We have no idea.
00:28:44But...
00:28:45murderous?
00:28:47You met with Harold late last night.
00:28:50What did you discuss?
00:28:52That's confidential.
00:28:53Attorney-client privilege ends when the client does.
00:28:56You know that.
00:28:57How about attorney privilege, then?
00:29:00I don't wanna tell you.
00:29:02Here's what we know.
00:29:05One glass.
00:29:07Its match was found upstairs by the body.
00:29:10It was an expensive single malt.
00:29:12So likely a celebratory poor, not casual.
00:29:17Judging by the fact that one chair is closer to the table than the others indicates you were here for
00:29:21work.
00:29:22And it was late at night on Christmas Eve.
00:29:24So it was likely a personal matter.
00:29:28Like...
00:29:29A will?
00:29:30I heard you storming out of here from upstairs.
00:29:32Which says whatever happened in this meeting wasn't to your liking.
00:29:37You wouldn't have taken part in the toast, yet your glass was empty.
00:29:43The only explanation is...
00:29:45You tossed it.
00:29:48Before you left the room.
00:29:50How could you possibly know that?
00:29:56Because you were still alive.
00:30:00It was...poisoned?
00:30:01Where did you go after your meeting?
00:30:06Outside.
00:30:07Alone?
00:30:09What difference does it make?
00:30:11You really think I'm stupid enough to poison a drink that I might be served?
00:30:15Or smart enough not to drink it when you were.
00:30:23We done.
00:30:32Yes.
00:30:41You know, you really ought to work on your social skills.
00:30:45Just a little bit.
00:30:47If I had friends, I could ask them.
00:30:52That was a joke.
00:30:55Yeah.
00:30:58I don't know what we're doing just sitting here doing nothing.
00:31:00We have no idea what's happening right now.
00:31:02All I'm saying is we shouldn't speculate.
00:31:03All you're saying is we haven't even been hearing from you.
00:31:06No, no.
00:31:07What I am saying is that you're not talking to us.
00:31:10What did she say?
00:31:11I don't understand why you're not talking to me right now.
00:31:13I have so many questions.
00:31:15What did she say?
00:31:16She asked a lot of questions.
00:31:20If something happened to him, then Darren had something to do with it.
00:31:23That's right. That is exactly right.
00:31:24I have no idea what happened.
00:31:26What's our father murdered?
00:31:28You're not in a family photo, are you, huh?
00:31:30What really happened?
00:31:33We're still investigating.
00:31:34Then why would you suggest that to my mother?
00:31:36Look how upset she is.
00:31:37All I did was point out a few missing pieces.
00:31:40What missing pieces?
00:31:41You're just trying to come in here and see you.
00:31:43You're never trying.
00:31:44Hey, whoa, okay.
00:31:45Everybody, please.
00:31:46No need to shout over each other, all right?
00:31:49You'll all have your turn.
00:31:51I'll get to you, Miss Sterling.
00:31:53But first, I'd like a word with Michael.
00:31:55I love some words.
00:31:56I have some questions.
00:31:57Lead the way, deputy.
00:31:59Actually, you know what?
00:31:59I'll lead the way.
00:32:01Unblinkable.
00:32:02Are you always this popular during Christmas?
00:32:05Only when there's a corpse.
00:32:06Ha!
00:32:13Is that really necessary?
00:32:15You don't want to ask her that?
00:32:17Oh, I want to ask her a lot of things.
00:32:18I want to ask about your father's business.
00:32:20Why?
00:32:22Excuse me?
00:32:22Why do I have to answer your questions and not his?
00:32:24That's because we're serving in an official capacity
00:32:27as a representative of the sheriff's department.
00:32:29So a crossword columnist is conducting murder investigations
00:32:33and the sheriff is on board with this?
00:32:35So you're saying this is a murder?
00:32:37Well, the police wouldn't be involved otherwise now, would they?
00:32:39Well, now Vera's got the finest observation skills I've ever seen.
00:32:43Plus, she also happens to be the sheriff's preferred investigator.
00:32:47So it's true then.
00:32:50Dad was murdered.
00:32:52Would that surprise you?
00:32:54That someone wanted him dead? No.
00:32:57That it was a family member?
00:32:59That's...
00:33:01That's impossible.
00:33:02What about enemies?
00:33:05My father was a powerful man.
00:33:07Powerful men don't make friends.
00:33:10They make friction.
00:33:13And why didn't you join him?
00:33:15Real estate didn't really get my blood pumping,
00:33:18if you know what I mean.
00:33:19What does get your blood pumping?
00:33:23I'm in the hospitality business.
00:33:26He owns a nightclub.
00:33:27So, velvet ropes and bottle service instead of zoning permits and property tax?
00:33:31Better margins, better stories.
00:33:33And fewer board meetings with your father.
00:33:36Feel free to stop by sometime, I'll put you on the list.
00:33:38Anna, deputy.
00:33:40Why don't you bring your mother?
00:33:41We're more of a will-of-fortune household.
00:33:43Aww, you still live with mommy.
00:33:46What about your wife?
00:33:49Does she work in the hospitality business?
00:33:51She was a floral designer when we met.
00:33:54Now we're partners in every way that matters.
00:33:56Except romantic.
00:33:58Excuse me?
00:34:00Her diamond ring.
00:34:02It's an asher cut.
00:34:04Which is a favorite amongst old money and aristocrats.
