# The Alibi The bell above the bakery door chimed as Margaret stepped inside, her nose immediately catching the scent of cinnamon and fresh bread. "Morning! The usual?" "Actually, I wanted to ask you something. Were you here yesterday afternoon? Around two o'clock?" The baker's hands stilled over the counter. "Why do you ask?" "Because Thomas claims he was here buying a birthday cake for his wife. But I have reason to believe he wasn't." "Margaret, you know I can't discuss my customers' business." "Even when one of them might be lying about a murder?" A long silence filled the small shop. Finally, the baker sighed and leaned against the register. "He wasn't here yesterday. He usually comes Thursdays, but yesterday? No." "Thank you for being honest." "Wait—be careful accusing him. Thomas has friends in this town. Powerful ones." Margaret picked up her bag and headed toward the door, her mind already spinning. "I'm only interested in the truth." "The truth can be dangerous," the baker called after her. Margaret didn't look back.