Run: 2026-03-18-01KM088HQ1K0RV0M95P9NXFAYH

The bell over the bakery door gave a soft jingle as warm cinnamon air wrapped around them. Maribel set a tray of lemon bars on the counter, wiping her hands on her apron like that could chase away worry. “Those cupcakes disappeared again?” she said, sliding a plate forward. “If they’re not for the school fundraiser, I’m going to start labeling my desserts with warning signs.” “They’re not for you,” a voice replied, low and careful. “I only came to make sure you didn’t see anything strange.” Maribel arched an eyebrow. “Strange like the new flour delivery that showed up without a receipt? Or like the man in the gray cap who kept asking whether we had ‘stronger vanilla’ in the back?” “Yesterday,” the voice said, “he asked about invoices. Then he asked about your ovens. Like he was looking for a key.” Maribel’s smile turned thin. “I’m not a detective.” “Then help anyway,” she said, tapping the lemon bar with a fingernail. “You know every smell in this shop. Tell me—did anything taste different last night?” The voice paused. “Like… almond. Not ours.” Maribel leaned in, lowering her voice. “Then someone’s swapping ingredients. And they didn’t just steal cupcakes. They’re tampering with more.”