Run: 2026-04-27-01KQ72BE97DJ2KCFM9YZ8B4GH6

"You're open early." "Business doesn't wait, especially when you're hiding something." A nervous laugh. "Please. I just came for a scone. Blueberry." "Is that so? And yet, you didn't go to the display case." "The line's too long. I prefer a quiet word." "Quiet words don't bake bread." "Maybe not, but they can stop a crime." The tongs clinked sharply against the metal tray. "I knew you'd find out." "Find out what? That the shipment of cocoa wasn't delivered?" "Exactly. And I can't make the special order without it. The mayor won't tolerate disappointment." "Poor mayor. Always demanding perfection." "He suspects theft. If he suspects theft, people get blamed." "Like who?" "The delivery boy. He's young. Vulnerable." "Did he mention a name?" "Only a first. Silas." "Silas runs the flower shop across the street." "Does this Silas have a weakness?" "Orchids. Expensive ones. Hard to keep alive." "Interesting." "He was sweating through his shirt." "Maybe it was the heat." "It's freezing outside." "Or maybe he was running." "Running to hide the cocoa?" "Or running from someone who wanted it." "Who would buy stolen cocoa?" "The only person who makes chocolate tartes tatin in this town." "That's... me." "A false confession?" "A warning. Check the back room." The baker froze. "Why?" "The order was paid in cash. Too much cash." "I didn't take anything." "We both know you didn't. Let's see if your customer did." The door handle rattled.