The bell above the bakery door jingled, announcing a new customer. "Morning, Bethany! The usual?" "You know me too well, Claire. An almond croissant and a large hazelnut latte, please." "Coming right up! Say, did you hear about old Mr. Jenkins?" "No, what happened?" "Well, rumor has it he found a body in his toolshed last night." "A body? In Willow Creek? You can't be serious!" "Cross my heart! Apparently, he went out to grab his gardening tools and stumbled upon the poor soul." "How dreadful! Do they know who it is?" "Not yet, but Sheriff Walker is investigating as we speak." "I can't imagine who would want to harm someone in our sleepy little town." "Me neither. Though, you know how people love to gossip around here. I'm sure the truth will come out soon enough." "I certainly hope so. This is the kind of excitement we could do without." "Here's your order, Bethany. That'll be five-fifty." "Thanks, Claire. And keep me posted on any developments, won't you?" "You know I will, dear. Be careful out there!"