Run: 2026-09-02-01M1HA0A7CSNC8NE47HNM8J4QT

The bell over Maple Hollow Bakery chimed, carrying the scent of cinnamon and warm butter. Trays of scones sat cooling by the window, each one glazed in pale pink icing. Behind the counter, a flour-dusted envelope had been propped beside the register, its seal broken. A wooden spoon rested on a crock of sugar, as if someone had fled mid-stir. “You’re here early.” “I couldn’t sleep. Not after what happened at the gazebo.” “The mayor’s missing ledger again?” “Worse. Someone left this under the proofing cloth.” “A recipe card?” “Look at the handwriting.” “Elegant. Loopy. The same as the notes tucked into the charity pie boxes.” “Exactly.” “That’s impossible. Those notes came from your grandmother.” “These are fresh. Ink still smells of the fountain pen Father Caldwell keeps in his vest pocket.” “The priest?” “He was here before dawn, asking about the old oven bricks.” “Why would he—” “Because the ledger wasn’t the only thing missing from the town archive. The key to the bakery’s cellar is gone too.” Outside, snow dusted the cobblestones. The oven ticked, warm and patient. “Then perhaps we should check the cellar before the muffins sell out.” Below them, something rolled gently against stone.