Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYA94XHGJDTX9ZYSVZ37AK2

The bell above the door jingled as the morning chill slipped inside, carrying the scent of cinnamon and buttery pastry. The counter was already lined with customers, but the two of them lingered near the back, where the coffee steamed quietly between them. "You always order the same thing. Black coffee, no sugar, and that almond croissant. Like clockwork." "Someone’s got to keep things predictable around here." A laugh, low and warm, as fingers tapped the counter. "Predictable’s overrated. Especially when the last time we talked, you were still insisting the mayor’s ‘accident’ was anything but." The other sighed, stirring their coffee with deliberate slowness. "And you’re still convinced it’s all tied to that old lighthouse. Like someone’s hiding something in the rocks." "Wouldn’t be the first time. Remember the time we found those ledgers in the attic?" A pause. The clink of a spoon against a mug. "Those ledgers got you arrested for trespassing." "And look where it led—right to the embezzlement ring." The first one smirked, nudging a fresh croissant toward their companion. "Eat up. You’re going to need the energy if you’re going to keep digging." The other took a bite, eyes glinting. "Oh, I intend to."