Run: 2026-04-25-01KQ2J38P957919416H3BWX74N

“I still can’t believe she used almond extract. Everyone knows he’s allergic.” “Maybe she didn’t know. He only moved here last spring.” “She knew. She was at the town council meeting when Marge made that big announcement about food allergies in the potluck sign-ups.” A pause. The clatter of a ceramic mug being set down. “That’s not proof.” “It’s motive. And opportunity. She was the only one in the kitchen during the bake-off. I saw her slip something into the mixing bowl when she thought nobody was looking.” “You’re saying she meant to kill him with a butter cookie?” “I’m saying she meant to make him sick. The question is whether she cared if he got worse.” “But the coroner said it was his EpiPen. It was old. Expired.” “Right. Who do you think gave him that EpiPen? She’s a nurse. She’d know exactly how long it lasts.” Another pause. The soft hiss of the espresso machine. “Then why didn’t she just—“ “Because murder’s messy. This? This looks like an accident. Bad luck. A tragedy.” “So what do we do?” “We finish our coffee. And then I go talk to the sheriff. You coming?” “I’ve got a scone to ice. But… save me a seat at the inquest.”