The bell above the door tinkled as a gust of autumn air swept into Sweet Nothings Bakery. The aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked bread filled the cozy space. "Well, if it isn't Mildred Appleton! What brings you in today?" "Oh, you know me, Betsy. I can never resist your apple turnovers." "I just pulled a fresh batch from the oven. Perfect timing!" "I'll take two, please. And... have you heard about what happened at the Fall Festival committee meeting last night?" "No, what? Don't tell me there's more drama with the pumpkin carving contest." "Worse. Old man Jenkins stormed out, threatening to withdraw his sponsorship!" "What? But he's been the biggest supporter for years! What happened?" "Apparently, someone suggested replacing the pie-eating contest with a vegan baking competition." "Oh dear, I can only imagine how that went over." "Like a lead balloon. But that's not even the strangest part..." "Do tell!" "On his way out, Jenkins knocked over the refreshment table. And you'll never guess what they found under all those spilled cookies and punch..." "What? Don't keep me in suspense!" "A map of the old silver mine. With a big red X marked on it."