"Did you hear about Mrs. Thompson's missing cat?" "Missing? I thought she just found it in the attic last week." "That was last week. This time, it's really gone. She found a note." "A note? What kind of note?" "One of those ransom notes, made from cut-out magazine letters. It was taped to her front door." "You're kidding. In our town? What did it say?" "Something like, 'If you want to see Whiskers again, bring a dozen of your famous apple pies to the old mill by midnight.'" "Apple pies? That's oddly specific. Do you think it's a prank?" "Could be, but Mrs. Thompson is taking it seriously. She's been baking all morning." "Poor woman. She must be worried sick. Who would do such a thing?" "That's what I intend to find out. I have a hunch it might be someone local. Someone who knows about her pies." "Well, if you need any help, you know where to find me. I can’t stand the thought of Whiskers in danger." "Thanks. I might take you up on that. For now, let's keep our ears open. Someone's bound to slip up." "Agreed. And in the meantime, how about a couple of those blueberry scones? I could use a distraction." "Make it two. We might need the energy."