You picked up on the clues and unraveled the threads of this tangled mystery. From the scattered biscotti crumbs to the suspicious behavior of our suspects, every detail brought us closer to the truth. It was the jewelry receipt - hidden in plain sight - that finally gave Janet the breakthrough she needed, exposing the killer’s shocking motive and connection to Nathan’s tragic end.

Now, let’s see how it all unfolded...

Janet barely slept that night. The image of Nathan’s lifeless form in the alley haunted her, as did the faces of those who might have played a part in his death. By morning, her exhaustion had given way to clarity. A memory surfaced, sharp and undeniable.

It was Greta. Janet could see her clearly now, standing talking to Mia about the birthday gift she purchased for her daughter. She didn’t get a good look at it, but she watched as Greta had pulled a small square box from her purse to show Mia. There was no doubt in her mind that Greta was showing Mia a necklace with her daughter’s initials… just as was described on the receipt she found in the alley.

Janet’s chest tightened as the pieces fell into place. Greta’s visit hadn’t been about idle curiosity or a craving for pastries. Greta knew everything about everyone in town, and her motive became glaringly obvious. She wanted to destroy Janet’s bakery to make way for her own grand plans, a high-end restaurant she’d been whispering about to anyone who would listen. Nathan, who likely knew the truth, had become a threat. Greta, calculating as always, had decided to eliminate him and frame Janet for the crime.

Janet recalled the way Greta had lingered near the display case, asking pointed questions about the Golden Almond Crunch biscotti. Greta’s probing had felt uncomfortable at the time, but now it was clear. She’d been planning this all along. The crumbs near Nathan’s body, the planted note with Janet’s logo. It had all been Greta’s doing, a deliberate attempt to ruin Janet and take over her space.

***

Detective Callahan arrived later that morning, his notepad in hand. “Anything come to mind since we last spoke?” he asked.

Janet nodded, her heart pounding. “It turns out the receipt I found isn’t actually a dead end after all. It’s Greta,” she said, the words tumbling out. “She was here the day after Nathan died. She was careless and bragged to us about the gold necklace she had bought for her daughter’s birthday. I guess she must not have realized that she dropped the receipt for the gift in the alley outside our back door.”

She couldn’t finish the thought. Callahan’s expression darkened as he flipped his notepad shut.

“This aligns with other evidence we’ve uncovered,” he said, his voice low and steady. “If you’re right, Ms. Cutter, this might be exactly what we need to close in on Greta.”

Janet’s heart pounded. She wanted to ask what he meant, but the words caught in her throat. Callahan glanced toward the door.

“We’ll take it from here,” he said firmly, giving her a reassuring nod. “Stay alert. If anything else comes to mind, call me immediately.”

As he turned to leave, Janet stood frozen in the quiet bakery, the faint hum of the refrigerator the only sound. Her gaze drifted to the cooling tray of Golden Almond Crunch biscotti on the counter, the honey glaze glistening in the sunlight. They’d been a symbol of her success just days ago. Now, they felt like evidence in a case that could tear her world apart.

The door clicked shut behind Callahan, and Janet let out a shaky breath. She leaned against the counter, the weight of the realization settling in her chest. Greta had set her sights on Golden Crust, and Nathan had paid the ultimate price. But Janet wasn’t about to let Greta destroy everything she’d worked for.

Not without a fight.

Well done, Detective, you’ve cracked the case! Keep those sleuthing skills sharp - another mystery is heading your way soon. Watch your inbox for next month’s Cluesletter and your next chance to solve the crime!

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