The aroma of freshly baked pastries wafted through the quaint little bakery as the bells above the door jingled, announcing a new arrival. A woman with frizzy hair, dressed in a floral skirt and a colorful blouse entered, immediately grabbing the attention of the gray-haired lady at the counter, her apron covered in flour. "Morning, Ellie," she greeted, pushing her glasses up her nose. "You've got some lovely looking apple turnovers there." "Why, thank you, Marge, fresh out of the oven. Always make 'em from scratch." Ellie's warm, friendly smile revealed a playful glint in her eyes. The woman perused the display case, picking up a tulip-shaped confectionery. "What's this cornucopia of delight?" "That's my new fall treat, a pumpkin torte. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and bits of our famous spiced pecans." Ellie arranged the trays of baked goods, her motions efficient. Frowning, Marge took a bite and closed her eyes in pleasure. "Mmm, a winner, Ellie. But I hear the news about Sally. Terrible business, isn't it?" Ellie's smile faltered, her hand stopped mid-arrangement. "It's just shocking, Marge. Just last week, she was in here chatting about her yarn shop." "Seemed like she had a lot on her mind," Marge murmured through a mouthful of torte. "You know, word is there's an outsider asking after her, says he's investigating her disappearance." Ellie reached for a hand towel to wipe her hands, her voice softening. "Well, we've got to hope. Sally was a dear to our community. Someone will talk, it's only a matter of time." Marge nodded, her expression sympathetic. "To solve the mystery, then, Ellie." She tapped the glass casing of the pumpkin torte, her eyes gleaming. "And to more sweet treats, for sure." Ellie's smile returned, bright and sunny. "Exactly. Can't keep a good town down." She bagged the treats and handed them over the counter. "Let's keep our spirits high, Marge, for Sally's sake." Together, their optimism filled the bakery as they exchanged pleasantries, oblivious to the whispers that the delicious scents hid, but were brewing, ready to spill into the investigation.