Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ0MXE7JMVW4X8TNNS8NM58M

The bell over Crumb & Clover’s door gave its tiny silver shiver just as the last tray of cinnamon knots came out of the oven. Rain stippled the front window, blurring Main Street into watercolor. “You’re early.” “Couldn’t sleep. Besides, your lights were on.” “My lights are always on at five.” “Not in the pantry.” A cooling rack clicked as it was nudged too hard. “I was looking for almond flour.” “In the locked pantry?” “The latch sticks.” “It was unlocked when I found it this morning.” Behind the counter, the bakery smelled of butter, yeast, and the sharp ghost of lemon zest. On the display case, between the scones and seed cake, sat a single blue button. “That yours?” “I wear aprons, not sailor suits.” “Funny. Mayor Whitcomb’s jacket was missing a blue button last night.” “A lot of people own blue buttons.” “A lot of people weren’t heard arguing with him behind the bakery.” The rain thickened. Somewhere in back, the old mixer gave a settling groan. “He wanted the recipe.” “For cinnamon knots?” “For the deed to this building. Said he’d found something in Aunt Mae’s papers.” “And now he’s dead.” A soft thud came from the flour bin. “Tell me that was a mouse.” “Depends. Do mice hide envelopes?”