“Did you hear about the theft last night?” “Which theft? There’s always something happening in this town.” “The one at the old clock shop. They took the grandfather clock!” “No kidding? How does someone just waltz in and steal a grandfather clock? That thing must weigh a ton.” “Apparently, they were in and out in minutes. The shopkeeper didn’t even notice until the morning.” “Sounds like an inside job to me. You don’t just walk away with a clock like that unless you’re in cahoots with someone.” “Exactly what I was thinking! And you know, the clock shop has been struggling. Could be someone wanted to make a quick buck.” “Or someone trying to send a message. Remember last summer when the bakery was vandalized?” “Don’t remind me. My lemon meringue pie was the target then! What a disgrace.” “With your superb baking skills, I’m surprised the culprit didn’t steal a pie too.” “Right? I’m the prized pastry in this town! But that reminds me, I’ll have a new batch out soon. Care for a taste test?” “Only if you promise not to call the cops if I take a second slice.”