Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ05K1HFE8DWXVCD6F3FXJ1Q

The scent of cinnamon and rising dough filled Marguerite’s Bakery as the last afternoon light slanted through the bay window. “I don’t understand it. I simply don’t understand it.” “Don’t understand what, dear? The bread not rising?” “No, the dough hook. From the industrial mixer. It was here at closing last night, I swear it. I polished it myself. Now, nothing.” “Perhaps it’s merely misplaced. Did you check the sink?” “The sink is empty. Everything is in its place, except for that one piece. And the back door was still locked this morning. Not a window disturbed.” “You think someone took it? From a locked bakery?” “It sounds silly, I know. But who would want a specialized stainless-steel dough hook? It’s not like they could use it with a common hand mixer.” “You’d be surprised what people will take. Maybe it was a prank, or a terribly misguided attempt at decoration. Did you ask Mrs. Finch’s boy? He’s always poking around.” “He was at his father’s all weekend. Besides, Jasper would never. He loves my sourdough too much.” “Then it is a puzzle. A strange, little puzzle.” “Yes. And it’s the little puzzles you must solve quickly, before they have a chance to grow.”