The Reservation Nobody Made

[SFX: Keypad tones. Voicemail beep]

NARRATOR: Vesper's booking system had created a phantom cancellation at seat twelve. The call came from Pike's office, but his assistant denied making it. In the background of the recording, Bea heard Vesper's kitchen bell.

BEA HOLT: The call was placed from inside the restaurant using a recording of Pike's office greeting.

TOMAS GREY: Anyone can ring a bell.

MINA ROSE: Not that bell. Luca cracked it in service. It has two notes.

[SFX: Service bell. Service bell]

NARRATOR: The phantom call was made during afternoon prep. Luca was filming upstairs. Mina was tempering chocolate on camera. Ellen met accountants. Tomas claimed to be receiving wine alone.

CHEF LUCA VENN: Our sommelier arranged the seat.

TOMAS GREY: Arranging seats is my job. Murder remains extracurricular.

NARRATOR: Bea found Pike's inspection notes hidden in a hollow wine atlas. They documented counterfeit vintages sold through Vesper. Tomas's cellar credentials authenticated them. Ellen's accounts received the profit.

ELLEN WARD: I believed the bottles were legitimate.

BEA HOLT: At these prices, belief should come with paperwork.