“Did you try the new cranberry scones?” “I haven’t yet. Are they as tart as everyone says?” “They’re sharper than Mrs. Pratchett’s tongue, if you can believe it.” “Oh, that bad?” “No, that good. Makes your mouth pucker before the sugar hits. Here, I saved you one.” “You’re a lifesaver. I needed nice this morning after watching Detective Barnes turn Susie’s pantry inside out.” “He did what?” “Went ‘round asking about flour shipments and didn’t even take off his muddy boots. I almost threw him out myself.” “He must be desperate. You think it’s true, then? The thing about the missing necklace being stashed somewhere in town?” “He asked me if I’d seen any strangers poking about. As if I’d let a jewel thief near my butter croissants.” “He must not know you well. Should we be worried?” “Only if you’re secretly hiding valuables in your oven.” “Just rising dough, I promise.” “Well, if the bakery suddenly smells like burnt gold, I’ll know who to blame.” “If it smells like burnt anything, it’s probably my fault, necklace or no necklace.” “Oh, stop. You’re the best baker here. Detective Barnes would be lucky to find something half as good as this scone.”