Chapter 30

THE SOURDOUGH SECRET

Alchemy Bakeries, Los Angeles, California, United States

When Gen reached out to King Rudolf, regarding his and Sherlock Holmes’ help, he told her to meet them at a magical bakery in Los Angeles. Apparently, the detective team was still investigating the string of murders happening at a chain of magical bakeries. The king of the fae said they were wrapping up the case and would help Gen with her own dilemma as soon as they were done.

As Gen stepped into the Alchemy Bakeries, she was immediately enveloped by the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked treats and the faint, shimmering glow oPf fairy dust. The air hummed with a gentle, melodic buzz as tiny, iridescent fairies flitted about. Beautifully, their delicate wings cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the walls.

The bakery itself was a marvel of whimsy and enchantment. The walls were adorned with intricate murals depicting scenes from fairy tales and mythical legends. Each one seemed to come alive as the fairies’ magic danced across their surfaces. Hanging from the ceiling were delicate, crystal chandeliers that twinkled with starlight, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the entire space.

At the center of the bakery stood a magnificent display case, its glass surface polished to a mirror-like sheen. Within its confines, a dazzling array of magical pastries and confections awaited, each one more tempting and fantastical than the last.

There were “Dragon’s Breath Danishes.” The sign next to them listed their name and magical property. Apparently, they made the person who ate them momentarily breathe fire. They had flaky crusts infused with cinnamon and topped with a shimmering, ruby-red glaze that seemed to flicker and dance like the flames of a dragon’s fiery exhalation. Beside them sat “Mermaid’s Melody Macarons,” which were delicate shells swirled with hues of turquoise and pearl, promising to make those who ate them swim faster.

Gen’s gaze was drawn to a tray of “Pixie’s Delight Petit Fours.” Each one was a miniature work of art adorned with edible flowers and dusted with a shimmering, silver powder that made them appear to levitate ever so slightly above the tray. The scent of honey and lavender wafted from their direction, a tantalizing hint of the magic that lay within.

Gen drew her attention to a group of fairies gathered around a large, copper mixing bowl behind the counter. Their tiny hands worked together to knead a shimmering, golden dough. They chattered and sang as they worked, their voices blending together in a harmonious symphony that filled the bakery with a sense of joy and wonder.

Other fairies flitted about the bakery, dusting the shelves with glittering, iridescent powders. They also arranged displays of “Enchanted Forest Cupcakes” adorned with delicate, sugar-spun flowers and miniature marzipan woodland creatures. The air was thick with the mingled scents of vanilla, caramel, and the faint, floral notes of fairy magic.

As Gen breathed in the heady, enchanting aroma, she felt a sense of warmth and comfort wash over her. For a moment the troubles of the outside world were forgotten. Here, in this haven of sweet delights and magical wonders, anything seemed possible, and the weight of the mysteries that lay ahead seemed a little less daunting.

But even as she lost herself in the charm and whimsy of the bakery, Gen couldn’t shake the feeling that something darker lurked beneath the surface, a shadow that threatened to engulf the sweetness and light. With a shiver of apprehension, she tore her gaze away from the mesmerizing display of pastries and steeled herself for the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that the road to the truth would be fraught with danger and deception.

“Don’t eat anything,” King Rudolf warned, appearing suddenly at her shoulder, nearly making Gen jump.

She turned to the fae who must have snuck up on her while she was lost in the mesmerizing lure of the magical bakery. Gen smiled at the handsome man who was dressed elegantly, per usual, in a lavender silk tunic and slacks. His blond hair was pushed back and his blue eyes sparkled with delight.

“Because it’s poisoned?” she asked, motioning to the delicious-looking treats. “That’s why you’re investigating, right? The baked goods are killing people?”

“They actually aren’t,” Sherlock Holmes said on the other side of Gen, having also appeared out of nowhere. She turned to find the great detective wearing his usual brown tweed suit and flat cap.

“Yeah, the pastries aren’t killing the patrons,” King Rudolf chimed in. “I was just saying not to eat them because they’ll make you fat.”

She scoffed. “I’m a magician. Calories fuel my magic.”

“Oh, I forgot,” King Rudolf said, waving dismissively. “I was mistaking you for a fairy for a moment. That poor race can really chunk up if they aren’t careful. And it doesn’t help that they all have sweet tooths.”

“What about fae?” Gen questioned. “Aren’t you a type of fairy?”

“We are, but we don’t have that problem because we drink all our calories,” Rudolf said, pulling out a silver flask and offering it to Gen.

She shook her head. “Maybe later. First, what’s going on here?”

“Well, the head bakers at several of the Alchemy Bakeries have dropped dead,” Rudolf explained, taking a sip from his flask.

“Just the head bakers?” Gen asked. “And just at Alchemy Bakeries?”

“That’s right,” Sherlock affirmed. “Yes, it’s a franchised company. Anyway, we recruited an expert to advise on this one, since magical baking has many nuances that we’re not privy to.”

The king nodded. “I know how to eat Have a Happier Birthday Cake, but I don’t know how to make it.”

“It’s the levain,” Lee from the Crying Cat Bakery declared, striding in from a door at the back of the bakery.

“The levain?” Rudolf asked. “What’s that? Or who? I once dated a Lavane. That woman was so vain, but that goes without saying with a name like that.”

“It’s the starter for the sourdough they make here,” Lee explained, pausing when she was in front of the others. “It’s probably what Alchemy Bakeries are best known for.”

“What’s magical about the bread?” Gen asked.

“It’s delicious,” Lee replied. “That’s it. Sometimes the magic is just in the flavor.”

“So who could be poisoning the levain?” Sherlock mused, combing his fingers over his chin. “And why does it only poison and kill the head bakers at each location?”

“I would say Alchemy Bakeries’ biggest competitor, Enchanted Ovens, but that’s unlikely,” Lee offered matter-of-factly. “However, the levain is closely guarded because the corporate office knows how much their rivals want to get their hands on it. Of course, Enchanted Ovens have superior ovens, as their name indicates, which they also closely guard the secrets of.”

“That’s interesting,” Sherlock said, thinking. “So the levain comes from the corporate office then?”

“Yes,” Lee answered. “And the reason that it only affects and kills the head bakers is that they make the loaves from the starter since it has to be so closely guarded. I’ve determined that it’s the levain itself that has the poison, so at first contact, they are infected with a slow-acting carcinogen. But once they mix it with the other bread ingredients, like salt, it nullifies the effects.”

“And therefore it doesn’t kill the patrons who eat it,” Gen guessed.

“Now, who would want to kill the head bakers at each location?” King Rudolf took another drink, offering the flask to Lee.

She declined, shrugging. “Beats me, but in the meantime, my business is slammed since everyone is afraid of Alchemy Bakeries and not patronizing the place. It’s really annoying. I’ve had to bake constantly. I just wish all the hungry people would leave me alone. Maybe I’ll murder them to grant me some peace.”

“I’d advise against that,” Sherlock said, looking intently at his assistant. “I think we need to pay a visit to Alchemy Bakeries’ corporate office. Something tells me that our killer is there.”

Rudolf sighed, taking a drink. “Okay, but I’m not acting all business-like just because we’re going to a professional place. They can have me drunk or they can’t have me at all.”