Run: 2026-02-16-01KHK2YWW2ASAPTYSWDVE5CQJ6

Scent of burned sugar and vanilla hung heavy in the air, masking something much sharper beneath. Flour dusted the counter like snow. "Did you see him Tuesday night?" "Just another customer. Ordered a scone, paid cash, and left." "He didn't leave. Not really." The piping bag paused, cream freezing atop the delicate sponge. "What's that supposed to mean?" "You know. The police missed the back door." A metal tray clattered loudly onto the steel table. "This is a bakery, not a gossip mill. Pay or go." "Everyone knows you were closing up when the lights went out on Main Street." "Everyone talks too much." "Then why hide the ledger under the register?" Silence stretched between them, thick as rising dough. The oven timer dinged sharply. "That's not for sale." "Neither is the truth." Floured hands wiped slowly on an apron stained with dark berry juice. "Come back tomorrow morning. When the rolls are fresh." "I'll be here. Before you open." "Don't bother. The lock's changed." "Keys are easy to copy." "So are lies." The bell above the door jingled as the figure stepped into the rain, leaving the warmth behind for the cold.