00:34:08My guess, it's a family heirloom.
00:34:12Which means she likes playing the role of Mrs. Sterling.
00:34:16But, when you arrived, you reached for her hand and she didn't take it.
00:34:20And then at dinner, you didn't pull out her chair.
00:34:24She noticed, by the way.
00:34:28I warned you.
00:34:29She wears Chanel perfume, yet it doesn't linger on you.
00:34:34And you've mentioned her three times so far.
00:34:38But never once by name.
00:34:40Oof.
00:34:43Are you done analyzing my marriage now?
00:34:46That depends. Is there anything left to analyze?
00:34:48Oh, I should-
00:34:59Jam! Jam!
00:35:00Look at me! Look at me!
00:35:02Say something!
00:35:03My head is cold.
00:35:06You okay?
00:35:08Let's check you out.
00:35:09Is your head spinning?
00:35:11Need nausea?
00:35:13I'm dizzy.
00:35:15I hit my head.
00:35:19I'm okay, though.
00:35:22Can you tell us what happened?
00:35:24Yeah.
00:35:26Well, I went upstairs to my room to get something and...
00:35:31And when I was coming back down...
00:35:38Someone pushed me.
00:35:44I'll check upstairs.
00:35:45See if anyone's lurking.
00:35:49Where was everyone else?
00:35:53I was in the kitchen making coffee.
00:35:55Mother and I were downstairs.
00:35:57What's going on?
00:35:58Where were you?
00:35:59Excuse me?
00:36:01Someone pushed Jan down the stairs.
00:36:03What?
00:36:04Jan, are you alright?
00:36:06I scratched my knee.
00:36:07What did you see?
00:36:08Don't touch my wife!
00:36:10Hey, relax.
00:36:12Mr. Caldwell.
00:36:14Where were you?
00:36:18Outside.
00:36:20Just...
00:36:20Getting your breath of fresh air.
00:36:22You didn't hear anything?
00:36:25No?
00:36:25Ray's voice was...
00:36:26a fault?
00:36:28No.
00:36:29I did not.
00:36:32There's no one upstairs.
00:36:34At least not now, anyway.
00:36:37Come on.
00:36:38Let's get to the doctor.
00:36:39Oh.
00:36:39No.
00:36:40No, Michael.
00:36:42I am not waiting in an ER for ten hours on Christmas.
00:36:47Jan, come on.
00:36:48At least let's get this knee looked at.
00:36:50Alan, do you have a first aid kit?
00:36:52Yes.
00:36:53It's in the guest bathroom.
00:36:55Come on.
00:36:58There.
00:37:00How's that?
00:37:02Hurts.
00:37:03I'll live.
00:37:05You took quite a tumble.
00:37:09Yeah.
00:37:15Mrs. Sterling.
00:37:17I...
00:37:18You don't need to call me that.
00:37:32Michael and I were getting a divorce.
00:37:36Okay.
00:37:38I'm sorry.
00:37:40No.
00:37:41No.
00:37:41Don't be.
00:37:42I'm not.
00:37:44Does anyone else in the family know?
00:37:47Uh, not that I'm aware of.
00:37:49Why?
00:37:50Someone might have wanted to send a message.
00:37:53Okay.
00:37:53Remind me to never spend Christmas at this house again.
00:37:56Yeah.
00:37:58It gets exhausting always being the outsider.
00:38:02Tell me about it.
00:38:05All the niceties.
00:38:07And the polite smiles.
00:38:10And the vacations.
00:38:11And the dinners.
00:38:13Oh, please.
00:38:15It's just window dressing for a family that cannot stand to be in the same room together.
00:38:22Troy seems nice.
00:38:23Yeah.
00:38:24Well, he's either genuinely interested in learning or he has found the perfect escape.
00:38:31He's a smart man either way.
00:38:33So you didn't see anything when you fell?
00:38:35Think hard, please.
00:38:40I, uh...
00:38:42I felt a push.
00:38:46And...
00:38:48The next thing I knew...
00:38:50I was at the bottom of the stairs.
00:38:57Thanks for the chat.
00:38:58You are officially discharged.
00:39:10She'll live.
00:39:12Well...
00:39:13Jan.
00:39:14Jan.
00:39:14Hey.
00:39:15Are you okay?
00:39:15Fine.
00:39:17No fracture.
00:39:18Just...
00:39:19No swelling.
00:39:20Okay.
00:39:20Oh, thank goodness.
00:39:22Troy's not here.
00:39:23He's upstairs.
00:39:25Said he needed some peace and quiet.
00:39:28Shall I go get him?
00:39:29No.
00:39:30Yeah, I'm fine.
00:39:31No, I'll go.
00:39:36You should stay together.
00:39:38Statistically speaking, fewer people fall down stairs when they're not on them.
00:39:46Wow.
00:39:54So...
00:39:55What's your gut selling you?
00:39:58No scuff marks.
00:40:02Still dusty.
00:40:05Guess the maid set Christmas off.
00:40:07Maybe.
00:40:10How far do you figure she fell?
00:40:12The landing's only nine steps.
00:40:14Couldn't have fallen far.
00:40:17Her shoes...
00:40:18Oh, I didn't get a good look at her shoes.
00:40:21They were still on her feet.
00:40:23Does that mean something?
00:40:25I'm not sure yet.
00:40:31Come in.
00:40:36Oh.
