Run: 2026-02-16-01KHKAW9WQMMMWZ47C2SCA928G

"You didn't tell me the apricot tarts were gone; you said the recipe was." "Both. Someone lifted the card from the tin and left a sugar trail." "That's cocoa on your apron." "Exactly. Whoever did it dusted the counter. Look—under the case, a small footprint." "Dogs leave prints, too." "Dogs don't leave ticket stubs. Order forty-seven, green ink. Only one person uses green ink." "Please, not Mrs. Ellery. She runs story hour, not bakery heists." "She also argued over apricot prices at dawn." "Everyone argues before coffee." "Speaking of, did you notice the cinnamon shaker?" "What about it?" "It's paprika. Someone wanted a spicy distraction." "Or they can't read." "They read well enough to turn the owl timer to thirteen. We don't have a thirteen." "Unlucky for thieves. What's that under the pie stand?" "A fabric swatch. Teal gingham, like the garden club totes." "Gardeners aren't burglars." "Gardeners know gates and back doors. And the back door was latched from the inside." "Then our thief never left." "Pour the coffee. If the bell rings twice, smile. If teal walks in, slide over the paprika." "And the apron?" "Keep it. Cocoa suits a detective."