“You Have the Right to Remain… Tempted"

Sergeant Tessa Vale had handled dozens of Friday-night call-outs, but nothing, absolutely nothing prepared her for the man standing in front of her bakery counter that morning.

Tall. Smirking. Dressed like trouble pretending to be wholesome.

He glanced at the Freshly Glazed Buns sign behind her and raised an eyebrow. “I hear this place serves… indulgences.”

Tessa folded her arms. “Before we go any further, I’m legally required to warn you.”

“Oh?” he asked, leaning in with far too much confidence for 9am.

She cleared her throat, lowering her voice. “You have the right to remain silent.”

Her eyes flicked to his mouth. “But I’m guessing you won’t.”

He grinned. The type of grin that could cause community disruption if left unchecked. “And if I don’t remain silent?”

“Then anything cheeky you say may be used against you.”

“In the bakery?” He stepped closer. “Or elsewhere?”

“That depends,” Tessa said, picking up a piping bag with entirely too much authority. “Are you planning to cooperate? Or do I need to take… additional measures?”

He held up his hands. “I’m very cooperative. Exceptionally cooperative.”

“In that case you should also know,” she said, circling him like an officer with absolutely no business enjoying this,“you have the right to an attorney.”

“Do I need one?”

She pretended to consider it. “Not unless you’re afraid of being… overpowered by baked goods.”

His breath caught. “I’ll take my chances.”

Tessa smirked. “Good. Because your final right, and this is the important one: is the right to a sample.”

“A sample of what?”

She slid a warm, perfectly iced scroll across the counter. “Of my cinnamon swirl. Fresh out of the oven. Handle with care.”

He swallowed. “Dangerous?”

“Oh yes.” She leaned in, her lips brushing his ear. “It has been known to cause… repeat offending.”

He took a bite. His eyes closed. “Tessa,” he murmured, “you’re going to have to arrest me.”

“For what?”

He opened his eyes slowly. “For coming back tomorrow.”

She sighed dramatically.“I warned you. Everything you say can and will be used against you.”

He grinned.“Promise?”

She handed him the bag of pastries. “No promises. But I’m on shift again in the morning.” (Tessa is a serving police sergeant who owns the bakery as a side project and passion hobby)

As he turned to leave, she called after him,

“And remember — you waived your right to remain silent. Loud compliments only.”

The door chimed shut behind him.

Tessa exhaled, cheeks flushed, and whispered to herself: “Honestly… these Friday mornings are getting out of hand.”

xox Miranda xox

Note ~ Australia doesn't have 'Miranda Rights' as such, but for the sake of the story let's just pretend