Warm light spilled from the bakery's display case, illuminating the sweet treats within. The scent of freshly baked croissants wafted through the air, enticing the sleepy town to wake up. "I heard the police found another clue at Willow Creek Manor." "Another clue, another dead end, if you ask me. That detective's been sniffing around for weeks." "Give him a break, the man's got a tough case. Especially with the victim being a... well, you know." "A recluse with more enemies than friends? Yeah, that narrows it down. Still, I think it's fishy the NYPD let him take lead. Small-town murder, small-town cops, if you ask me." "Hey, don't knock it till it works. Besides, Chef Élise seems to think he's on the right track." "Oh? What's the celebrated pastry chef know about police work?" "Just that she overheard him asking some very pointed questions about the catering staff... and the disputed cake order."