Run: 2026-10-09-01M4FXJ31V2RRTVD1T9AAJNBRZ

"You're late," Marjorie said, not looking up from the sourdough she was scoring. "The bread was already rising when I got here. Someone beat me to the ovens." "Someone always does. That's the trouble with Millbrook. Everyone's up before the roosters." "Did you see who?" "Only the flour on the back step. Little boot prints, size of a child's, or a very neat cat." "Could it have been Hal? He's been sneaking in for day-old rolls since spring." "Hal wouldn't dare. He knows I keep the rolling pin by the door." "Then who's been leaving the back door unlatched?" "That's what I'd like to know. The cash drawer's been short three mornings running, and I'm not the sort to blame a cat." "Maybe we should check the lock before the first customers arrive." "Already did. The bolt's been filed clean through." A bell jingled at the front. Neither of them moved. "Well," the first voice said at last, reaching for an apron, "I suppose we'd better open up and act natural."