Run: 2026-02-20-01KHY853HYXGVCBPCAQN2H85AQ

Sunlight slanted through the lace-curtained windows of Hearth & Flour Bakery, gilding the glass case of golden croissants and berry tarts. The air hummed with the scent of vanilla and fresh yeast, undercut by the faint chime of the oven timer. "Millie, that new recipe book's gone missing again. Third time this month!" A flour-dusted hand paused mid-knead on the marble counter. "Swear on my rolling pin, I locked it in the safe last night. Found the door ajar this morning, pages rifled." Steam hissed from a cooling rack as a tray of scones settled. "Could be that nosy Widow Jenkins. Saw her peering through the window yesterday, muttering about 'family secrets.' Her gran invented your famous cinnamon swirl, didn't she?" The hand snatched a rag, wiping sweat from a brow. "Exactly. And now the mayor's complaining of tummy troubles after eating one. Coincidence? Or someone tampering to steal the formula?" A stool scraped back, teacup clinking on saucer. "We watch close today. If it's sabotage, they'll slip up. Pass the jam—let's plot over shortbread." Laughter bubbled, warm as the loaves rising behind the counter. But eyes sharpened, scanning the quiet street beyond.