Run: 2026-09-02-01M1HB3KPQV1V82XKFCZJRFZPK

The bell above Maple Hollow Bakery chimed, releasing a puff of cinnamon into the chilly morning. Flour drifted over the counter like snow that refused to land. “You’re late.” “The train was delayed.” “There hasn’t been a train through here since Tuesday.” A gloved hand tapped the counter. “Then perhaps I was delayed by Tuesday.” A tray of scones emerged from the oven. “You always did like riddles. The mayor wants the ledger.” “The mayor can wait until the muffins cool.” “He’s sitting in booth three, pretending to read a newspaper upside down.” “Then he’s learned nothing from last week.” The oven ticked. Outside, the mayor lowered his newspaper an inch. “Someone broke into the library. They took nothing but the recipe box.” “That wasn’t a recipe box.” “You knew about it.” “I know about everything baked in this town. Sugar, salt, secrets.” “The box was hidden under Grandma’s mixing bowl.” “Grandma had excellent aim with secrets.” The oven sighed. Powdered sugar glimmered in the window light, and someone in booth three cleared his throat too loudly. A brass key slid across the counter, leaving a thin trail through the flour. “Today’s special?” “Only if you can keep your hands out of the evidence.”