"He had the cinnamon swirls. Two of them, every Friday!" "He's liked those since he was a child. Have you heard anything about why Cathy wouldn't deliver them?" "Not a peep. Said she'd come back later, that Veronica was being 'uncharacteristically demanding' this morning." "Poor Harold. He must be having a rough week. What really gets me is why anyone would want to hurt them, though. Seems like a good family, that's for sure. But then again, nobody really knows anybody, do they?" "Look like someone's been wanting those outta here for a while, though. Like old Haughes' shooing Mrs. Davis' cats out of the shop...just last week, remember? She's not so happy about the sourdough being 'too artisanal,' and she prefers the 'classic look' of her pastries." "Bakery bread vs. fancy bread, as she calls it. You'd think with all the positivity Marilyn brings with her avocado cupcakes, the risk of 'too artisanal' wouldn't be an issue." "She called it contaminated. Said I used gluten-free oats in the bread." "Some people are so particular. Green smoothies better not be next!" "Goodness, I hope the cats don't like sweets..." "Don't even joke! Those cat-loving vultures have claws." The aroma of freshly baked pastries filled the air around them. The air was thick with it, a sweet cloud negating the bitter commentary about the now jaundiced cookies.