Run: 2026-09-03-01M1K5PGS9488360GNP9ZHK7E5

The bell over Honeycutt's Bakery jingled as rain tapped the lace-curtained windows. The scent of cinnamon and butter hung thick in the warm air, despite the nearly empty display case. Only one cherry scone remained, sitting alone under the glass like a piece of evidence. "I suppose you've heard about Mayor Finch?" "That he cancelled the pie contest? Or that he was last seen arguing with you over that very scone?" "Both. And neither makes me look particularly innocent." "Well, you did tell half the town you'd poison anyone who tried to steal your recipe." "That was a joke. A poor one, I admit. Especially now that his slice is missing and he's missing too." "You don't think someone...?" "I think someone took more than the last scone. The police found crumbs on his office floor this morning. Sugar glaze. Same pink tint as this one." "So whoever was here left in a hurry." "Or wanted us to think they did." The oven timer dinged, but neither moved to check it. The kitchen door was ajar, and a fine trail of flour dust led toward the back alley. Outside, a police cruiser rolled slowly past the window, wipers squeaking against the rain. "That scone wasn't for the mayor, was it?" "No. It was for whoever comes back to finish what they started."