Run: 2026-04-27-01KQ790FY9J0K34JBP13D3YQRM

The bell above the door chimed, scattering flour dust from the rafters. Cinnamon and browned butter hung heavy in the morning air. “You left the back gate unlatched again.” “I most certainly did not. I turned the deadbolt myself before the sourdough went in.” “Then explain the muddy boot prints trailing past the delivery dock, right through the spilled rye flour.” “Probably just Old Man Higgins checking his traps.” “Higgins wears size eight. Those were twelve, at least, and the tread matches the tires on that silver sedan parked behind the post office.” “The one with the out-of-state plates?” “The very same. And it was still there at three this morning.” “Three? You were up at three?” “Couldn’t sleep. Not after finding the ledger missing from under the counter.” “The one with the supplier payments?” “The one with the mayor’s ‘special orders’ written in the margins.” “Good heavens. Did you call Sheriff Miller?” “And tell him what? That a ghost in work boots stole a notebook full of blackmail?” “Put the kettle on. We’re going to need chamomile.” “And a fresh batch of almond croissants. If we’re unraveling a conspiracy, we’re doing it properly fed.”