Run: 2026-09-03-01M1KC9E55HVW17TX458FWMS8W

The bell above Sweet Thyme Bakery jingled, then the door sighed shut, sealing in the warm scent of cinnamon and yeast. “You’re late. And you missed the health inspector.” “Was that before or after he tried the maple scones?” “Before. Which is why he’s still alive.” A whisk paused in a ceramic bowl. “That’s not funny, Doris.” “Neither is finding rat poison in your flour bin.” “It wasn’t in my flour bin. It was tucked behind the vanilla extract, like someone wanted me to knock it in while I measured.” “Who’s been in the back room this week?” “Half the town. Edna came by for day-old bread. Pastor Mike picked up the communion rolls. And Gerald stopped in to fix the oven gasket.” A long silence settled over the cooling racks. “Gerald.” “He did ask for my sourdough starter recipe.” “And you said no.” “I said I’d think about it. You know how competitive the apple-pie contest gets.” The bell jangled again. “We’re not open yet.” Heavy footsteps crossed the worn pine floor and paused at the counter. “Morning, ladies. Smells like almond extract in here. Hope nobody’s baking anything... unfortunate.” “Gerald, did you leave anything behind yesterday?” “Just my reading glasses.” “Under the vanilla?” “Could be.”