Run: 2026-09-03-01M1KYKSXFEWYDQ04AEVW77K9E

Rain tapped the window of Maplewood Bakery, and the warm scent of yeast and butter wrapped around the quiet morning. The bell above the door chimed, and Deputy Hank ducked inside, shaking rain from his hat. Ellie looked up from the empty display case, her apron dusted with powdered sugar. "You look like somebody stole your cinnamon rolls." "Worse. Somebody stole the peach pie." He set his hat on the glass case. "The contest centerpiece?" She nodded, sliding a small envelope across the counter with a pair of tongs. "It was under the stand. Flour on the paper, same as at the old mill." He frowned. "‘Stay out of the judging, or the next pie bites back.’" "Exactly. The new miller asked about the recipe three times yesterday." He picked up the envelope carefully. "Any powdered sugar on the lock?" "No, but the back door was open a crack when I arrived." She met his gaze. "Then Mr. Ashworth just moved to the top of our list." "Save me a scone while you’re at it?" "Only if you keep the oven on, Hank. We’ll need coffee for this." Outside, the rain kept falling, but the kettle began to hum.