Run: 2026-10-20-01M5C6CWENK50XBW8GEY0GQP2A

The bell above the bakery door chimed twice, letting in a gust of rain and the smell of wet leaves. Behind the glass case, cinnamon rolls sat in neat rows, still steaming. A crumpled order slip lay beside the register. “You’re telling me someone ordered forty lavender scones and paid in old buttons?” “Not just buttons. There was a note pinned underneath. ‘For the judge.’” “The judging isn’t until Saturday.” “Exactly. And my lavender syrup’s been moved twice since Tuesday.” A flour-dusted hand slid a chipped teacup across the counter. Outside, the town clock struck eight. “Maybe it’s a prank.” “Pranks don’t usually know my grandmother’s handwriting.” “Could be someone trying to get you disqualified before the contest.” “By button bribery?” “Stranger things have happened in this town.” The oven timer dinged. Somewhere in the back, a tray rattled. “Then we check the ledger. Every order, every button.” “And if the ledger’s missing a page?” “Then we bake another batch and see who confesses first.” “You’re enjoying this.” “I’m enjoying the scones. The mystery’s just buttercream.”