Run: 2026-09-25-01M3CKH9QMDKGW5N9KRRMMFVVM

The bell above the door jingled as the scent of cinnamon and warm bread wrapped around them. "Morning. The usual?" "Please. And maybe one of those new almond croissants—if they’re as good as the rumors say." "Rumors? In this town, everything’s a rumor until it’s a scandal." "True. Speaking of, did you hear about the flower show?" "Of course. Half the garden club’s in a tizzy. Someone swapped Mrs. Peabody’s prize roses with weeds overnight." "Sounds like the work of that mischievous cat of hers." "Or someone with a grudge. You know how competitive she gets." "Still, weeds? That’s just mean." "Maybe. Or maybe it’s justice. Remember last year when she ‘accidentally’ knocked over Mr. Holloway’s prize-winning pumpkins?" A laugh bubbled up. "You think he’s behind it?" "Wouldn’t put it past him. But if he is, he’s smarter than I gave him credit for." The croissant was slid across the counter, golden and flaky. "Well, if it’s him, I hope he at least left a note. A little mystery’s fun, but outright theft? That’s just rude." "Since when do thieves care about manners?"