Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY9AEQHX8968XMB64R0J77Y

The bell above the bakery door tinkled softly as the morning light filtered through lace curtains, casting warm patterns on the wooden counter. Fresh loaves cooled on racks, their yeasty aroma mingling with hints of vanilla and spice. Behind the counter, flour-dusted aprons fluttered amid the hum of the oven. "Another one gone missing? That's the third pie this week from Widow Hargrove's windowsill." "Shh, not so loud. Folks are already whispering about that new fellow at the edge of town. The one with the twitchy mustache." A chuckle escaped, followed by the scrape of a chair as mugs of coffee steamed on the small table by the window. "Twitchy mustache? Sounds like a villain from one of those penny dreadfuls. But pies? Who steals pies and leaves the fork behind?" "Exactly. And that fork—silver, engraved with an 'H.' Hargrove's late husband's initials. If it's not the new fellow, maybe it's old Mr. Wilkins trying to frame him for his own sweet tooth." The oven timer dinged, pulling a sigh from the air. "Well, if we're playing detectives, pass the scones. This mystery's got me famished." Outside, the town square stirred to life, but inside, the puzzle lingered like the scent of cooling pastry.