00:40:38Didn't think you'd make it all the way up here.
00:40:40I don't usually climb stairs without cause.
00:40:43Or a good book.
00:40:45You found both?
00:40:46Yeah, you didn't seem to rattle downstairs.
00:40:49Well, if I left every time of Sterling self-destructed, I did a revolving door.
00:40:54No, I came up here to think.
00:40:57About what happened is all.
00:40:59I never really said I'm sorry for what happened.
00:41:03You know, the folks downstairs, they see...
00:41:06Income.
00:41:07A meal ticket.
00:41:11And I see a man who taught me how to throw a ball.
00:41:14So forgive me if Jan's hysterics aren't really my priority.
00:41:18Even if Harold had a soft spot for her for some reason.
00:41:24Do you mind if I ask where you were when your father died?
00:41:29I was in the library. I couldn't sleep.
00:41:32Any witnesses?
00:41:33Plenty.
00:41:34If you count the greatest literary minds of the past century.
00:41:38I'd like to ask about your brother's club.
00:41:41Carousel.
00:41:42More specifically, your father's financial interest in it?
00:41:46It was Harold's money that got it started.
00:41:50But when Carousel wasn't turning a profit fast enough,
00:41:54Michael took on other partners.
00:41:56A different kind of family, shall we say.
00:42:01Organized crime?
00:42:02Harold wasn't happy.
00:42:05He said he'd go public if Michael didn't buy him out by New Year's.
00:42:08A revelation like that would tank the business.
00:42:10And the marriage.
00:42:11No trophy wives for second place.
00:42:14So we've got shady characters.
00:42:16A ticking clock.
00:42:18And a fella with a big mouth.
00:42:20Like I said.
00:42:22Self-destruction.
00:42:24And you're sure you didn't hear anything when Jan fell?
00:42:27Nope. Sorry.
00:42:31What are you listening to?
00:42:34That's a...
00:42:35Lo-fi study mix.
00:42:38Yeah?
00:42:39Yeah.
00:42:56I like it.
00:43:00I'm sure it's just dandy, but we got a killer to catch, so...
00:43:08Um...
00:43:08Echo.
00:43:11The answer to your riddle.
00:43:13It's an echo.
00:43:19Troy?
00:43:29You're thinking of something.
00:43:31Could be nothing.
00:43:33Well, what is it?
00:43:34Could be something.
00:43:37Okay, you know I skipped breakfast for this.
00:43:39So did Harold.
00:43:42Okay, that's not fair.
00:43:50You better recalling me to tell me there's a puzzle waiting in my inbox.
00:43:53You'll get it.
00:43:55I was hoping you could do me a favor.
00:43:57Have you heard of a nightclub in the city called Carousel?
00:44:00Are you kidding?
00:44:01The feds have been investigating that place for months.
00:44:04Really?
00:44:05Chuck's been working on an expose.
00:44:08Apparently, some very bad people invested a lot of money in it.
00:44:11Wait.
00:44:12Is this about the Sterlings?
00:44:15I can't say.
00:44:17So, you'll check.
00:44:18Am I getting a puzzle?
00:44:20Yes, you're getting a puzzle.
00:44:22Give me a minute.
00:44:33Monk's head.
00:44:36Interesting.
00:45:02Hello.
00:45:14Hmm.
00:46:06Hmm.
00:46:08I wonder what she has to say.
00:46:19I hope I'm not intruding.
00:46:20No, dear. No.
00:46:23Any news?
00:46:24No.
00:46:26I was hoping I could borrow your daughter for a moment.
00:46:29Can it wait?
00:46:31I'm looking after my mother.
00:46:32I'm fine.
00:46:33I'm just... tired.
00:46:47I want to stay close, in case she needs anything.
00:46:51So, what's up?
00:46:53You had a seat at your father's company, yet you turned it down.
00:46:57Not everyone dreams of working for their father.
00:47:00Not everyone walks away from a company with their name on the door.
00:47:07Harold didn't exactly make room at the table.
00:47:11He made...
00:47:14Demands.
00:47:15Critiques.
00:47:18And ultimatums.
00:47:20Real estate law was a way for me to stay close without getting burned.
00:47:26What is your relationship with Mr. Caldwell?
00:47:29Cordial.
00:47:31Cordially distant or cordially adversarial?
00:47:34He was jealous.
00:47:36Mother, please.
00:47:38She deserves the truth.
00:47:40You should be resting.
00:47:43Darren always thought that Harold saw something special in him.
00:47:48Sort of like a surrogate son.
00:47:51And then Catherine started making waves.
00:47:57He saw her as a threat.
00:48:00And Darren did not like threats.
00:48:01Harold was his only real connection to power.
00:48:05And now, the children are next in line.
00:48:10I have to go and check on something.
00:48:13Thank you for your time.
00:48:15Oh.
00:48:17And sorry for...
00:48:19You know.
00:48:24Guilty.
00:48:25On to something?
00:48:26Suspect.
00:48:30Culprit.
00:48:31Culprit.
00:48:33Red herring.
00:48:36Care to share?
00:48:42It's a puzzle.
00:48:44Yes, yes it is.
00:48:46No.
00:48:47This is.
00:48:52Will you give this to my editor?
00:48:54Uh...
00:48:55Sure.
00:48:57So...
00:48:58Anything new with the investigation?
00:49:01I spoke to Ellen and Catherine.
