When a newly released prisoner misses two back-to-back parole meetings, the squad is called in to track him down after the suspect’s therapist expresses concerns over his mental state. Meanwhile, Sharon invites therapist Dr. Joe Bowman to the office to evaluate Rusty over a game of chess.

Christmas vacation is interrupted for the Major Crimes Division when a baseball scout is found dead in his RV. The squad works through the murder case, unfolding a complicated kidnapping scheme. Meanwhile, Rusty opens up to Dr. Joe about his mom.