The bell above the door chimed as morning sunlight streamed through the flour-dusted windows. "Martha Henderson ordered six dozen cupcakes for the church fundraiser, then canceled at the last minute. Can you believe it?" "That doesn't sound like Martha. She's usually so reliable." "Well, she hasn't been herself lately. Did you hear about her argument with Frank Morrison at the town meeting?" "Everyone heard about that. But arguing about zoning ordinances hardly seems like a reason to cancel a cupcake order." "Unless she found out Frank's wife is organizing the fundraiser." "Oh my. That would explain it. Speaking of which, have you seen Frank lately? He hasn't picked up his usual Thursday sourdough." "Now that you mention it, no. And his truck hasn't been in his driveway for days." "Strange. Maybe he's visiting his sister in Portland again." "Without telling anyone? You know how he likes to brag about those grandnephews of his." "True. Although after what happened with the Weatherby property..." "We promised not to talk about that." "Right. Forget I mentioned it. How about I take those orphaned cupcakes to the sheriff's office? Deputy Collins has a sweet tooth." "Perfect. But save a few for us. We'll need the sugar if this week gets any stranger."