Run: 2026-02-16-01KHM5Z9YAWC0NHP70QJ7NM1ED

The bell above the bakery door jingled softly as the scent of cinnamon and freshly baked bread wafted through the air. “Did you hear about Mrs. Maplethorpe’s missing cat? Apparently, it wandered off last night and hasn’t been seen since.” “Again? That cat’s always sneaking out. Probably found its way to the fishmonger’s back door.” “Maybe, but this feels different. She’s convinced someone took it. Says she saw a suspicious figure lurking around her garden.” “In Willowbrook? Who on earth would steal a cat? Not exactly a treasure, is it?” “Well, Mrs. Maplethorpe seems convinced it’s connected to the rash of odd thefts lately. First Mrs. Biddle’s teapot, then Mr. Grayson’s antique walking stick. Now her cat?” “You think it’s all related? Seems a bit far-fetched, don’t you think?” “Maybe. But strange things have been happening around town lately. Did you hear about the new baker? Apparently, she moved here in the middle of the night.” “Really? Odd timing for a fresh start.” “Exactly. And she keeps odd hours. Seen her wandering the streets at night, like she’s looking for something—or someone.” “You don’t think she’s the one behind it all, do you?” “I don’t know. But one thing’s for sure—this town isn’t as sleepy as it seems.”