Run: 2026-02-16-01KHK143Z7ZT5FMWZ7RSTW85MQ

The bell above the door jingled, cutting through the scent of cinnamon and yeast. Flour dusted the counter like fresh snow. "You heard about the mayor?" "Hard not to. The whole town's talking." "Found his prize-winning pumpkin smashed. Right on his porch." A tray clattered onto the marble surface. "Coincidence? After what happened at the harvest meeting?" "You think it's connected?" "Don't you? He was the only one voting against the new zoning laws." Steam curled from the espresso machine. "I just bake the pies, Martha. I don't solve the puzzles." "But you hear things. People talk when they're waiting for a sourdough." "They talk about the weather. And the high school football team." "They talk about who was seen leaving the community center late Tuesday night." The baker slowly paused, wiping hands on a checkered apron. "That's dangerous gossip." "It's the truth. And you really know who else was there." "I know nothing of the sort." "Just keep an eye on your back door. That's all I'm saying." A loaf slapped onto the counter. "That'll be five dollars. And take the cranberry muffin. On the house." "Why the extra?" "Consider it insurance. In case you decide to keep talking."