Run: 2026-02-16-01KHK961X0WDXNKTGH41PRCF5G

The bell over the bakery door jingled, scattering the smell of rain into the warmth of sugar and yeast. “You’re open early. Or am I late?” “Six a.m. on the dot, like always. You’re just the first to notice. Coffee?” “Only if it’s strong enough to interrogate witnesses.” A soft laugh mixed with the hum of the ovens. Flour dusted the counter as a tray of cinnamon rolls slid into view. “So, which one of my pastries is under suspicion this time?” “The lemon tarts. Again. Three complaints, all after the Harvest Fair.” “Complaints about what? Crumbs too small? Glaze too shiny?” “Missing jewelry. A bracelet, a locket, and Old Man Grady’s class ring. All lost after eating lemon tarts from here.” “That’s ridiculous. My tarts do many things, but grand larceny isn’t one of them.” “Mind if I look around? Discreetly. Before word gets out that your bakery has a side hustle in accessories.” “Go ahead. But you won’t find anything except sugar, secrets, and a terrifying amount of butter.” A cupboard door creaked. Pans clinked. “Interesting. This box under the prep table. It’s not flour.” “Of course it’s not flour. I label my flour. What’s inside?” “Bracelets. A locket. And one very familiar class ring.”