Run: 2026-07-01-01KWE8ZRWXW8ERAY58RN39TA6R

The bell above the door jingled as Margaret pulled her scarf tighter, the morning frost still clinging to her boots. Behind the counter, Doreen was already dusting flour off her apron, the scent of cinnamon rolls thick in the air. "You're here early." "Couldn't sleep. Not after what happened at the Hendersons' last night." "You heard about the missing silver too?" "Everyone's heard. Mrs. Pruitt was in here at six, practically shouting it to anyone who'd listen." "That woman couldn't keep a secret if her life depended on it." "True. But she did mention something odd—said she saw Walter's car parked behind the church around midnight." "Walter? The choir director?" "The very one. Seemed strange, don't you think? Church doesn't have midnight service." "Maybe he forgot something inside." "Maybe. Or maybe he was avoiding being seen." Doreen slid a warm scone across the counter, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "You're not thinking he had something to do with the Hendersons' silver, are you?" "I'm not thinking anything yet. Just collecting pieces." "Collecting pieces sounds a lot like snooping to me." "Call it what you like. Someone's got to ask questions before Sheriff Combs gets around to it." "He's not exactly known for speed." "Exactly my point."