Run: 2026-03-18-01KM0A11KY2EJHP34KK20DBBSW

The morning bell over Sugar Maple Bakery gave a cheerful jingle as Nora set a tray of cinnamon rolls in the front display. Steam curled from the cooling rack, carrying the smell of butter, vanilla, and fresh coffee through the little shop. “Tell me that blackberry pie is for the raffle and not for your own dinner.” “It was going to be for the raffle.” “Was?” Nora looked up from the icing bag and found Mrs. Bell standing by the counter, hat askew, basket on one arm and suspicion in her eyes. “I may have sampled the corner.” “Sampled. That’s what bakers call theft with a spoon.” Nora laughed. “If it were theft, I’d have hidden the evidence.” Mrs. Bell leaned closer to the glass case. “Then explain why your pie has a missing corner and a blackberry stain on the paper doily.” “Because I’m honest.” “That’s a dangerous habit in a bakery.” The bell jingled again, and Sheriff Tate stepped inside, brushing rain from his coat. “Is there a problem?” “Only that your town has a criminal pastry situation,” Mrs. Bell said. Sheriff Tate peered into the case. “Looks like pie to me.” “It’s not the pie,” Nora said, handing him a fork she’d already prepared. “It’s the missing slice.” He took the fork, grinning. “Then I suppose I should investigate.” Mrs. Bell crossed her arms. “Do that quickly. I’m next in line, and I intend to let the evidence disappear properly.”