Run: 2026-04-27-01KQ70J8ZSH1ZSKKF64XGTY4DY

Flour dust hovered in the warm air, coating the oak counter. A ceramic plate slid past a basket of sticky buns. "Best batch yet. Grandma's yeast is the secret. It wakes up the flour like magic." A rough hand rubbed a neck; eyes darted toward the damp window. "I'm not here for bread, Edith. I saw a state car two blocks down. The driver was asking about the storm drains near the creek. Very specific questions." The wooden paddle tapped a nervous rhythm. "State cars pass through every election, harping on drainage permits. Tell them to return when the scones are set. I won't have a draft kill my rise while they waste my time." "This isn't politics. The badge looked too shiny, and he flashed a photo of a locket." The voice dropped. "Does that sound routine? The locket belonged to Martha." Edith didn't look up, though her grip tightened on the paddle. "Wrap the loaf in brown paper. Double wrap. And if anyone asks, you weren't here. Not while that sedan is prowling." The bell above the door jingled faintly in the wind, making both speakers freeze. Edith slid a small tin across the counter, hidden beneath the newspaper. "Take the almond cookies. If they search, let them find crumbs, not secrets."