Run: 2026-02-16-01KHK9J8DQ6TTSV6SS0QR5F6RW

“An extra cinnamon roll this morning, Nora? That’s the third time you’ve ‘accidentally’ baked too many this week.” “Small-town appetites are unpredictable, Henry. Besides, someone’s been stealing from my display case. I like having bait.” “Stealing? In Maple Grove? Maybe they just forgot to pay.” “People forget their umbrellas, not a whole tray of lemon tarts. And they only vanish on Thursdays.” “Today is Thursday.” “You noticed. Watch the door. Yesterday it was the strawberry scones, the week before, my prize-winning pecan twists.” “Any enemies in the pastry world I should know about?” “Only the church ladies, and they prefer their sins in casserole form. No, this is personal. Look at the smudge on the glass—flour, not fingerprints.” “Meaning the thief bakes. Or wants you to think they do.” “Or wants me to know it’s them. The flour’s from my old brand. I switched months ago.” “The same brand your former partner swore by. The one who left town owing you three months’ rent.” “He didn’t just leave. He vanished between paying the power bill and icing the eclairs.” “You think he’s back?” “Check the bell. It’s been loosened. Someone wanted in last night without a jingle.” “Then why open the shop today?” “Because whoever’s stealing my pastries is coming back for something else, Henry.” “What?” “Me.”