Run: 2026-10-07-01M4AT3F9625TAFPBKN5QG7EEA

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 almond croissants—if they’re as good as the rumors say." "Rumors? In this town, everything’s a rumor until it’s a scandal." A laugh, warm and easy. "So, are they?" "Better. But don’t tell anyone I said that. Last thing I need is Mrs. Peabody in here demanding I save her one every day." "She’d do that, wouldn’t she?" "Already has. Twice. Said she’d ‘forget’ to pay her tab at the diner if I didn’t comply." "Blackmail with a smile. Classic Peabody." The croissant was slid across the counter, golden and flaking. "You’re lucky I like you." "Back at you. Though I’d like you more if you threw in a free coffee." "Pushy. But fine. One coffee. Black, no sugar." "Perfect. You know me too well." "Small town. Hard not to." The bell jingled again as the door swung shut behind the next customer.