Run: 2026-02-25-01KJ95Q3ZNXNEWAA8P79Z3DXK1

The bell above the door of "The Buttercup Bakery" gave a cheerful jingle, announcing the arrival of a regular. Sunlight, thick and golden, slanted across the checkerboard floor, highlighting the pristine displays of croissants and muffins. The air hummed with the scent of cinnamon, sugar, and roasting coffee. "Morning, Martha. The sourdough looks magnificent today." "It does, doesn't it, Mr. Finch? Still warm from the oven. You're up with the larks." "Couldn't quite settle. Heard a curious noise last night, you see. Down by the canal." "Oh? I heard the stray cat yowling again. Scared the robin clean out of its nest." "This was different. More of a… clinking. Metal on metal. And a sudden splash. Like something heavy being dropped." "That's strange. I just saw young Timmy from the bookshop cycling home late, perhaps he dropped his keys?" "He was back into town by then, I believe. And this was a much larger… clink. Still, thank you, Martha. Always good to know what little dramas unfold." "And are my favourite lemon tarts ready, Mr. Finch?" "Just waiting for them. And your usual black tea. One lump?" "Two, please. And keep your eyes peeled, won't you? Peculiar things happen when people aren't paying attention."