Run: 2026-02-24-01KJ8TR78JVJRKHHGPMP0MJ1TE

The smell of cinnamon rolls drifted through the warm air as the little bell above the door chimed. Flour dusted the wooden countertops, and a glass case displayed neat rows of scones and fruit tarts. Outside, the main street of Millhaven sat quiet in the early morning grey. "You heard about Gerald Finch, I suppose." "Found him in his greenhouse, they're saying. Door locked from the inside." "That's what's strange about it." A tray slid into the oven with a soft clang. "Gerald never locked anything. Left his car running in the driveway half the time." "His sister telephoned me last night. Beside herself, poor thing." "Can't blame her." A dish towel snapped against the counter. "You want the usual? I've got fresh blueberry this morning." "Please. Do the police have anyone in mind?" "Deputy Marsh was in here at six asking questions. Wanted to know if Gerald had been acting peculiar lately." "And had he?" A long pause settled between them, filled only by the tick of the wall clock and the gentle hiss of the oven. "He bought two dozen black walnut cookies last Tuesday. Said they weren't for him." "That is peculiar."