Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY9MHJBQ8JTERXX3M3B4243

The bell above the bakery door tinkled softly as afternoon sunlight filtered through lace curtains, casting warm patterns on the flour-dusted counter. The air hummed with the scent of cinnamon and fresh scones, a comforting balm in Willow Creek's quaint heart. "Emma, you won't believe what I heard at the post office. Old Mrs. Hargrove swears she saw someone lurking near your back alley last night." A pause, the clink of a mixing spoon against porcelain. "Lurking? In this town? Probably just Mr. Wilkins walking his cat again. But... my special vanilla extract did go missing. Thought I'd misplaced it." Laughter bubbled up, light and disbelieving. "Misplaced? Come on, that's the third odd theft this month. First the library's rare cookbook, then the antique shop's locket. Someone's playing detective—or thief—in Willow Creek." The oven timer beeped, pulling focus. "Well, if it's a mystery, count me in after closing. But if we solve it, first round of eclairs on me." "Deal. Just don't let the dough rise without us cracking the case." They shared a grin over the rolling pin, the town's secrets as layered as the pastries cooling on the rack.