Run: 2026-02-20-01KHXPC6XHMXBJSNS83THK4875

The bell above the door jingled as the morning sun spilled into the bakery. The scent of cinnamon and fresh bread wrapped around them like a warm hug. "Did you hear about the mayor’s missing pie?" "Of course. Half the town’s been talking about it since dawn. You’d think someone stole the crown jewels." "Well, it *was* the grand prize for the Harvest Festival bake-off. That blueberry lattice was legendary." "Still, a pie? Really? I mean, I’d understand if it was the last slice of your famous chocolate pecan, but a pie?" "Oh, hush. You know how competitive this town gets. Someone probably just borrowed it for a taste test." "Borrowed? With the festival tomorrow? That’s like stealing the trophy before the race." "Maybe. Or maybe it’s just a distraction. You know how folks love a good mystery." "Speaking of mysteries… did you see Old Man Higgins lurking around the bakery last night?" "Higgins? That old coot? He’s been sneaking in here since the fifties. Probably just wanted a midnight snack." "Or maybe he’s the thief. He *did* win last year’s bake-off." "True. But if he stole the pie, I’d say he deserves it. That man’s been baking since before we were born." The bell jingled again, and both turned to see the mayor himself storming in, face redder than a cherry tart.