Run: 2026-02-16-01KHM5GK2M4FV36SXZQR14B0VZ

The little bell over the bakery door jingled, ushering in a swirl of autumn air and the scent of cinnamon. "Busy morning?" "Always is, this time of year. Everyone wants their pumpkin muffins before the Halloween rush." "Well, I’d hate to break tradition. Box of six, please—and one of those apple tarts if there’s any left." "Saved the last one for you. Knew you’d ask. Anything else? Maybe a confession while you’re here?" "A confession? About what?" "Don’t play coy. The whole town’s talking. Someone saw you sneaking into the old library after midnight. Unless you’ve taken up secretive reading habits?" "Hardly. I was retrieving a book for Mrs. Pembroke. She left it on the returns cart and needed it for her book club." "Convenient. Same night the mayor’s prize roses went missing." "You think I—? Oh, for heaven’s sake. Do I look like a rose thief?" "Stranger things have happened. Though I do suppose it’s more likely Edgar’s prized tabby got loose again. He does love digging up gardens." "Exactly. Now, how much do I owe you?" "Let’s call it even—in exchange for a promise you’ll tell me the real story later." "Fine. But only if you save me another tart next time."