The bell above the door chimed softly as the scent of cinnamon and freshly baked bread enveloped the quaint little bakery. “Morning! I didn’t think you’d be here so early.” “Couldn’t resist the pull of your famous blueberry muffins.” “They’re fresh out of the oven. Let me guess, another late night with the library committee?” “You caught me. And trust me, the mystery section is in more disarray than the town’s annual festival.” “You do have a knack for finding puzzles, even outside the library shelves.” “Speaking of puzzles, did you hear about Mrs. Whitmore’s latest dilemma?” “The one involving the missing key to her lavender-scented drawer?” “Yes! She swears it vanished overnight. Knowing Mrs. Whitmore, there’s more to the story than a simple missing key.” “You think it’s another one of her intrigues?” “Oh, without a doubt. Last time it was her favorite teapot, remember?” “Of course. Half the town was convinced she’d hidden it herself.” “True, but this time she seemed genuinely concerned.” “Well, I suppose I can’t leave a mystery unsolved. How about this—come by after work, and we’ll sort through the clues over some tea and more muffins?” “Deal. But only if you let me help bake for tomorrow.” “Agreed. I believe a little sleuthing deserves a baker’s reward.”