Run: 2026-03-18-01KM09WK4EFAEHA8A46YJD90RM

The bell over Maple Street Bakery gave a cheerful jingle as Nora slid a tray of cinnamon twists into the display case. Outside, the town square was already dusted with snow, and inside, the windows fogged pleasantly from the warmth of yeast and sugar. “You’ve got a full house before nine.” “That’s what happens when Mrs. Bell announces a pie sale and forgets to mention the part where half the town shows up.” Mara laughed and tucked her scarf under one arm. “Any luck with the missing recipe book?” Nora’s hands stilled on the glass. “Still missing.” “Odd, that.” “Odd isn’t the word I’d use for a cookbook vanishing from a locked office the same night Mr. Pritchard’s antique spoon disappeared.” Mara leaned closer to the counter. “You think they’re connected?” “I think someone wanted people looking in the wrong drawer.” A burst of flour drifted from the kitchen, and both of them turned. Old Mr. Haskins stood in the doorway, white as powdered sugar, clutching a paper bag. “I found this behind the flour sacks,” he said, setting it down with a thump. “And I don’t believe it belongs to the bakery.” Nora peeled back the folded paper and went very still. “Mara.” “What is it?” “A train ticket. To Cedar Ridge. Dated last night.”