00:49:10Oh, you got something.
00:49:12I asked my editor at the Chronicle to see if she can dig up any dirt on Michael's club.
00:49:19And?
00:49:20The FBI flagged it last year for suspicious activity.
00:49:25Anything about Michael's mysterious business partners?
00:49:28She thought it might be connected to organized crime.
00:49:34We know Harold invested.
00:49:39He found out who else was involved and wanted out.
00:49:44Gave Michael an ultimatum.
00:49:46Buy him out.
00:49:49Or he'd go public.
00:49:52That would have destroyed the club.
00:49:54And the marriage.
00:49:56Well, you don't seem too surprised.
00:49:59For a family full of secrets, they're not very good at keeping them.
00:50:04Oh...
00:50:06Well...
00:50:06You might want to take a look at this then.
00:50:11Didn't think it was their type of place.
00:50:13Me neither.
00:50:16You think his handsome book where I'm at is hiding something?
00:50:21Handsome?
00:50:24Vera Vexley, you're not getting soft on him, are you?
00:50:26No, I was just, um, making an observation.
00:50:30That's all.
00:50:32Don't forget to send that out.
00:50:33Yes, ma'am.
00:50:37Oh.
00:50:47Here you are.
00:50:53This is where dad keeps the good stuff.
00:50:54Hmm.
00:50:57There she is.
00:51:00Could I have a word?
00:51:02Doesn't seem like we're going anywhere.
00:51:06Alone.
00:51:09I'll be fine.
00:51:10Okay.
00:51:12I'll be right back.
00:51:15Can't wait to hear what scintillating topic is more important than me tending to my injured wife.
00:51:22Your divorce.
00:51:27Transfer from the puzzle pages to page six now?
00:51:32Not one for small talk, is she?
00:51:35I'm afraid not.
00:51:37Yes.
00:51:41Jan and I are splitting up.
00:51:43And how do you know that?
00:51:45Oh, she lives for this.
00:51:47More importantly, did your father know?
00:51:50Of course.
00:51:51William's me.
00:51:52So who'll get the club?
00:51:56She can have it.
00:51:57It's going out in the toilet anyways.
00:52:00How do your investors feel about that?
00:52:04What do you want to ask me, Dira?
00:52:06Who'd you get to foot the bill?
00:52:09I know it wasn't your father.
00:52:10And I thought your brother's that liquid, so who do you owe?
00:52:15You don't know anything.
00:52:18I know enough to recognize when someone's in way over their head.
00:52:22I think you're surrounded by people who have a lot to lose.
00:52:27Maybe they're getting desperate.
00:52:29Maybe you're getting desperate.
00:52:32Either way, that inheritance money sure would dig you out.
00:52:37So you believe I'm behind the death of my own father?
00:52:40And the attack of my wife?
00:52:43Not necessarily.
00:52:45But I'm wondering who else you bought into this mess.
00:52:47How dare you?
00:52:48And just tell her what she needs to know.
00:52:50You want me to tell you something?
00:52:51Fine.
00:52:52Call my lawyer!
00:52:54You know I could call your lawyer, Michael.
00:52:56Yeah?
00:52:56I really could.
00:52:57But I reckon you and I both know how that would turn out.
00:53:00And I don't think your so-called friends would be too thrilled.
00:53:11That's what I thought.
00:53:13Excuse me.
00:53:26What is going on?
00:53:27We have been going back and forth for hours.
00:53:30Okay, I know this must be frustrating for all of you.
00:53:33But I'd like to ask for just a little more time.
00:53:35Time?
00:53:36Time for what?
00:53:37We don't even know what you're doing.
00:53:39We're investigating the death of your father, as well as the attack on Mrs. Sterling.
00:53:43Yes, well, we will see what your superior officers have to say about this.
00:53:47Ma'am.
00:53:48I'm not a child.
00:53:50Don't talk to me that way.
00:53:51Ma'am.
00:53:52Look.
00:53:53I...
00:53:54We don't even know what you're doing.
00:53:55I appreciate what you're doing here.
00:53:58I really do.
00:54:00But I know my family.
00:54:03They're not going to just admit they did it.
00:54:05I appreciate the patience from all of you.
00:54:07And soon enough, all of this will be settled.
00:54:10I am...
00:54:10Did you hang out at the carousel?
00:54:12Ma'am.
00:54:13Unbelievable.
00:54:14Love it.
00:54:16Troy.
00:54:18If you're hiding something...
00:54:20...the depth of your father, as well as the attack on Mrs. Sterling.
00:54:22No, I...
00:54:25I hated the fact that...
00:54:28Harold was paying for my education.
00:54:31And so I picked up some shifts from time to time.
00:54:35Yeah.
00:54:38I'm not going to lie, I had motive just like anyone else in this room.
00:54:44Maybe even more so.
00:54:46See what she has to say about the matter.
00:54:48Why don't you just let Vera do her job?
00:54:51Her job?
00:54:52Her job is writing puzzles for the paper.
00:54:55Okay.
00:54:57I'd like to see you actually try and solve one.
00:55:00The point is, she is an invited guest who can just as easily be uninvited.
00:55:08I built it with my own hands, yet it's not what I intended.
00:55:13I thought I could escape it, but now I'm the one who's trapped in it.
00:55:20Anyone?
00:55:25A lie.
00:55:28Yes.
