Flour dusted the air as the morning sunlight streamed through the bakery's windows. The sweet aroma of freshly baked croissants wafted from the counter, enticing the sleepy town to start its day. "I'm telling you, it was no accident. I saw the whole thing." "What are you talking about? The fire at the Harrison's house?" "Yes! I was walking by their place last night, and I saw someone lurking around. Next thing I knew, flames were shooting out the window." "But the police said it was an electrical issue." "I don't care what they said. I know what I saw. And I think it's connected to the strange occurrences at the other old houses in town." "You mean the ones that have been sold to that new developer?" "Exactly. I think someone is trying to drive down the property values or scare people away. But why?" The sound of sizzling pastries filled the silence as the bakers expertly flipped the croissants. The bell above the door jingled, signaling the arrival of the first customers of the day. "Let's keep this quiet for now, okay? We don't want to start any unnecessary rumors."