Soft morning light filtered through the bakery's lace curtains, casting a warm glow on the glass display filled with pastries. The aroma of fresh bread and sweet frosting hung in the air like a comfortable silence between old friends. "You won't believe what I heard last night at the knitting club." "Do tell. I could use some excitement to go with my scone." "Apparently, old Mr. Thompson's pocket watch has gone missing. And you know how he treasures that thing." "The one his grandfather gave him? That's odd. Who would take such a sentimental item?" "Exactly. And that's not all. Mrs. Harper saw someone lurking around his house late last night." "Really? Anyone we know?" "She couldn't see clearly, but she swears it wasn't any of the usual neighborhood faces." "Sounds like we have a mystery on our hands. Should we do a bit of digging?" "I thought you'd never ask. Let's start by asking around at the market. Someone must have seen something." "Agreed. But first, another cup of tea. We'll need our strength for this."