The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the sweet scent of cinnamon as the bell above the door jingled. "Morning! I see you're up early again." "Couldn't resist the call of your blueberry scones. They're practically famous around here." "Flattery will get you everywhere. How's the investigation going?" "Slow. You'd think in a town this size, secrets would be hard to keep." "People have a way of hiding things in plain sight. Like that time Mrs. Thompson swore she lost her cat, only to find it napping in the flour bin." "True, but this isn't a missing cat. It's a missing necklace, and the mayor's wife is getting impatient." "Have you checked the usual suspects? The garden club ladies have been acting a bit shifty." "Funny you mention that. I overheard them whispering about a 'sparkling surprise' at their next meeting." "Sounds like a lead. Maybe you should drop by with some of these scones. They might loosen their tongues." "Good idea. And if they don't, at least I'll have a snack." "Always thinking ahead. Here, take a few extra. On the house." "Thanks. If I crack this case, I'll owe it all to your baking." "Just bring back the necklace, and we'll call it even."