#detective!jon

“Good morning,” Dany called out, the sound of the doorbell chime alerting her to a customer. “I’ll be with you in just a moment,” she continued, as she quickly placed the last few cinnamon rolls into the display case.

When she stood at the counter she was greeted by a new face. A very handsome, new face. He had deep grey eyes. His raven black hair was cut short, and his thick, full beard framed a pair of plump lips. He was dressed in dark denim, black boots, and a fitted black button up, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

“Mornin',” he greeted. His eyes briefly scanned the menu that hung above the counter. “I’d like a large, black coffee.”

“For here or to go?”

“To go.”

Dany took one cup from the stack and retrieved a black marker from her apron pocket. “What’s the name for the order?”

“Jon. Without the ‘h.’”

“You must have to correct people often, I know how that is,” Dany laughed, as she wrote his name on the cup. “My name is Daenerys, but everyone calls me Dany.”

“Nice to meet you, Dany. Do you own this place?” He asked, his eyes sweeping across the shop.

“I do.” A feeling of pride swelling in her chest at what she had built largely all on her own. “I’ve been here for nearly two years now and I feel like I’ve met everyone in Winterfell. Except for you.”

“I recently moved back to town. I grew up here, but I’ve spent the last few years in King’s Landing.”

“What made you make the move back?”

“Mostly work. But I have family here as well.” His tone was polite, friendly, but it was also apparent he didn’t enjoy small talk. Unfortunately for him, Dany not only enjoyed small talk but was well-versed in engaging with even the grumpiest of customers.

“Who’s the family that you have here?”

“The Starks.”

“Oh yes, I know them.” Dany filled Jon’s cup from the coffee dispenser, the rich aroma of the Essosi blend wafting through the space. “Sansa is one of my best customers. She always orders lemon bars.”

“Aye, she's my cousin.” He frowned, slightly. “My family and I sort of lost touch over the years.”

“Well, I’m sure they must be glad to have you back in town,” she added, offering a kind smile. “Can I interest you in our daily special to go with your coffee?” She put the lid on the cup and placed it on the counter by the register.

“What would that be?”

“Red velvet cupcakes. They’re one of my best sellers.”

Jon reached for his wallet in his back pocket. “Aye. I’ll take two dozen cupcakes.”

Dany grabbed a cupcake box and began filling it. “That’s quite a big order just for yourself.”

“They aren’t for me. I’m taking them down to the precinct.” He scrubbed a hand across his beard. “Being the ‘new guy’ and all perhaps these cupcakes can make my new colleagues more accommodating. Especially the Old Bear.”

“I find that freshly baked treats go a long way in turning a foe into a friend. Or at least it’s a start,” Dany laughed. “Are you a cop?”

“A detective.”

“That must be exciting work.” Dany began to fill the second box with cupcakes. “I love listening to true crime podcasts. Especially when baking. I recently listened to the case about Prime Minister Robert Baratheon’s son, Joffrey. Awful case - dozens of women found dead with crossbow arrows and wounds all over their bodies.”

“I know the case,” he snapped. “I worked on it while with the KLPD.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Anyways, it’s a pretty morbid subject for this early in the morning.” Her cheeks warming with embarrassment as she quickly closed the lid on the second box and entered his order into the register.

“No, I’m sorry.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “It was one of the tougher cases I’ve been assigned. Being a detective is not all that exciting, no matter what your podcasts say. It’s mostly paperwork and reports.” He smiled, no doubt trying to lighten the awkwardness of the conversation.

“Well, I always hear a lot of gossip around here. People seem to feel inclined to share their secrets when they have a coffee and cookie in hand, so if you ever are in need of any information about someone for a case or anything, maybe I could help.”

“Thank you, Dany. For the coffee and cupcakes.” He picked up the two boxes and cup. “But I don’t imagine any thieves or murderers are going to be making confessions at the local bakery.”