Holly is thinking about Bill Hodges when she receives a call from a man named Randy Holsten, who brings up information about Tom's girlfriend, Bonnie.
Randy mentions that Bonnie claimed to be a "Christmas elf" at a New Year's Eve party, which intrigues Holly.
Holly consults Lakeisha Stone for further information on Bonnie's claim of being an elf, learns Bonnie dressed up as Santa for a Christmas party, and discovers the party was hosted by retired professors, the Harrises.
Holly makes connections between current cases and potential clues involving Cary Dressler, Roddy Harris, and Bonnie working for the Harrises after the Christmas party.
Holly continues to investigate, considering the significance of Bonnie's employment with the Harrises and the possibility of Roddy Harris still having connections to the Life Sciences building.
Tanya Robinson calls Holly with an update on Barbara, who has won the Penley Prize in poetry but is preoccupied with the serious illness of her mentor, Olivia Kingsbury.
Barbara is staying with the ailing Kingsbury alongside her caregiver, opting to provide comfort during what may be Kingsbury's final days rather than receiving congratulations on her award.
Holly receives Barbara's brief text response to an inquiry about Cary Dressler, which reads "Which one?" echoing an unsettled feeling and further curiosity in Holly.