Run: 2026-02-20-01KHXQJ1MZNPE5YQ9N467CW7NW

The bell above the door jingled as the scent of cinnamon and buttery pastry wrapped around the newcomer like a warm embrace. "Took you long enough. I was starting to think you’d gotten lost in your own book again." "Well, if you hadn’t moved the bakery to the *other* side of the square, I might’ve found it sooner. Honestly, who rearranges an entire town overnight?" "A woman with a vision—and a very impatient landlord. Besides, you’re the one who’s always going on about ‘change being the spice of life.’" "Spice is one thing. Moving my favorite almond croissants across town is another. I had a system. Walk in, grab my usual, leave before Mrs. Peabody corners me about her cat’s ‘mysterious rash.’" "Ah, so that’s why you’ve been avoiding me. Here I thought it was my charming personality." "Your personality is fine. It’s your *timing* that’s suspect. Why’s the case board behind the counter, by the way? Since when does the bakery double as a detective agency?" "Since someone *keeps* leaving anonymous tips in the muffin tins. You’d be surprised how many people confess to things when they’re holding a fresh scone." "Or how many people *plant* things when they know you’ll find them. You’re being played, you know." "Maybe. But at least I’m being played with pastries."