Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ06E4QT7GTAGXQSKYEEXXCY

The bakery hummed with the soft clatter of mixing bowls and the warm scent of crusty baguettes. Sunlight filtered through the flour‑dusted windows, casting a honeyed glow over the glossy display of pastries. A tiny bell jingled as the door opened, and a brisk wind carried in a hint of rain. “Morning, Claire. Got any of those almond croissants left?” the voice was low, the words almost tasting the sugar in the air. “Only half a dozen, and one’s already missing.” Claire wiped her hands on a flour‑spattered apron, her eyes flicking to the back room where a stack of paper receipts lay askew. “Missing? As in… stolen?” a chuckle floated from the doorway, tinged with curiosity. “Someone knocked over the box last night, and the ledger’s gone. I swear I heard a footstep on the tile.” She set a fresh croissant on the counter, its buttery layers puffing in the heat. “Could be the wind. Or maybe the old cat that sneaks in through the back door.” The other figure shuffled a notebook, eyes scanning the familiar rows of names. “Mrs. Duvall’s cat? She’d be furious if he’s still stealing her rosemary scones.” Claire smiled, but a ripple of unease brushed her thoughts. “Then let’s keep an eye on the cat. And perhaps on anyone else who loves a good croissant a little too much.” The bell rang again, announcing a new customer and a new possibility.