Run: 2026-05-01-01KQHRRTWDNAM4Q3E6RB9XMA05

The bell above the bakery door gave a cheerful tinkle as Harriet stepped inside, the warm scent of cinnamon and yeast wrapping around her like a hug. Sunlight slanted through the gingham curtains, catching on the flour-dusted counter where Agnes was sliding a tray of golden scones from the oven. “Still warm from the gossip mill, I see.” “Would you expect anything less in Maplewood? That new librarian was in here at dawn, buying two bear claws and asking the strangest questions about the old mill.” Harriet selected a lemon poppy seed muffin, turning it slowly. “Questions about the mill… or about the night Everett’s tractor mysteriously rolled into the pond?” “Both. She wanted to know if the mill wheel had ever been used to grind anything besides grain.” A soft laugh escaped as Agnes wiped her hands on her apron. “I told her the only thing ground at that mill lately is reputations.” Harriet broke off a piece of muffin, savoring the bright citrus burst. “Then we’d better keep our eyes open. Small towns have big secrets, and I suspect this one is about to rise like your sourdough.”