Run: 2026-07-09-01KX40D1XPNDNK58GM2A6MKNKC

Rain pearled on the windows of Honeybell Bakery, blurring the courthouse clock across the square. Inside, cinnamon rolls cooled beside a row of lemon tarts, while the old bread oven ticked in the hush. “You locked the back door last night, Mara?” “Twice. I always check it after feeding the starter.” “Yet someone came in.” “Nothing’s missing, Daniel. Not even the cash tin.” “Something is.” A flour-dusted hand paused above the pastry case. “The blue-ribbon recipe?” “Still beneath the loose floorboard?” “It was this morning.” “Then explain this.” A scrap of paper slid across the counter, browned at one edge. On it, in faded ink, was a sketch of a bell surrounded by six tiny stars. “That was tucked inside Mayor Bell’s coat pocket.” “The coat he was wearing when he collapsed?” “Right beside the judging table.” “He’s recovering, isn’t he?” “He’ll survive. But the doctor found nutmeg in his coffee.” “Nutmeg isn’t poison.” “Not unless you’re severely allergic.” The courthouse clock chimed eleven. Across the bakery, the oven gave a sudden metallic pop. “Daniel, Mayor Bell never drinks coffee.” “Exactly.” “And that symbol—my grandmother stamped it on every secret recipe she wrote.” The loose floorboard creaked beneath the counter. “Don’t move.” “I wasn’t planning to.” A thin curl of smoke rose through the crack, carrying the unmistakable scent of scorched almonds.