Arsenic and Adobo (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery, #1)

by Mia P. Manansala

He stared at Derek, facedown in our chipped ceramic bowl, with an odd mix of horror and some other emotion I couldn’t quite place.

He did it

I don’t know if you’ve ever been stared down by an elderly Asian woman, but It. Is. Terrifying. Don’t be fooled by the cute florals and jaunty visors—these women will end you, wielding nothing but their sharp tongues, bony elbows, and collapsible shopping carts.

so Mr. Long suggested Derek stick to his own food.

mmhmm

And for all Mr. Long’s complaints, why wasn’t he the first at Derek’s side to try and help him?”

yup

But what was the motive? And why at our restaurant?

He wants the family out of his building, this will make it easier to kick them out. He doesn't like his step-son / wants whatever inheritance his mom would leave him. Everyone knows about the beef between Derek and Lila, and Derek's mean comments about the rest. easy-peasy.

I wonder if Derek was purposely writing bad reviews to sic the health inspector on these restaurants and then taking a cut of the fees the inspector charged them.