00:55:31Just give me time.
00:55:33I'll let you know when I need you.
00:55:37Okay, that's it.
00:55:39What is with her vows?
00:55:40I'll handle it.
00:55:59Darren was on the porch.
00:56:00Troy was in the library.
00:56:03Alan was getting ready for bed.
00:56:05Catherine was in her bedroom.
00:56:07You got something?
00:56:10Vera.
00:56:13Asked if you found something.
00:56:16Just trying to put the puzzle pieces together.
00:56:19Sure don't look like a happy family.
00:56:22More like a game of survival.
00:56:26Troy.
00:56:30Harold Sterling was murdered by someone in this house.
00:56:34Troy lives in this house.
00:56:37He does, but...
00:56:40You know, you...
00:56:41No, I don't know.
00:56:43You like him.
00:56:46Liking someone doesn't make them innocent.
00:56:50Okay, I want to make sure you're seeing things clearly.
00:56:54My vision's fine.
00:56:56Every single one of them is hiding something.
00:56:59The more they try and cover it up,
00:57:02the clearer it becomes.
00:57:12It's not really necessary.
00:57:14Christmas music?
00:57:17Our father is lying dead upstairs, so...
00:57:19No.
00:57:20Not really in the mood for dancing sugar plum fairies.
00:57:23Nothing says holiday homicide like Tchaikovsky.
00:57:27What is wrong with this family?
00:57:29Oh, Michael, please.
00:57:32Everyone is upset.
00:57:34Are they?
00:57:36Because Catherine's over here pretending like this is some twisted holiday party,
00:57:39and Troy's going for a PhD in smugness.
00:57:41No, I'm just trying to not add to the shrieking chorus.
00:57:45Seemingly, I've failed.
00:57:46Oh, well...
00:57:48God forbid someone tries to break the tension.
00:57:50Sorry, I didn't bring a black veil and a pipe organ.
00:57:53Maybe dial it down a bit, Catherine.
00:57:55Not everything is a performance.
00:57:57Hmm.
00:57:58Coming from the man who pretended to like Dad for 15 years just to stay in the will.
00:58:02Lillian, is this what you want to do?
00:58:04You want to do this now?
00:58:05Hey!
00:58:06Enough, all of you!
00:58:09Back in the 1800s, mass printing led to the rise of illustrated magazines and storybooks
00:58:15that often use visual puzzles designed to take advantage of the medium.
00:58:21You spot the difference?
00:58:22It... looks the same to me, I don't...
00:58:27Almost.
00:58:31This is exactly what your father didn't want.
00:58:36How would any of us know what he wanted?
00:58:41There were...
00:58:43There were some things that he couldn't tell you.
00:58:47Like changing his will?
00:58:48Wait, what?
00:58:50What, a change of the will?
00:58:52He...
00:58:53He was weighing his options.
00:58:56And now he's dead.
00:58:59Hmm.
00:59:02Well, this turned dark fast.
00:59:03Is that why he wanted you here?
00:59:05Who was he cutting out?
00:59:07I'm not at liberty to say.
00:59:09What are you not telling us?
00:59:10Well, I know he wasn't gonna cut me out.
00:59:13Because I have stood by him more than any of you.
00:59:19Seriously.
00:59:21What was he gonna change?
00:59:22What?
00:59:22I told you.
00:59:24That's confidential.
00:59:28Michael!
00:59:30Crying out loud.
00:59:32They only had detected they need a referee.
00:59:35Sit down!
00:59:38Boys!
00:59:42What is going on in here?
00:59:49Can we talk?
00:59:52Of...
00:59:52Of course.
00:59:59Mom, I'll just hang back here to keep the lifestyle from getting too rocky.
01:00:02Okay.
01:00:07I apologize.
01:00:09It seems that self-restraint is not a sterling virtue.
01:00:15What about the ones that aren't sterlings?
01:00:20What?
01:00:21What?
01:00:21You know what I'm talking about.
01:00:31Slide open that panel.
01:00:425631.
01:01:01How did you know?
01:01:03Earlier, you said the children were next in line.
01:01:06Ordinarily, that would be you, the spouse.
01:01:10So something must have happened for you to be removed from the equation.
01:01:14Something that a man like Harold Sterling would find...
01:01:19Unforgivable.
01:01:24You should know he knows.
01:01:27What?
01:01:29Troy?
01:01:31What?
01:01:33How? I...
01:01:34I never told him.
01:01:40There was an envelope on his desk from the genealogy company.
01:01:45Since I've been here, he's never referred to Harold as his father.
01:01:49Only by his name.
01:01:51He also works part-time at his brother's club.
01:01:55And that's not something that a trust fund kid would do unless he thought that trust was running out.
01:02:02His father was an employee of Harold's.
01:02:07Doesn't matter who it was.
01:02:09He didn't know that Troy was his.
01:02:12But Harold knew.
01:02:14Harold caught us.
01:02:20What did he do?
01:02:23Harold was pragmatic.
01:02:27He didn't want to make a scene.
01:02:31He fired the employee.
01:02:34Of course.
01:02:37And then he dealt with me.
01:02:40He knew a divorce wouldn't help.
01:02:42It would be a public spectacle.
01:02:46He would be ruined.
01:02:48His company.
01:02:51His legacy.
01:02:57Harold was not about to let that happen.
01:03:01And Troy?
01:03:03Harold treated him as his own.
