Run: 2026-07-09-01KX406BVGH6WSJ3JHSR4PAHZ0

By seven o’clock, the bell over the door of Honeycup Bakery had rung three times, though only two customers had entered. Mara lifted a tray of cinnamon rolls from the oven. “That’s odd.” Across the counter, Inspector Finch peered through the steamed-up window. “The bell?” “The flour footprints.” She pointed beneath the display case. “They begin outside, cross the floor, and stop at the locked storeroom.” Finch bent closer. “Could be old tracks.” “They weren’t there when I swept at six. Besides, whoever made them was wearing a child’s rain boots.” A clatter came from the back room. Mara snatched up the rolling pin. Finch reached for the umbrella stand, then seemed to reconsider and chose a baguette instead. “Stay here.” “If you’re going to investigate a crime in my bakery, I’m coming along.” The storeroom door stood ajar. Inside, sacks of flour leaned against the wall, and a single blue button rested on the tiles. Finch picked it up. “Recognize it?” Mara glanced toward the delivery shelf. “It matches the mayor’s coat.” A muffled sneeze came from behind the largest sack. Finch raised the baguette. “Come out slowly.” A small boy emerged, powdered white from head to toe, clutching a tin marked *Charity Fund*. “I only borrowed a bun,” he whispered. Mara lowered the rolling pin. “Then why did you steal the mayor’s button?” The boy swallowed. “Because he stole the money first.”