"Did you notice anything odd about Mr. Whitmore lately?" "Odd? Like what?" "Well, just this morning he asked for an almond croissant, but you know Mr. Whitmore always takes a plain scone." "Maybe he wanted to try something different." "Doubtful. He's been sticking to that plain scone for twenty years. Folks don't change overnight." "Could be he just fancied a change. People do that sometimes." "But then there was his hat. He never wears a hat, especially not indoors. Today, there he was with a broad-brimmed Panama hat. Oddest thing." "You're right; that is peculiar. You think it means something?" "I don't know, but it's worth keeping an eye on. Where there's smoke, there's usually fire." "So what are you suggesting? That we follow him?" "No, heavens no, but I do think we should be more observant. Notice if he starts behaving differently again." "And if he does?” "Then we bake him a batch of his favorite scones and ask him what's going on." "Isn't that a bit forward? People might think we're being nosy." "Maybe, but in a town this small, everyone’s business is everyone’s business. Sometimes, nosy saves lives. Or at least clears up mysteries." "I suppose we could offer him one of those new raspberry scones we’ve been perfecting as well." "Now that’s an idea. It might just butter him up enough to spill the beans."