01:03:07What about his share of the will?
01:03:09Did he even have one?
01:03:11I threatened to tell the truth if Harold refused.
01:03:15So none of the children knew?
01:03:18No.
01:03:21Darren is the only one who knew.
01:03:24He handled the finances, the trust.
01:03:27He had access to everything.
01:03:29Okay.
01:03:30Hm.
01:03:37Troy really knows?
01:03:41I'm certain of it.
01:03:44You don't think?
01:03:47He didn't know the promise that you made to Harold.
01:03:53Troy is not a killer.
01:03:56But then, you don't need me to tell you that, do you?
01:04:01You have a connection, don't you?
01:04:05I'm glad.
01:04:07He needs someone who sees him.
01:04:10Really sees him.
01:04:18Michael?
01:04:20Yes, Mother?
01:04:21Have you seen your brother?
01:04:25Upstairs.
01:04:27Excuse me.
01:04:28I would like to talk to him myself.
01:04:31Of course.
01:04:34Shirley Temple for the puzzle editor?
01:04:37I'm fine.
01:04:40Okay.
01:04:43You must think we're a pathetic bunch, huh?
01:04:47Why do you say that?
01:04:51I mean, look at us.
01:04:55I think you're a family that's suffered a great tragedy.
01:05:00Yeah.
01:05:01I'd love to see what my father would say about all this.
01:05:06I'm not quite sure I follow.
01:05:08My father used to journal when he was younger.
01:05:10Literally recorded everything.
01:05:13Business meetings, family outings, blah, blah, blah.
01:05:17Aww.
01:05:17It'd be hilarious to see how he describe his own death.
01:05:22Final entry.
01:05:23Couldn't say I didn't see this coming.
01:05:26Do you even know if he still keeps them?
01:05:28His journals?
01:05:29I don't know. Why?
01:05:41Mind if I join you?
01:05:44Mm-hmm.
01:05:45Sure.
01:05:48I just talked to my mom.
01:05:50I get it.
01:05:52Family doesn't always feel like family.
01:05:56Especially when things are this messy.
01:06:01I think I've always felt like I was an outsider looking in.
01:06:06That's never quite fit.
01:06:08It's hard when...
01:06:11Everything you're meant to fit into feels...
01:06:15Wrong.
01:06:17It's all a lie.
01:06:19My whole family.
01:06:21Everything I thought it was.
01:06:26Sometimes the truth shows us where we belong.
01:06:31Even if we don't want to see it.
01:06:34And you always speak in riddles?
01:06:39Only when I'm trying to get to the heart of things.
01:06:45Well...
01:06:46I guess you're going to have to figure this all out together.
01:06:49If only we could have known what Harold was thinking.
01:06:52Yes.
01:06:57If only.
01:07:30Where are they?
01:07:43What's going on?
01:07:44I don't know.
01:07:47My head.
01:07:48Michael?
01:07:49Do you know who did this to you?
01:07:52No. What happened?
01:07:53Someone hit him over the head.
01:07:55Michael!
01:07:56Michael, can you hear me?
01:07:57Did you see who did this to you?
01:07:58Is there anything we can do?
01:08:01I'm going to call an ambulance.
01:08:02Okay.
01:08:03Michael?
01:08:04Michael, stay with me.
01:08:06What's all the...
01:08:09Michael?
01:08:10He came to the door and collapsed.
01:08:13Ambulance is at least 30 minutes out.
01:08:15Don't they know whose house this is?
01:08:16It doesn't matter.
01:08:18It matters.
01:08:20I'll call.
01:08:25What is all this noise?
01:08:28Michael!
01:08:29Michael!
01:08:30Is he okay?
01:08:31Michael, talk to me.
01:08:33Are you hurt?
01:08:33What happened?
01:08:34I don't know.
01:08:36Hey, could you come with me for a second?
01:08:39Sure.
01:08:40Take it easy, Emma.
01:08:41It's okay.
01:08:48Okay.
01:08:49Please tell me you were close to cracking this case because the stones are dropping like flies.
01:08:52Actually, I had a question about your father.
01:08:56Harold.
01:08:57Ah.
01:08:58Michael mentioned he kept journals.
01:09:00And I have turned his entire office upside down and I have looked through this library and I can't find
01:09:05them anywhere.
01:09:06Really?
01:09:07You wouldn't happen to know.
01:09:13I've already looked all through here.
01:09:19Clever.
01:09:20Oh, yeah.
01:09:22He had a knack for hiding things and tricks and stuff like that.
01:09:25You know, he used to do your puzzles every morning.
01:09:28Really?
01:09:29Oh, yeah.
01:09:30We used to think he was obsessed with his stock portfolio or the latest mergers, but no.
01:09:34It was Vera Vexley's puzzles.
01:09:40Here.
01:09:41That help?
01:09:46Time to connect the dots.
01:09:52How is he?
01:09:54He took a pretty big hit, but it doesn't look like a concussion.
01:09:59We'll know for paramedics to take a look.
01:10:02Darren.
01:10:03I'd like to speak with you alone for a moment.
01:10:06What for?
01:10:08I knew it.
01:10:10Please.
01:10:13Yeah.
01:10:23Sit.
01:10:25I'll stand. Thank you.
01:10:27No. Sit.
01:10:33Okay.
01:10:35What?
01:10:38I need to see the will.
01:10:41No. Not happening.
