Run: 2026-02-25-01KJBJF37JH9Y271BHGNQF3XJ2

The bell above the door chimed against the low hum of the ovens. "Rye or something sweeter today?" "The usual. And please, don't tell anyone I'm here." "Everyone knows the mayor's already here, staring at the display case like it holds the crown jewels." She wiped her hands on her flour-dusted apron. "You're not exactly subtle with that suit, either." "Not about the case. About the guy behind the counter." The baker froze, a rolling pin hovering mid-air. "The new guy? He's been here three days." "Three days is still three days too long." "He pays cash and tips like a prince. What's there to complain about?" "The fingerprints. I know what looks like on a glass jar. These were smudged. And they weren't on the handle." "You think he's stealing?" "I think he's hiding something. Or waiting for something to happen." She sighed, leaning closer. The smell of yeast and damp earth drifted from her clothes. "If you're wrong, you owe me a dozen donuts. If you're right..." "If I'm right, we need to keep him talking." "Keep him talking?" "While I check the back? The numbers don't add up." "You're reckless." "I'm curious. And hungry." "Fine. Coffee first. Then you run. But if the sheriff asks..." "He won't ask." "That's what you said last month." "That was different. The cat was alive until Tuesday." "Well, pray this mystery stays alive longer than that."