Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYAY91ZK29PRV3BW3T9234A

The scent of cinnamon and warm bread hung thick in the air, a comforting blanket against the drizzle outside. Flour dusted the countertop like a fresh snowfall, and the rhythmic thump of the mixer punctuated the quiet hum of conversation. “He really wouldn't have just *left* the money, would he?” “Not Mr. Abernathy,” a voice replied, low and thoughtful. “Not after all these years. He was meticulous. Almost…obsessive.” A hand sifted through a stack of perfectly formed croissants, arranging them with deliberate care. “That much cash just sitting there, unattended? It defies logic.” “Unless someone wanted to make it disappear,” the other voice suggested, a hint of wry amusement in the tone. “And Mr. Abernathy had plenty of people who might consider a little disappearing act.” “You’re thinking about Silas,” the first voice stated, the movement of the hand ceasing. “He was the last one to see him, wasn’t he? Complaining about the price of eggs, remember?” “Silas always complained about something,” a sigh was audible. “But letting a substantial sum of money vanish? That’s a new level of grumbling.” A careful dusting of powdered sugar settled on a tray of gingerbread men. “Let's just say, this town has a surprising number of secrets, and a whole lot of delicious pastries.”