Run: 2026-09-23-01M37J2D1MVNFKMZDM5CKSKVHY

At six o’clock, the bell above the door of Rosewood Bakery gave its familiar sleepy jingle. Mabel was sliding cinnamon buns into the oven when Theo arrived, carrying a paper bag and wearing yesterday’s coat. “You’re early for a bun.” “I’m late for a confession.” “That sounds expensive. Coffee?” Theo set the bag on the counter. Inside lay a silver cake server, its handle engraved with the mayor’s initials. “Where did you find that?” “In my greenhouse. Under a tray of seedlings.” “The mayor said it vanished during the harvest supper.” “He also said he’d never been in my greenhouse.” Mabel poured two coffees. Outside, the town square glimmered with last night’s rain. “Maybe someone wanted you blamed.” “That was my thought. Then I noticed this.” Theo turned the server over. A smear of blue icing clung to its edge. “Blue icing,” Mabel said. “I haven’t made any since the supper.” “Neither has anyone else in town.” She looked toward the display case. One cupcake sat beneath its glass dome, its blue frosting neatly flattened on one side. “That cupcake was delivered this morning.” “By whom?” The bell jingled again. Mabel slipped the cake server beneath the counter and reached for a fresh bun. “Coffee first,” she said. “Then we’ll ask.”