01:10:43I can get a warrant. Or a subpoena.
01:10:45Well, go right ahead. I'm not just giving it to you.
01:10:48You do realize that document might be critical to this investigation, right?
01:10:52Then it shouldn't be too hard to get a warrant, or you can wait for probate.
01:10:55We don't have that kind of time and you know it.
01:10:57That's not my problem.
01:11:00One Sterling is dead.
01:11:02And two more have been injured.
01:11:04Again. That's not-
01:11:05Not your problem. I know.
01:11:13How long have you been having a relationship with Jan?
01:11:19How do you know?
01:11:20The way she looked at you.
01:11:22The way she looked at you.
01:11:23The way her husband distrusted you.
01:11:24The two glasses out by the porch after you shared a kiss up against the window.
01:11:29You didn't want to arouse suspicion, so you went around the back.
01:11:33And dropped this.
01:11:35By the way.
01:11:39And Eureka Chanel perfume.
01:11:44Don't worry.
01:11:46I'm a consulting detective.
01:11:49Not the moral police.
01:11:52We done.
01:11:54Almost.
01:12:07Right over here.
01:12:12They're here.
01:12:13Ugh.
01:12:16Is he going to the hospital?
01:12:18That may not be necessary, ma'am.
01:12:20Deputy? A word?
01:12:26Okay. Deep breaths. Nice and easy.
01:12:31Good.
01:12:32You sure?
01:12:33All right.
01:12:34I'm going to follow my finger now.
01:12:35Okay?
01:12:36Ready?
01:12:38Whoa, whoa, whoa.
01:12:39What is this?
01:12:39Mr. Caldwell.
01:12:40I knew it.
01:12:41I knew he did it.
01:12:43What's going on?
01:12:44You have the right to remain silent.
01:12:46Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court's right.
01:12:48Okay, I know my rights.
01:12:49You have the right to an attorney.
01:12:50If you cannot afford an attorney, you won't be out of this.
01:12:52I'm better off for you.
01:12:53Okay, okay.
01:12:57I'm sure this isn't what anyone was expecting at Christmas.
01:13:00I can't believe it was Darren.
01:13:04He'll have a fair trial just like everyone else.
01:13:07Please.
01:13:08You wouldn't risk an arrest unless you were certain.
01:13:11So what do you have?
01:13:12He didn't have an alibi for Harold's murder.
01:13:15And what about Gianna and Michael?
01:13:17Would he have attacked them too?
01:13:19The probability of having two murderers at Christmas dinner is very low.
01:13:24He's stable.
01:13:26Make sure he gets plenty of rest.
01:13:28And he needs to avoid alcohol.
01:13:31Good luck with that one.
01:13:35Merry Christmas.
01:13:37Merry Christmas.
01:13:39Merry Christmas.
01:13:40Merry Christmas.
01:13:43This is all well and good.
01:13:45But it's still mostly circumstantial.
01:13:48You wouldn't arrest someone on just that.
01:13:50What aren't you telling us?
01:13:53I probably shouldn't tell you this.
01:13:55But seeing as it's going to come out in Discovery anyway.
01:14:00Here's what we know.
01:14:03Harold kept journals for most of his life.
01:14:06He extensively detailed his work and everyone he met with.
01:14:11You told me that.
01:14:13It's true.
01:14:14I haven't read them all yet, but I have read the last two entries.
01:14:19And?
01:14:21And he detailed a terrible argument with Mr. Caldwell.
01:14:26It seems Mr. Sterling was revising his will and left Mr. Caldwell off it.
01:14:33Given his years of loyalty, Mr. Caldwell believed he deserved something.
01:14:38But why would he attack Michael?
01:14:41And why would he go after me?
01:14:43Mr. Caldwell believed that it was Michael who convinced Harold to leave him off the will.
01:14:49No.
01:14:49And as for you, maybe he was the jealous type.
01:14:56But why would you need the journals?
01:15:01Harold wrote everything down.
01:15:03Business meetings, family trips.
01:15:06If Darren confronted him, it was sure to be in there.
01:15:11So, what do we do now?
01:15:15Nothing.
01:15:17In the next few days, Deputy Neal will have you all come down to the station for your official statement.
01:15:23Well, thank you for everything.
01:15:28I'm sure this is not the way you wanted to spend your Christmas.
01:15:32Oh.
01:15:33I had a great time.
01:15:35And I feel happy that I was able to bring you some closure.
01:15:40I will go upstairs and pack.
01:15:46I'll help you.
01:16:00I'm sure you won't stay for dinner?
01:16:03Consulting detectives don't get hazard pay.
01:16:06Funny.
01:16:08You know it's going to be dull.
01:16:10Not having you around.
01:16:13You could give me your email and I could send you some puzzles.
01:16:18I don't suppose I could see you again.
01:16:23Maybe.
01:16:24Sometime.
01:16:26The Rialto is playing It's a Wonderful Life.
01:16:28I could take you.
01:16:30You could take me.
01:16:31I said we don't get hazard pay, but we do get paid.
01:16:36Another joke.
01:16:38Yes.
01:16:40Well.
01:16:41And it's a date.
01:16:48Ah.
01:17:41Vera.
01:17:42I was...
01:17:43Looking for a midnight snack?
01:17:45What are you doing here?
01:17:48I'm wondering, what are you doing snooping around your father-in-law's office?
