*Mia peered at the crumpled note in her hand. Her brow furrowed as she read it again.* "Aren't you glad there's one person who still cares? I know you're hiding something and I'm going to find out what it is." *She shuddered, the ominous message sending chills down her spine.* *"Hey Mia, I've got your cinnamon rolls right here!" *Tessa called out cheerfully from behind the counter. The bakery owner's voice jolted Mia back to the present moment. She quickly shoved the threatening note into her pocket.* *"Thanks Tessa, you're a lifesaver," *Mia replied, trying to keep her tone light even as her mind raced. She paid for the sweet treats and made her way out of the cozy shop, the bell jingling behind her.* *Lost in troubling thoughts, Mia collided with a solid form just outside the door. The impact knocked the bag of cinnamon rolls from her hands and sent them tumbling across the sidewalk.* *"Whoa there, let me help you with that," *a deep masculine voice said. Strong hands gripped her shoulders, steadying Mia before she could fall. She found herself face to face with Detective Jack Reeves.* *"Oh! Um, hi Jack," *she mumbled, flustered by both the unexpected run-in and the lingering effects of his touch. Together they gathered up the spilled pastries, fingers brushing as they reached for the same sticky bun. Mia's pulse quickened.* *"I'm afraid these may have picked up a bit of dirt," *Jack observed, holding up the slightly soiled confection.* *"No worries, it happens. Thanks for catching me," *Mia replied, cheeks flushed.* *"Anytime," *he winked.* "Actually, I was hoping to catch up with you sometime. I have a few more questions about your friend Jenna's case, if you don't mind. Why don't we head inside for a coffee and we can chat?" *Mia swallowed hard. She wasn't sure she wanted to get drawn any deeper into the web of secrets and suspicions surrounding Jenna's death... but the earnest look in Jack's eyes was hard to resist.* *"Okay, sure," *she heard herself say.* "A coffee sounds good right about now." *Jack smiled warmly.* "Perfect. After you then."