Run: 2026-02-20-01KHYAZXQZ7AGM79MT4MRGB1S7

The scent of cinnamon and yeast hung thick in the air, a comforting blanket over "Sugar & Spice." Flour dusted the counter like a fresh snowfall, illuminated by the warm glow of the hanging pendant lights. A half-finished crossword puzzle lay beside a plate of day-old blueberry muffins. “You’re awfully quiet,” a voice observed, laced with a subtle note of concern. “Been staring at that puzzle for ten minutes.” “Just trying to distract myself,” came the reply, a small sigh escaping. “It’s… unsettling, isn’t it? The way everything’s shifted.” “Shifted how?” “Old Man Hemlock. Found him this morning. In the gazebo. Rose thorns tangled in his coat. Wasn’t a struggle. Just… still.” A beat of silence, punctuated by the rhythmic thump of the bread mixer. “The sheriff’s been notified, of course.” “Naturally. But Sheriff Brody’s distracted. He’s practically glued to Mrs. Gable’s prize-winning pumpkin patch. Said it’s ‘vital to the town’s morale.’” “Vital to the town’s morale?” The voice chuckled, a dry, brittle sound. “That’s a new one.” “Tell me about it. Makes you wonder if the rose thorns were a message of some sort.”