Run: 2026-09-25-01M3CKAGQMAPCTHEMZKREB2ZGS

The bell above the door jingled as the scent of cinnamon and fresh bread wrapped around them. "Morning. The usual?" "Please. And maybe one of those new blueberry muffins—if they’re as good as the rumors say." "Rumors? In this town, everything’s a rumor until it’s a scandal." "True. But I heard these muffins are worth the gossip." "Well, you heard right. Just out of the oven." A muffin slid across the counter. "So, what brings you in so early? Not just the muffins, I hope." "Can’t a person just want a muffin?" "In Maplewood? Not a chance. Something’s up." "Fine. I saw old Mr. Hargrove arguing with someone outside the post office yesterday." "Again? That man could start a fight with a mailbox." "Funny you should say that. It *was* the mailbox." A pause. Then, a slow chuckle. "You’re serious?" "Dead. He was shaking his fist at it like it stole his pension." "Maybe it did. That thing’s been broken for weeks." "Or maybe he’s just lost his marbles." "Or maybe," the muffin was wrapped in paper, "there’s more to it. Want to find out?" "Only if there’s coffee involved." "Always."