Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY7QEEA0HH6WCKBJY2ZYP4H

The bell above the bakery door tinkled softly as morning light filtered through lace curtains, casting warm patterns on the wooden counter. The air hummed with the scent of cinnamon and rising dough, a comforting embrace in Willow Creek's heart. "Emma, you won't believe what I heard at the market yesterday." A flour-dusted apron rustled as hands paused over a tray of golden loaves. "Try me, Clara. With this town, it's always something." "Well, old Mr. Hargrove's antique pocket watch vanished from his mantel. Right under his nose during bridge club! He swears the door was locked, but poof—gone." A soft chuckle echoed from the oven's glow. "Sounds like that nosy cat of his finally made off with more than a mouse. Or was it young Tommy sneaking in for cookies again?" "Could be. But Hargrove's fit to be tied, talking about hiring a detective from the city. As if we need outsiders poking around our secrets." The tray clattered lightly onto the cooling rack. "Let him stew. I'll bake him a pie to soothe the nerves. Mysteries solve themselves here—usually over coffee and gossip." Laughter bubbled up, mingling with the sizzle of butter in a pan. Outside, Willow Creek stirred awake, oblivious to the whispers within.