Run: 2026-04-25-01KQ2JFZ1EC801Q7NJQHRXKAYX

“I still don’t understand why you had to buy a dozen of those.” A thumb jabbed at the glass case where the lemon tarts glistened under the warm lights. “They’re not even that good.” “They’re Martha Granger’s favorite. And she’s the one who saw the sedan parked behind the library at two in the morning.” A soft *clink* as a coffee mug was set down on the counter. “So we’re bribing a seventy-year-old retiree with pastries now?” “We’re *thanking* her for her civic vigilance. There’s a difference.” “Is there? Because the last time you ‘thanked’ someone, you ended up with a cat and a restraining order against the mayor’s son.” A sharp exhale. “That was an unfortunate misunderstanding about the compost bin.” “It was a *police matter*, Brenda.” Footsteps shuffled closer. “Fine. But if we’re doing surveillance, we need real fuel. Get me a bear claw and a coffee. Black.” “Two bear claws. And a cinnamon roll for backup.” “Now that’s the kind of investigation I can get behind.” The bell above the door jangled. A pause. Then, softer: “Is that her? Third table by the window?” “Don’t look. Just eat your pastry.” “I’m eating. I’m looking. She’s wearing a *very* suspicious cardigan.” “Everyone in this town wears cardigans.” “Not with pockets that deep. She could hide a murder weapon in there.” A crinkle of a paper bag. “You’re impossible.” “And yet, you keep buying me pastries.”