Run: 2026-02-16-01KHM5SEMS5PNV95X8MQPWSVXZ

The little bell above the door of The Rising Roll jingled, announcing the first customer of the morning. “It smells like heaven in here. Is that the cinnamon apple danish?” “Fresh from the oven. I added a touch of cardamom this time. Let me get you a sample.” “Oh, my. That’s divine. You’re going to put the city bakeries out of business, not that I’m complaining.” “Flattery will get you an extra dollop of icing. The usual, plus one of these?” “Make it two. I need the extra fortification. You’ll never guess what I just saw.” “Try me. The grapevine has been suspiciously quiet this week.” “Eliza Middleton, marching into the mayor’s office at seven-thirty in the morning, waving a zoning pamphlet like a battle flag.” “No! Not about the proposed expansion of the dog park?” “The very same. She was purple, absolutely purple. Said the barking would disturb the historical serenity of the neighborhood.” “Historical serenity? Her poodle, Pierre, is the only one who barks. And only at squirrels. This is about that petty squabble over her rose bushes last summer.” “Precisely. I’d say there’s a mystery afoot, and it’s not nearly as sweet as your pastries.”