Run: 2026-07-25-01KYD7YBK7WC69SK5QY4APDR8H

The bell over Buttercup Bakery's door jingled, bringing in a gust of October air and the smell of wet leaves. "You're early. The almond croissants aren't even out of the oven yet." "That's not why I'm here. Have you seen Mrs. Finch this morning?" The flour-dusted counter was wiped down a little too vigorously. "Not since yesterday. She came in for her usual rye loaf. Said she was going to finally return that library book. Why?" "Because her cat is still on her porch, and her newspaper is still in the driveway. And her kitchen window was wide open. In this rain." "Oh no. Maybe she went to visit her sister in Maple Hollow?" "Her sister moved to Florida three years ago. And Mrs. Finch would never leave the back door unlocked with that prize-winning sourdough starter on the counter." A tray clattered behind the counter. The scent of cinnamon suddenly felt too sweet. "Do you think... that thing with the town council vote last night? She was pretty upset." "She threatened to show everyone the mayor's real expense reports. Said the proof was in her recipe box." "Her recipe box? Isn't that here? She left it for the bake-off." Slowly, the cupboard under the register was opened.