Run: 2026-02-16-01KHKA4RHVGKPV8MGNAM2N3200

"The bell's been tinkling since five. Maple Street doesn't wake that early." "Dough rises when it wants, Theo, and apparently so do thieves." "You lost something besides your patience?" "One lemon tart, glazed for the mayor's brunch, gone like a ghost at first light." "Windows locked? Back door?" "Both. But look at the floor—powdered sugar prints, tiny circles, leading toward the pantry." "Those aren't circles; they're daisies. New soles from Wilma's." "So someone prim in floral treads broke in to steal citrus?" "Or borrowed it. Check the note by the tip jar." "'Thank you for the kindness. Keep the kettle singing.' Anonymous jam-swapper?" "There's more. The oven was warm, and the rack has crumbs that look like my crust." "Someone baked your tart in your own oven and then walked out with it?" "Or hid it. The bell rang at 4:12, timer at thirteen." "Daisy soles, tidy loops, tea on the brain—Agnes at the post office." "Except lemon makes her lips tingle." "Sister's anniversary; she'd risk a tingle for love. Check the cake boxes." "This one says Bran Muffins." "Open it." "Lemon tart, perfect as a promise. And a note: 'IOU: one stormy explanation.'" "Pour two coffees, bag the tart. We'll charge her with contrition and cinnamon."