Run: 2026-09-23-01M36NNNCR5H817A9GHTYG1JFA

The bell above the bakery door gave a nervous little jingle as rain swept in from Main Street. On the counter, beside a cooling tray of lemon buns, lay a silver cuff link dusted with flour. “Not one of ours.” Mara set down her mixing bowl. “Unless the dough has developed excellent taste.” Theo leaned over the counter, careful not to touch the cuff link. His other cuff was fastened with a plain wooden button. “Mr. Bell wore silver ones at the town council meeting.” “He also accused you of stealing his prize-winning sourdough starter.” “He accused everyone. The starter was in his own pantry.” A gust rattled the front window. Across the street, the clock tower struck three, though it was only half past two. Mara glanced up. “That clock’s been wrong all week.” “Maybe it’s trying to give someone an alibi.” She looked at him. He nodded toward the floury cuff link, where a tiny blue thread clung to the hinge. “Bell’s coat was blue,” she said. “And he left through the back door after the meeting.” Mara lifted the tray and slid the buns into the display case. “Then whoever dropped this came in after him.” The bell jingled again. A woman in a yellow rain hat entered, carrying a paper bag from the hardware shop. Theo’s smile disappeared. “Do you know her?” “Only that she buys twine every Tuesday.” “Today’s Thursday.” Mara reached for the cuff link. “Then I think we’d better ask what she’s tying up.”