Run: 2026-04-24-01KQ0PRM7J7M9T5AR8CK9ZBAJF

At seven, the bell over Honeycrust Bakery gave its usual sleepy jingle. Rain silvered the windows, and the ovens breathed cinnamon warmth into the room. Clara set a tray of currant scones beside the till just as June, the town librarian, slipped inside with her umbrella dripping onto the braided rug. “You’re early.” “So is trouble.” Clara’s hand stilled over the paper doilies. “Tell me that isn’t about the mayor’s missing watch.” “It was found.” “Wonderful.” “In a loaf of your rye.” The mixer hummed in the back, steady as a heartbeat. Outside, a delivery truck splashed through a puddle and rolled on toward Main Street. “That’s impossible. I sliced every loaf yesterday.” “Not the one ordered specially for Mrs. Bellweather’s luncheon.” Clara looked toward the cooling rack. One rye loaf remained, dark-crusted and dusted with flour, its label written in tidy blue ink. “Who picked it up?” “That’s why I came. The order book page is gone.” A soft thump sounded beneath the counter. Marmalade, the bakery cat, emerged with a scrap of paper stuck to one paw. Clara peeled it free. A smear of butter crossed three words: Paid by Arthur. “The mayor’s assistant?” “And Mrs. Bellweather’s nephew.” The bell jingled again. “Hide that.” “Too late.”