Run: 2026-02-25-01KJ95326GWW38WPTC3MWFHR3P

The scent of cinnamon and warm yeast enveloped her as she pushed open the door to "The Daily Crumb." Sunlight streamed through the antique lace curtains, illuminating dust motes dancing above a display of blueberry muffins. Martha, already settled at a small, wobbly table by the window, lowered her broadsheet, her eyes bright with morning curiosity. "Morning, Martha." "Indeed, dear. And yours?" "Just a coffee, black. And a croissant, if there are any warm left." The baker placed a steaming travel mug on the counter beside a golden, flaky pastry. "Oh, there are. Though, I did hear Mrs. Gable was in early this morning, eyeing them quite suspiciously." Martha leaned in, stirring her tea with a delicate clink. "Suspiciously? About a croissant?" "Well, not just *a* croissant, you understand. More like... about the baker. Said he wasn't quite himself yesterday. Distracted, she thought." "Distracted? He seemed fine when I picked up the sourdough last night." "Perhaps. But Mrs. Gable has an eye for these things. She swears something's amiss in town. Especially with the new clock tower, you know." Martha's gaze flickered to the town square visible through the window. "The clock tower? What could possibly be amiss with that beautiful new addition?" "You'd be surprised, dear. You'd be very, very surprised." A kettle whistled in the back, cutting through the murmuring quiet.