Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY8A7H6WN8RXNKE4V4KA6TY

The bell above the bakery door tinkled as the morning sun filtered through lace curtains, casting warm patterns on the glass display cases filled with golden croissants and berry tarts. The air hummed with the scent of fresh cinnamon and vanilla, but beneath it lingered a whisper of unease. "Another one gone missing? That's the third antique brooch this month." "Shh, not so loud. Mrs. Hargrove's ears are sharper than her knitting needles. But yes, right from the library's display case. No broken glass, no fingerprints—just poof." "Poof? Like magic? Come on, Ellie, this is Willow Creek, not some wizard's lair. Though old man Jenkins swore he saw a shadow by the river last night." "A shadow? With glowing eyes, no doubt. But seriously, if it's not a ghost, then who? The new librarian's too timid, and the mayor's too busy kissing babies." "Timid or clever? She did arrive right before the first theft. And those gloves she always wears..." The oven timer dinged, breaking the hush. Flour-dusted hands paused on a rolling pin. "Gloves in summer? Suspicious. We should poke around after the bake sale. Can't have our town's treasures vanishing like bad dough." A knowing smile creased weathered cheeks as the conversation dissolved into the clink of teacups.