Run: 2026-09-02-01M1H9H3JCF5E6VFFAWDVSWS55

The bell over Maple Hollow Bakery chimed, stirring cinnamon from the morning air. Flour dusted the counter beside a tray of blackberry tarts, one missing. “You’re here early, and don’t tell me it’s for the sourdough.” “I’m here because the mayor’s wife left her reading glasses in your flour jar, and I need to know why.” “Those are not reading glasses. They’re for judging jam.” “Then why is there a list tucked in the case, with every baker’s name crossed out but yours?” “Because someone in this town has no respect for pastry and even less for secrecy.” “The murder society meets tonight, doesn’t it?” “We call it the Proofing Circle.” “And the missing tart?” “Evidence.” The oven ticked. Through the lace curtain, a postal van crawled past the window, slow as a suspicious cat. A blue jay pecked the windowsill, startled by the silence. “Did you at least save the crumbs?” “Of course. They’re in the sugar bowl, next to the alibi.” “That isn’t sanitary.” “Neither is blackmail.”