36. July 27, 2021

Summary

• 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.