Run: 2026-03-11-01KKFN76R3PZP7WWHYSM1VXVG7

The bell above the door chimed a cheerful, tinny tune. “The usual, Elsie? One almond croissant and a large coffee, black as your soul?” “You know me too well, Mabel. Though my soul is more of a lukewarm grey today. Busy morning?” “Slammed. Tourists in for the waterfall trail. Couldn’t get the oven hot enough. This dough is as stubborn as Old Man Hargreaves.” “That man could argue with a lamppost. Speaking of stubborn… I found something interesting this morning.” “Oh? New recipe?” “Not exactly. Remember the charity gala at the town hall last week? The one where Mrs. Pettigrew’s diamond brooch went missing?” “How could I forget? She’s been accusing half the town. You’d think we’re all jewel thieves in disguise.” “Well, I was sweeping behind the display case this morning. Tucked way under the lip, where the sugar dust gathers.” “You didn’t.” “It’s heavy. Silver, with a large green stone. It matches the newspaper description perfectly.” A long pause, filled only by the hum of the refrigerator. “What are you going to do?” “I think we have another customer. A very interested one, I’d wager. He’s been staring at this conversation for five minutes.”