FOR a second Orlanda was stunned, of course she had anticipated some level of scrutiny, but this was a new low, not to this extent.

She looked at him with a mixture of frustration and defiance.

“Okay I have tasted everything now, Mr. Oswald. The food is perfectly safe.”

Oswald’s expression didn’t soften.

“I have already begun eating as you can see, now you may leave,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Orlanda nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over her as she turned to leave. As she walked out of the dining room and into the kitchen, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of...