01:17:52I was just looking for memories for my goal.
01:17:58Must be a trying time for you, Mrs. Sterling.
01:18:01It is.
01:18:06Jan Sterling, you're under arrest.
01:18:20Here's what we know.
01:18:22The autopsy results will be back in the next few days,
01:18:24and I'm confident we'll find Acronite in his system.
01:18:27Which is?
01:18:28Poison.
01:18:29Derived from monkshood.
01:18:31A highly toxic plant, which you happen to have growing by your gazebo.
01:18:36Any former floral designer with a background in horticulture would know its uses.
01:18:40She must have picked the flowers at some point after her arrival.
01:18:44So Jan knew Michael talked to our father about their impending divorce?
01:18:48I mean, Sher also knew that Harold was going to announce a change to his will.
01:18:51Cutting her out.
01:18:53Why would she try to kill Michael?
01:18:55As Michael's widow, she would get his share of the estate,
01:18:58even if she herself was cut from the will.
01:19:01Exactly.
01:19:01She was afraid the new will would be enforced.
01:19:04I knew she was capable of some pretty twisted things, but not this.
01:19:09So then, who tried to kill her?
01:19:13That's what initially threw me off.
01:19:16When I first examined the stairs, there was no signs of struggle.
01:19:21No scuff marks, and her shoes were still on.
01:19:24So, who pushed her down the stairs?
01:19:32No one.
01:19:33Jan staged her fall.
01:19:36She figured that by being the next victim, she would shift blame from herself, and she was right.
01:19:43So, when did you know Darren was innocent?
01:19:46The first column in any logic puzzle is motive.
01:19:49Darren had none.
01:19:51You had every reason to be angry with Harold, you know.
01:19:55You served him faithfully for many years.
01:19:59But Harold Sterling wasn't killed in a fit of rage.
01:20:01He was killed in a meticulously planned murder.
01:20:06Besides, with Mr. Sterling being dead, Darren was less likely to even get anything.
01:20:12When did you let Darren in on your plan?
01:20:14When I invited him to the office.
01:20:16And I agreed right away.
01:20:19I had to have Jan completely convinced that we had our man.
01:20:22Okay, so, how did you know that Jan would go looking for the journals?
01:20:28Because they were the only thing that could trip her up.
01:20:31I strongly suspected that Jan had gone to blackmail Harold.
01:20:35That is why she was having an affair with Darren.
01:20:38To get the dirt on Harold.
01:20:42Sorry.
01:20:44Now, if I was wrong, the journals wouldn't have made a difference.
01:20:48But, if I was right, the journals would have contained a record of exactly what she was trying to do.
01:20:55Which is why she had to find him?
01:20:57Yes.
01:20:57So, where exactly are these journals?
01:21:02Oh, Harold hadn't actually kept a journal for years.
01:21:05That was obvious from the amount of dust on them.
01:21:09But Jan didn't know that.
01:21:11What was important was that she thought he did.
01:21:16Now, I'm sure you have a lot more questions.
01:21:18But you could use your privacy.
01:21:20You have a lot to discuss.
01:21:22Well, we've actually already discussed quite a bit.
01:21:26And considering that the three of us control the estate in equal measures, we've decided on a division of assets.
01:21:34An equitable division.
01:21:38Something we all could be happy with.
01:21:46That's a good idea.
01:21:48Now, if you'll excuse me, my editor will be furious if I don't finish tomorrow's puzzle.
01:21:58Get over here.
01:21:59Merry Christmas.
01:22:00Welcome to the family, Gary.
01:22:01Merry Christmas.
01:22:02Hugs!
01:22:03That was incredible.
01:22:05Yes.
01:22:11Here's what we know.
01:22:15It was nice having you around.
01:22:17It's not every day I get to put my skills to the test for a Christmas mystery.
01:22:20Hey.
01:22:21I mean it.
01:22:23It was nice having you around.
01:22:27You could always email me for those puzzles, you know?
01:22:32I'll take you up on that.
01:22:43I'll take you up on that.
01:23:13We go to press in an hour.
01:23:15What's my lead story?
01:23:16Real estate tycoon found dead on Christmas Day.
01:23:18Found dead?
01:23:19You make it sound like the guy died in his sleep.
01:23:21How about Selene?
01:23:23Done.
01:23:24I got an interview with the deputy that broke the case.
01:23:26Ah, the great minds of law enforcement to the rescue again.
01:23:29Sidebar, A2.
01:23:31Sidebar, A5.
01:23:32They're not that great.
01:23:33Has anyone seen...
01:23:34Purse.
01:23:35Side pocket.
01:23:36How do you...
01:23:37I saw you put it in there when you came in.
01:23:39It's almost deadline.
01:23:40Where's my puzzle?
01:23:41Crossroads and earring box.
01:23:42And my New Year's puzzle?
01:23:46I thought you'd want to be the first to read it.
01:23:49Happy New Year.
01:23:51Happy New Year, Vera.
01:23:54Here's what we know.
01:23:55Man in his 60s found deceased in his bed in a house with his wife.
01:23:59Three adult children.
01:24:01One sister-in-law.
01:24:02And one lawyer.
01:24:03All of whom have an alibi for the time of death.
01:24:06You know his will had recently been changed and you suspect foul play.
01:24:10Now.
01:24:10It's time to connect the dots.
01:24:38It's time to connect the dots.
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