The bell over the door tingled softly as the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. Piles of croissants, their surfaces golden and flaky, sat temptingly beside trays of perfect danishes. “Do you really think Mrs. Elwood had anything to do with the missing pie contest trophy?” “It’s hard to say, isn’t it? But she was awfully keen on winning this year. Kept checking that display case every time she walked by.” A laugh echoed between the neat rows of sourdough and rye. “Yes, and remember how she nearly toppled the judge’s table when they announced Jensen’s apple tart as the winner?” “Exactly! Makes you wonder. Oh, could you pass me one of those marble cupcakes? They look divine.” Hands exchanged the requested treat, speckled with chocolate and vanilla swirls. “I guess we shouldn’t jump to conclusions though. It could have been anyone in the competition. Or none of the competitors at all.” “True, true. This whole thing has just turned the town upside down. People you thought you knew…” “Theft does have a way of bringing out unexpected sides of people. Say, do you think we should do some snooping of our own?” A smile, accompanied by the swift packing of a pastry box. “In a cozy town like ours? Absolutely. Let’s start after we finish these cupcakes.”