The bell above the door tinkled, signaling a customer. "Lovely day, isn't it?" a woman's voice said, followed by the soft clatter of a tray being set on the counter. "Mmm, and the kind that makes one crave something sweet," a man replied, his voice gentle and slightly accented. "Your scones, they are as good as ever." "Well, thank you, dear. A lovely compliment coming from you." A momentary silence followed by the sound of a paper bag being folded. "You look thoughtful today. Anything on your mind?" "It's these disappearances. Two women in a month. Small towns should be safe havens, don't you think?" "Yes, but evil knows no boundary, does it? It has its own twisted way of finding every corner. Now, are you sure you won't take another? Your wife would love these." "A bag for her, then. And one for me to nibble on home. Maybe I'll find some inspiration for my detective story among the crumbs." "Fiction and reality, swirling together. Makes for an interesting read, doesn't it?" The woman's voice held a knowing tone. "Well, good luck, Detective. Don't forget to eat while you ponder." The door tinkled again as he left, leaving behind a bakery full of warmth and the unspoken worry of a community.