Run: 2026-05-19-01KS0TKBCNVMZSHJGP6989G1WT

The sweet, yeasty scent of warm cardamom buns filled the air, mingling with the sharp aroma of freshly ground coffee. Flour dusted the worn oak counter like a light winter frost. "The almond croissants are exceptionally flaky today." "Don't try to distract me with butter. I saw who went into the old mill last night." "The mill? It’s been boarded up since the spring flood." "Exactly. But someone had a key. A heavy, brass key. And they were carrying one of your signature pink pastry boxes." "I only folded three of those yesterday. One went to the Mayor, one to Mrs. Gable..." "And the third?" "A cash purchase. A stranger. Dark wool coat, collar pulled high to block the autumn wind." "Did they buy the cherry tarts?" "No. The frosted sugar cookies. A dozen." "Arthur’s absolute favorite. But Arthur was found behind the vicarage this morning, cold as yesterday’s tea." "Good heavens. You don't think..." "I think whoever bought those cookies knew Arthur wouldn't survive to see the sunrise. And I think the secret is baked right into the frosting."