Run: 2026-09-03-01M1K9MWBV2ZZPVDZ4213EFDTH

The bell above the door chimed, and the scent of cinnamon wrapped around the visitor like a familiar hug. Behind the counter, a flour-dusted apron wiped its hands on a towel. "Morning, Nora. The usual?" "Please. And a sticky bun, if they're fresh." "They're always fresh. You know that." A paper bag crinkled, then the soft thump of a pastry landing inside. "But I saw something odd when I came in at four." "Oh?" The word hung in the air, sharper than intended. "Lights on in the back office. Old Man Higgins's office. He's been dead three months." A pause. The cash register drawer slid open with a metallic ring. "Maybe his daughter forgot to turn them off." "Maybe. But the blinds were shut, and there was a shadow moving. Slow, like it was searching." The bag rustled again. "You're telling me this because?" "Because you're the one who found him. And because the shadow was wearing your red coat." The bell chimed again, but no one entered. The sticky bun sat on the counter, untouched.