Run: 2026-02-16-01KHK9JFWSHQXNSKGRGYZ140CW

"The bell sounds jittery today, like it knows you lost something." "Not something—everything. Grandma Lila’s maple braid card is gone, and the Harvest Fair’s in two days." "Don’t panic. The rye is cooling like soldiers on parade. You’ve still got steady hands." "I had steady hands until I found the recipe drawer open and blue sugar crystals leading to the flour bins." "Blue? Like the mayor’s campaign cupcakes." "Exactly. And the back door latch was sticky with marzipan. Who unlocks doors with candy?" "Someone who bakes without washing up. Or someone who wants us to think that. Did you notice the icing roses on the display? They’re swirled counterclockwise." "Which means?" "The only person in town who pipes left-handed is Nora Pike. She’s been glaring at our window boxes since you won the ribbon." "Nora wouldn’t break in. She’d just talk loudly until the scones surrendered." "Then it’s a copycat. Or the flour fairy. Did you check the Gazette? Thieves always hide things in plain sight." "I checked the Gazette for coupons, not for larceny. Wait—this is yesterday’s, still under the cake stand." "Slide it out carefully. Sugar’s dusted along the edge." "Well, butter my bun. The card’s tucked in the classifieds." "Folded to the piano tuner’s ad. Code?" "Or a message: come hear the truth at three." "Then we’ll bring cinnamon knots, and I’ll bring my questions."