Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ0NYA0YSQK1X5JCB0KCNYZ9

The bell over Crumb & Kettle’s door gave a sleepy jingle, though sunrise was still pinking the windows and the first tray of cinnamon knots steamed on the counter. “You’re early.” “So is half the town when someone finds a body behind the bookshop.” “Hush. Mrs. Bellamy’s in the corner pretending to read a seed catalog.” “She’s been on the same page for twenty minutes.” “Then lower your voice and take a raspberry scone.” “I didn’t come for pastry.” “No one says that honestly.” “I came because you delivered yesterday’s lemon tarts to the mayor’s office.” “And?” “And now Mayor Peabody is dead, and your invoice was tucked in his jacket pocket.” “That’s where he always put receipts. The man filed his lunch.” “Did he seem worried?” “He asked whether almond extract could hide a bitter taste.” “That seems worth mentioning.” “I thought he was complaining about Clara’s marmalade again.” From the ovens came a soft crackle, warm sugar and butter filling the silence. “Did anyone else come in while he was here?” “Only Amos from the hardware store. Bought six éclairs, paid with a fifty, hands shaking like my mixer on high.” “Amos hates sweets.” “I know.” “And yet you waited until now?” “I was saving that éclairs detail for someone who brought coffee.”