Run: 2026-02-25-01KJBKWE35FACJS2GQC5PVP5KZ

Cinnamon and burnt sugar clung to the air. Flour dusted the counter like snow. "Did you see him leave?" "Saw who?" "The man in the grey coat. The one who bought the blackberry tart." "Everyone buys the blackberry tart. It's Tuesday." "He didn't pay with cash." A pause. The oven timer chimed, sharp. "He used a card?" "He used a receipt from the library." "That's impossible. The library closed an hour ago." "Exactly. And the receipt was warm." "Why are you telling me this?" "Because the tart had a key inside it. A brass key." "You kept it?" "I washed it off and put it in the safe. Under the register." "You should have called the sheriff." "The sheriff owes me for three loaves of sourdough. He won't ask questions." "What if he comes back?" "Then I'll bake him a muffin." "A poisoned muffin?" "No. Just a very dense one." The bell jingled. "Speaking of the devil." "Hide the key." "Already done." "Good. Now, how much for the croissant?" "Two dollars. And keep your coat on."