Run: 2026-03-18-01KM1GF5B7MK1B7EYZX2GM7GTT

The bakery on Willow Street hummed with morning bustle. Flour dust floated in the light streaming through the window. Behind the counter, Ed slipped a loaf into the oven, his hands steady despite the nervous knot in his stomach. The scent of rising dough mingled with the hum of town gossip. "Are you sure you didn't hear last night?" a voice asked from the doorway. "Only wind rattling shutters," his voice low. "The bakery owner says she saw a shadow near the back door midnight." She placed a notebook on the counter, eyes flicking over rows of pastries. "I always lock up." Ed slides a croissant toward her. "But I did notice the lock on the pantry was loose." She took a bite, narrowing. "Maybe someone wanted a taste of your secret blend." "Secret? That's a pinch of cardamom and orange zest." Ed shrugged, a smile tugging his lips. "But if someone is snooping, I'll keep an eye out." "The woman thanked him, slipped the notebook into her bag, then left a lavender scent as she stepped back into the street. She paused, glancing back at pastries, wondering if the secret recipe held the clue. The morning sun cast a golden glow.