The bell over the door jingled as a customer walked into the quaint bakery, the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods filling the air. Margaret, the owner, looked up from behind the counter and smiled warmly. "Good morning! What can I get for you today?" she asked. The customer, a tall, lanky man with a bushy mustache, glanced around the cozy shop before responding. "I'll take a dozen of your best chocolate chip cookies, please." Margaret's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Well, they're all my best, but I know the ones you mean. Coming right up." She disappeared into the back room, returning moments later with a large box filled with the tempting treats. As she placed the box on the counter, the man leaned in closer and lowered his voice. "I heard some interesting gossip around town yesterday." Margaret raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Do tell." "It seems our beloved Mayor Jenkins has been spotted with a mysterious stranger, sneaking around in the dead of night." Margaret's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I hadn't heard that. Who's the stranger?" The man shrugged. "No one seems to know. But it's not like the mayor to be so secretive. Makes you wonder what they're up to, doesn't it?" Margaret nodded thoughtfully. "It certainly does. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how the story unfolds." The man chuckled. "Indeed we will. In the meantime, I'll be enjoying these delicious cookies. Thanks, Margaret." "You're welcome," she replied with a smile. "And don't forget to come back for more soon!" As the man left the bakery, Margaret couldn't help but ponder the curious rumor. Small towns were full of gossip, but this time, she had a feeling there might be more to the story than met the eye.