The squad is shocked when Detective Steve Crosetti is found dead in the bay. Bolander, the Primary on the case, thinks it's a suicide, but Crosetti's partner, Lewis, is positive Steve would never have killed himself. As Bolander tries to find the truth, Lewis interferes with the investigation, hoping the outcome of the case will be wrongful death, not suicide. As the squad prepares for Crosetti's funeral, Bayliss and Pembleton haggle over refreshments, and Munch has a close encounter with his brother. The brass tell Giardello there will be no honor guard for Crosetti. He and Russert try to appeal to the deputy commissioner, but can't even get an appointment.Pembleton, feeling he's had a falling-out with God since the Wilgis case, refuses to go to Crosetti's funeral, but finds his own way to honor the departed police officer.

It's Christmas Eve and the squad is on duty. Munch and Bolander investigate the death of Nicholas McGibney, a street-side Santa Claus. When they go to the victim's residence, they find his 10-year-old son, Fidel, who's waiting for his dad to come home. Meanwhile, Lewis and Russell spend the evening trying to find a young woman's killer, and Bayliss tries to hustle his colleagues in cards during a quiet night in the Squad Room.