Summary

Madame Verdun told Hassan that she was furious .at Paul. She concluded that he had committed suicide. Paul left no note – only a will that he had updated several years before. It was her contention that the inspectors from Le Guide Michelin and Gault Millau had killed him. They treated Paul harshly and had blood on their hands. They were going to reduce Paul to two stars. She held them personally responsible for Paul’s death. She was concerned that she would not get Paul’s life insurance pay out if his death were to be deemed a suicide.

Madame Verdun had invited Hassan over. In Paul’s final wishes contained in his will, he wanted the most talented chef in France to “send him home.” Paul thought that that person was Hassan. She therefore asked him to oversee Paul’s memorial dinner. Hassan...