Run: 2026-04-25-01KQ2ET08ZNGX5KAD6FQ4QWJSY

The bell above the door chimed, ushering in the scent of rain and damp wool. “You’ve been standing at that display case for five minutes. The bear claws haven’t changed in that time.” “I’m savoring the anticipation. Besides, it’s not the pastry I’m looking at, it’s the angle. See how the morning light hits that third tray? Perfectly obscures the kitchen door.” “You think I don’t know my own shop’s sightlines? That’s the point. Why do you think Mayor Calloway always takes the corner booth?” “Because he’s a creature of habit, which is exactly how someone sneaks a little something extra into his chamomile tea.” “A little something… you mean like gossip?” “I mean like powdered baneberry. The coroner’s calling the tennis club incident a heart attack, but I saw the dishes from that luncheon. His coffee cup had a residue.” “That’s a serious accusation. Baneberry doesn’t just wander into a scone on its own. You’re suggesting someone in my kitchen…” “I’m suggesting your new gluten-free flour supplier might be a front, and the person who delivered it last Tuesday has a key to the back alley. The same person who very conveniently found the body.” “Hand me that cinnamon shaker, will you? You’re going to tell me you’ve already taken a sample, aren’t you?” “I may have borrowed a bagel for forensic purposes. The one with the poppy seeds. Harder to spot the dusting.”