Run: 2026-09-03-01M1K5AQ70NMWE4VDKS091JBH7

The bell above Sugar & Spice jingled, letting in a gust of October air and the smell of fallen leaves. The glass case still held three pumpkin scones, though one was crumbling at the edges. "You're late. The crullers are gone." "I was detained. Mrs. Finch's cat found another clue." "A cat? Please." "It knocked over the flour bin at the crime scene. There were footprints underneath. Small. Like a woman's baking clogs." "You think the killer bakes?" "Everyone in Maple Hollow bakes. But only one person uses that much cinnamon." "The mayor?" "Her snickerdoodles could stop a heart. And the victim was set to expose her pie contest cheating." "So you're saying the murder weapon was..." "A rolling pin? No. Poison. In the apple tartlet. The one left untouched on the counter." "Then why is there a fresh tartlet in your box?" "Because I'm going to get it tested. Try not to eat the evidence this time." The bakery timer dinged, sharp and sweet. "Is that..." "My alibi. I was here all morning, baking." Outside, the town square was empty except for the sheriff's car parked crooked by the fountain, its lights off.