The heavenly aroma of fresh-baked bread wafted through the cozy bakery, enticing customers to linger longer than necessary. Sunlight streaming through the big windows highlighted a light dusting of flour on the counter and danced across the display case, illuminating rows of golden scones and colorful cupcakes. "You heard about poor Laura, didn't you?" "Terrible news. I'd just seen her the day before at the garden club meeting." "Do you think she had any idea what was coming?" "Doubt it. She was in high spirits, showing off her prize-winning roses." "The police must be reeling. I heard Ed's out of town, and Rachel's on vacation." "A perfect storm, isn't it? I'm surprised they haven't asked us to help." "Us? Who's us?" "Come on, you know what I mean. We're the ones who really know this town." "You mean snoops?" "Research, my dear, research. We're merely curious citizens who happen to notice things." "Oh, of course. Whatever you say." A bell above the door jingled, and the conversation was interrupted by a cheerful "Good morning!" from the baker. "What can I get for you today?"