It was early morning and the bakery was just opening. The aroma of fresh bread and cinnamon rolls permeated the air. "I can't believe she's gone. It doesn't seem real," Jenna said as she tied on her apron. "I know. And on the eve of the festival too," Liam replied, setting out fresh baked goods in the display case. "It's like something out of a bad mystery novel," Jenna remarked with a shudder. "I keep picturing the scene... her lying there in the field, the scissors sticking out of her back..." Liam frowned. "I try not to think about it. Poor Maggie. She didn't deserve such a grisly end, especially not now, when she was finally finding happiness again." Jenna sighed heavily as she wiped down the counter. "Well, we need to carry on, for Maggie's sake if nothing else. She loved the Harvest Festival more than anyone. I bet she would want us to see it through, no matter what." "You're right," Liam agreed. He straightened up and squared his shoulders determinedly. "Let's make this the best darn festival Maple Hill has ever seen. For Maggie. And to show whoever did this that we won't let it break the spirit of our town." Jenna smiled at him gratefully as she fired up the ovens. "I like the way you think, boss man. Let's get baking!" The two set to work with a vengeance, kneading dough and whipping frosting. Soon the bakery bustled with activity and the comforting smells intensified. Outside, Maple Hill began to stir to life on a crisp fall morning, unaware that the Harvest Festival would go on under a shadow of murder and secrets. But for now, in the warm glow of the bakery, Jenna and Liam had each other, and the comfort of purpose as they honored their friend's legacy one batch of sticky buns at a time. The morning flew by in a blur of measuring and mixing, until the display cases were piled high with golden loaves and gooey pastries, and the bakery rang with the cheerful ding of the register. It was almost enough to make you forget the dark clouds gathering on the horizon of Maple Hill's little world. Almost, but not quite. For even as Jenna and Liam smiled and chatted with customers, a grim awareness hung heavy between them - that this year, the Harvest Festival would be bittersweet indeed. But for