Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ0GEXZ8TY36Z6ES2V48N2HC

The bell above the door jingled just as Margaret slid the tray of cinnamon scones onto the cooling rack. Flour still dusted her apron, and the morning light caught the glass case full of lemon tarts. "You're here early, even for you." "Couldn't sleep. And I figured you'd have coffee on before the roosters." "Always do. Sit. You look like you've been chewing nails all night." "It's about Edith." "Edith? What about her?" "Her back door was standing wide open this morning when I walked past. Wide open, mind you, and her curtains drawn tight." "She's probably airing the place out. She bakes those awful cabbage rolls on Tuesdays." "Today's Wednesday." "...Ah." "And her cat was on the porch. You know she never lets that cat out. Calls him her little prince." "Did you knock?" "Three times. Hard enough to wake the dead." "Don't say that." "I'm saying it." "Sit down. Drink this. Then we're walking over there together, and if she's just gone to her sister's in Ashford, I'm never letting you hear the end of it." "And if she hasn't?" "Then I suppose the scones will have to wait."