Skip Ralstat is a man so steeped in grief and despair that life seems no longer possible. After the death of his wife and child, Skip blames himself. He has given up his friends, his job and now, devoid of all hope, he survives on the mean streets of Albany. He knows it can't go on, that life must end...but will it? In "The Santa Shop" we get our first glimpse at the Samaritans Conspiracy, a secretive group of individuals who are seldom seen and never recognized. But why has Skip suddenly become of interest to them?