Mise en Place

[SFX: Kitchen fan. Knife chopping]

NARRATOR: Pike had reserved under a false name, but Ellen recognized him at the door and assigned the last open seat. Tomas set wine, Mina placed dessert cards, and Luca changed the menu twice while shouting that improvisation was leadership.

CHEF LUCA VENN: Pike threatened to close us over a ventilation permit.

ELLEN WARD: He found more than ventilation. Our investor accounts are under review.

BEA HOLT: Motives are abundant. I need delivery.

NARRATOR: The oily square on the napkin contained apricot-kernel extract mixed with skin solvent. Pike absorbed cyanide through a cut on his hand. The numbered napkin came from a private dining set stored in Ellen's office.

ELLEN WARD: I used those linens at a charity lunch. Tomas manages storage.

TOMAS GREY: Mina borrows them for sugar work.

MINA ROSE: Luca wipes truffle oil on anything white when cameras arrive.

[SFX: Receipt printer. Service bell]

NARRATOR: The service ticket for seat twelve printed at eight forty-seven, four minutes before Pike entered. Someone knew where the unannounced inspector would sit.