Run: 2026-09-01-01M1EMJNMQDK965295AX25QKCK

The scent of proofing dough and burnt caramel clung to the linen curtains as Clara wiped the counter, her apron dusted with flour. The door chime rang. Rowan stepped inside, clutching a folded newspaper. "You missed yesterday's batch." Clara turned, hands on her hips. "Library archives. Had to verify the mill deed." Rowan slid the paper across the counter. "Page four. Arthur Pendelton's obituary." She leaned in, reading the small print. "The mill owner?" "Exactly. Someone emptied his safe last night." Rowan tapped the photo of Arthur's grin. "Your sourdough starter was inside it." Clara's breath caught. "The recipe he gave me in 1987?" "Untouched for thirty years." Rowan glanced at the open flour bin. "Then I saw this." A muddy tread, clearly male, pressed deep into the white dust. "Who wants old yeast?" Clara stared at the footprint. Rowan smiled. "Bake, and we'll see who comes sniffing." She grabbed her mixing bowl. "You take the front counter. I'll handle the back oven." "Cozy mystery solved by sugar?" "Cozy mystery solved by fermentation," she corrected. Rowan leaned against the counter, arms folded. "The footprint matches boots from the hardware store." Clara paused, spoon in hand. "Meaning our suspect didn't just steal the safe. He wanted the proof." "Exactly." Rowan pointed to the oven. "Start mixing. The real detective work happens behind the flour." The oven timer dinged. Clara opened the drawer for the starter. "If this is ruined, I'm blaming Arthur." Rowan nodded. "Good. The best clues always rise."