Run: 2026-09-23-01M36P18QHT1BH5EJ2RRXWXRZ6

Rain tapped the windows of Honeycomb Bakery, blurring the town square into watercolor. Mara slid a tray of cinnamon twists from the oven as the bell above the door jingled. “You’re baking at midnight again.” “Only because someone left a wet umbrella in the flour bin.” “I left it by the door.” “Then someone moved it.” A gust of cold air followed him in. Deputy Ellis held up a paper bag, its bottom dark with rain. “Found this behind the library. Thought you might recognize the ribbon.” Mara wiped her hands on her apron. The blue satin bow was unmistakable; she’d tied it around the lemon cake she’d delivered to the Historical Society that afternoon. “Mrs. Bell’s cake. She was serving it at the committee meeting.” “And now she’s missing.” The timer chimed. Mara pulled out the twists, their sugary scent filling the shop. “People don’t vanish over cake.” “Not usually.” “Did you check the meeting room?” “Locked. And there was a slice missing.” Mara stared at the ribbon. “Mrs. Bell hates lemon.” Ellis lowered his voice. “You think someone brought the wrong cake?” “I think someone wanted us looking at the cake instead of what was underneath it.” From the bag came a soft, unmistakable clink. Mara reached for the scissors. “Well, let’s see what our baker’s special has to say.”