Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ0MV9GQQR4XSVGKG96EGD5P

The bell over the bakery door gave its usual cheerful jangle, though nothing felt cheerful with Mrs. Peabody’s cinnamon rolls untouched in the front display. “Lock the door.” “At nine in the morning? Half the town hasn’t had coffee yet.” “Half the town can wait. There’s a blue button in the frosting.” “A what?” “A blue button. Mother-of-pearl. Same as the one missing from Mayor Pike’s jacket yesterday at the charity auction.” “People lose buttons. Especially mayors who eat three éclairs while arguing about zoning.” “People also don’t hide them inside lemon buttercream.” “Maybe it fell in.” “From where? The ceiling?” The ovens ticked softly behind the counter. Outside, a bicycle coasted past the window, its basket piled with library books and a suspiciously familiar tweed sleeve. “Did you see that?” “Miss Juniper’s bicycle.” “With the mayor’s jacket.” “Maybe she’s mending it.” “Miss Juniper hasn’t mended anything since 1987. She staples hems.” A tray clattered in the back room. “I thought we were alone.” “We were.” The scent of warm sugar suddenly seemed too sweet. “Hand me the rolling pin.” “For protection?” “For confidence.” The pantry door creaked open an inch. “Come out,” came the whisper, “and bring whatever you know about Mayor Pike’s missing cuff.”