Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY7RT2NVAK1C6SG1C18WSFB

The bell above the bakery door jingled softly as the morning light filtered through lace curtains, casting warm patterns on the wooden counter laden with fresh scones and cinnamon rolls. The air hummed with the scent of vanilla and yeast, a comforting embrace in the heart of Willow Creek. "Did you hear about old Mr. Hargrove's antique shop? Boarded up overnight, like a ghost vanished." A pause, the clink of a teacup on saucer. "Vanished? That's the third oddity this month. First the mayor's missing watch, now this. Feels like someone's stirring trouble in our sleepy town." The scrape of a stool, flour-dusted hands folding a napkin. "I found this yesterday, tucked behind the flour bins." A small, tarnished key glinted under the light. "It doesn't belong to me. Matches the lock on Hargrove's back door, I reckon." A sharp intake of breath. "You think it's connected? We can't just ignore it. What if it's a clue to something bigger?" The oven timer buzzed, breaking the tension. "Shh, not here. Meet me after closing. We'll sleuth this out like the old days—before the scones burn." Laughter bubbled up, light but laced with intrigue, as the aroma of baking promised secrets as sweet as the treats.