Run: 2026-03-18-01KM09HESM9CDHKZFDENP4HQWR

The bell over the door gave a tired jingle as the afternoon light slid across the flour-dusted counter. Steam curled up from the ovens, carrying the warm, buttery smell of cinnamon rolls that never quite cooled fast enough. “Those are my last lemon cookies, you know.” “I know,” Mara said, sliding a plate under her nose like an offering. “But if we’re stuck waiting for the inspector, we’ll need something cheerful to chew.” “Cheerful doesn’t solve missing receipts.” “It might. People leave crumbs of more than sugar.” She nodded toward the back where a flour sack sat slightly open, like it had been disturbed. “Someone was in a hurry.” The baker wiped her hands on a towel. “You think the theft happened during the morning rush?” “Or right after.” Mara leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Why would anyone look for cash under the register when the safe was already—” “—already empty,” the baker finished, tight-lipped. “Because the owner swears he locked it.” Mara’s smile softened. “Then someone else had the key.” From the oven came a soft *pop* as a batch of rolls browned perfectly, as if the kitchen itself refused to believe in secrets. The bell jingled again, and both women turned toward the door.