Part twelve. Carla's Salmon with Diamonds
November 14, 2023 at 8:25 AM
Notes:
This also isn't about cooking, but mostly something from some shounen manga. But the things will still be interesting. At least I think so.
There is another guest star, the Fax, which I named Carla Forester.
The phone rings. Doi and Drake were sitting in the room, and the smaller boy noticed it. “Drake, someone's calling you,” he said. Drake replied, reading a detective novel, “Can you, please, answer… Ah, it's my phone, almost forgot.”
Drake got up from his armchair, and took the phone on the computer table. It was some unknown contact, but he answered it anyway. “Hello?” he said, still having a book on his free hand. And, there was the oddly familiar voice. The one he… didn't like.
“Hi, Mr. Peterson,” said the woman, her voice sounded almost American, but not as American as Robin's voice was. “It's me, I hope you know this charming woman and your secretary, tee hee!”
Drake growled in disappointment, knowing whose voice it was. He said, “Uhh, it's you. Carla goddamn Forester.” The woman giggled, her voice flirtatious, “Yes, my darling! But, you can call me just Carla. Or… why do I tell my boss, my dear Mr. Peterson, how should he call me?”
Drake immediately hung the phone, and looked at Doi. He spoke, his voice a bit intimidating, “Doi Soan, let's go see this weird woman.” Doi couldn't help but nod, and the two guys went to the kitchen.
And as they wanted to say something to this woman, they saw her… standing next to Robin… who was tied to the chair. “God effing dammit, Carla!” Drake almost roared. “Let Robin go, you psycho!”
Carla laughed in response, and Doi pressed himself closer to Drake from a little startle. “Oh,” Carla said, “you want your duck free, huh? Fine, but first… have this! Your favorite, salmon with diamonds!”
Indeed, there was the plate with salmon and diamonds on its top on the table. Doi was fascinated by the view of those shining stones, but Drake was even more disappointed.
“You're the complete dumbass, aren't you?” he hissed. “You… you wanna leave me with no teeth, huh!? Are you… you…” Then, he waved his hand at her, “Ah, screw you, I didn't come up with a good sentence.”
Drake's anger was evident as he confronted Carla and demanded the release of Robin. With Doi standing close by, Drake couldn't contain his frustration at Carla's actions. He glanced at the plate of salmon with diamonds on the table, but his focus remained on Carla.
“Do you think you can intimidate me with your little tricks?” Drake seethed, his voice laced with disdain. “Leaving me toothless won't stop me from taking you down, Carla. You underestimate my determination.”
Carla smirked, seemingly enjoying the power she held over Drake. “Oh, darling, it's not about intimidation,” she taunted. “It's about putting you in your place. And as for Robin, well, let's just say he's become quite an interesting pawn.”
Drake's jaw clenched, his eyes locked onto Robin, who struggled against his restraints. He took a deep breath, trying to maintain control. “Release Robin immediately,” he demanded through gritted teeth. “This is between you and me. Don't involve innocent people in your petty schemes.”
Carla's laughter echoed through the room, unsettling everyone present. “Innocent people? Mr. Peterson, my dear, innocence is just an illusion.” There, Drake nearly snapped, “Shut your face! How many times do I need to tell you? I'm not Peterson, I'm Harris! Drake Harris! Too difficult to remember, or what!?”
Doi then looked up at Drake, his green eyes stared straight at his friend. “Calm down, please,” he said softly. “If this woman would release Robin after you eat this, then have a little try.”
Drake gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. But then, he sighed, knowing that he may have no other choice. “Fine, I'll eat your stuff,” he said, rolling his eyes, sitting at the table. “But after dining, release Robin, immediately! And I don't want to listen to lame excuses.”
Carla smirked triumphantly as Drake reluctantly sat down at the table. She slowly untied Robin, keeping a close eye on both of them. Robin, though visibly shaken, maintained a calm composure as he was freed from his restraints.
Drake glared at Carla, his frustration evident in his gaze. He picked up the fork and reluctantly took a small bite of the salmon. As he chewed, his mind raced, contemplating his next move.
Doi watched the tense situation unfold, concern written across his face. He knew Drake was putting himself in a vulnerable position, but he also understood the importance of rescuing Robin. He silently stood by, ready to support his friend in whatever way he could.
Carla leaned against a nearby wall, a wicked grin playing on her lips. “Enjoying your meal, darling?” she taunted, her eyes fixed on Drake. “Remember, every bite brings you closer to saving your precious Robin.”
Drake swallowed the morsel of salmon, his jaw clenching with each passing second. “No doubts, the salmon's actually delicious,” he said. “But first, why did you place diamonds here? And second… what's that?”
He pointed at the piece of paper under the salmon. Doi came near, being curious, “Hmm, maybe it's a letter. Take it and read it aloud, would you?” Then Drake forked the salmon with a fork, took the sheet, put it on a napkin so as not to stain the table, and read aloud what was written there.
