Run: 2026-09-03-01M1KRH2NT99QASJP426JJSCM8

The bell over the door at Hearth & Crumb jingled as rain tapped the windows. “Smells like cinnamon and trouble this morning.” “Only cinnamon. Trouble is on sale at the register, regular price.” The bell jingled again and a tray of blueberry scones came out of the oven, steam curling up to the flour-dusted beams. “Did you see Mrs. Alderman this morning?” “She was here at six. Ordered her usual rye, paid with exact change, and left a tip for the cat.” “Her cat’s been missing three days.” “Not the cat. The tip. She always leaves a quarter for Milo. Today she left a fifty.” A timer dinged. Flour puffed from a rolling pin. “Someone’s trying to buy something.” “Someone’s trying to buy silence. She was asking about the ledger last week. Asked if you keep the old recipes in the back.” “I keep the old recipes in my head.” “Then why’s the back door unlocked?” “It’s always unlocked. For deliveries.” “It’s always locked. You locked it yourself yesterday when you chased that raccoon out of the bins.” The bell jingled again, but no one came in.