The sweet aroma of freshly baked croissants wafted through the air as the sunbeams streaming through the window highlighted the flour-dusted countertops. The bakery was already bustling with the morning crowd, the sound of sizzling pastries and gentle chatter creating a warm atmosphere. "I heard the mayor's been getting threatening letters." "Threatening letters? What kind of threats?" "Rumors are they're about the new development project. Someone's not happy about it." "That's no surprise. Half the town's up in arms about it." "Do you think it's just idle threats or something more serious?" "I don't know, but the mayor's been on edge lately. And with the town's anniversary celebration coming up, the last thing we need is some kind of scandal." "Maybe it's just some crank causing trouble. You know how people get worked up over nothing." "I hope that's all it is. But what if it's not? What if someone's really out to sabotage the town?" The bell above the door jingled as a customer entered, and the conversation was momentarily interrupted by the sound of friendly greetings and the clinking of cups and saucers.