“So,” Drake began, “it says… «When I see your mustache…» But I don't have any. «something twitches in my pan—» Say what!?” The last word made his eyes widen in shock, while Carla giggled, “Ooh, how naughty I am.”
Drake's face turned red with a mix of embarrassment and anger. He crumpled up the piece of paper and threw it across the room. “Cut your games, Carla!” he snapped. “Stop with your childish games and tell me what you want.”
Carla's laughter filled the room once again. “Oh, Mr. Peterson, you're always so serious. Where's your sense of humor?” she taunted. “But don't worry, I'll get straight to the point. I'll get rid of this green-feathered bastard, and we'll be together forever. And this ugly duckling won't be my nuisance!”
Drake punched the table, making everyone startle. He snapped, “Stop telling me that Robin is my boyfriend! We're friends, nothing more. Well, if he would become one, he would never be as annoying and psychopathic as you are!”
He immediately got up, and pushed Carla away from Robin. “And last, but not least. All of your personality and character depth went into your fat effing breasts, so shut the hell up, you seductive phone gal!!!” With these words, he untied Robin, letting him free.
As Robin regained his freedom, he stood up and took a moment to compose himself. He looked at Carla with a mixture of anger and determination in his eyes. “Carla, your delusions are getting out of control,” he said firmly. “I've known Drake for years, and he's more than just a friend to me. But that doesn't mean I condone your actions or want any part in your twisted plans.”
Carla's smirk faltered for a moment, but then she regained her composure. “Oh, Robin, darling, you'll come around eventually,” she said with false sweetness. “But for now, I'll let you go. Mr. Peterson's little outburst just made me realize it's time for a new plan.”
Drake clenched his fists, ready to confront Carla once again. “There won't be a new plan, Carla,” he said, his voice filled with determination. “We're putting an end to your games right now.”
Carla laughed out loud, “Oh ho ho ho, and what'd ya do to me, huh!? Hit me in my face!? C'mon, do it, Mr. Peterson!” Doi gasped in shock, Robin's green little tail covered in feathers was shaking in uneasiness.
But Drake just smirked, his confident grin visible through his long red hair. “Not that,” he spoke. “I perfectly understand that a self-respecting representative of the stronger gender will not raise a hand against the fair gender. But, I can do the following!”
He then took this sheet of paper, tore it into the bleventeen tiny pieces, and sprinkled it on the diamond salmon. Robin grinned confidently as well, and Doi just went away not to interrupt them.
Drake's actions surprised Carla, who watched with a mix of confusion and curiosity. She had anticipated a physical confrontation, but Drake's calculated move left her puzzled. As the torn pieces of paper fell onto the salmon, Drake gave a sly smile.
“You see,” Drake began, his voice dripping with smugness, “I just nullified whatever twisted plan you had hidden in that message. No more mind games, Carla.”
Carla narrowed her eyes, her confidence faltering. “You think you can outsmart me, you mop-headed asshole? I'm always two steps ahead.”
Drake chuckled, his eyes burning with determination. “Oh, trust me, Carla. I've dealt with people like you before. I'm not one to be easily manipulated. And this little display of yours… it ends now.”
With a sudden burst of energy, Drake lunged forward, knocking the diamond salmon off the table and sending it crashing to the floor. The diamonds scattered across the room, glimmering as they hit the ground.
Carla gasped, her gaze shifting from the broken plate to Drake. She realized that her control over the situation was slipping away. Robin stood beside Drake, a silent pillar of support, his expression unwavering.
“Go away,” Robin demanded. “Go away, and never get back here!” Carla groaned at the two, and went away from the house. At that time, Doi came back, looking at what happened in the kitchen.
“We made it through,” Drake said, his voice filled with gratitude. “Thanks to each other.” Robin nodded, a sense of camaraderie shining in his eyes. “We're a team, Drake. And together, we can overcome anything.”
Doi chimed in, his voice filled with warmth. “Friends stick together through thick and thin. We've proven that today.” Then, he looked down at the plate with the salmon on the floor, with a slight frown on his face.
Drake could feel what Doi was feeling, so he tousled his short messy blue hair. “No need to worry, Doi. I'll make some, tomorrow.” Then, he also called Robin over, “But now, can you two help me to clean up the kitchen?”
Drake, Robin, and Doi worked together to clean up the mess in the kitchen. They picked up all the scattered diamonds and discarded pieces of salmon, making sure to leave no trace of Carla's presence behind. As the final touch, they wiped down the table and swept the floor.
As they worked side by side, laughter and determination filling the room, Drake, Robin, and Doi knew that they had faced a challenge together and emerged stronger than ever. And with that knowledge, they were ready to face whatever came their way, knowing that their friendship would guide them through.