Feeding the Beast - Ariel's Short Story from Wolf

For Bill~

From the journal of Ariel F. Cross - 

     Under the advice of Archer, I have decided to start a journal about the daily life I lead in this house.  After some time, I only wrote recipes I had learned from Wolf while he was teaching me, but after this recent incident, I have decided to give it a try and write out a day.

     It's been a couple of months since I had started work for Julius Wolf.  After a few bumps on the road, I have gotten use to his schedule and mannerisms.  However, through my years of working on the force, I have been attacked by drug addicts, hunted by a mass murder, almost killed when my house caught on fire, and even had to quit my job as a police investigator to work for a possible murderer who is now house arrested a very abrasive know-it-all who can drive me crazy most days.  Nice cover there.

     But even after all of that, nothing was as terrifying as the look Wolf gave me when I asked him to skip lunch. 

     "You want me to do what?" Wolf asked me.

     If you have never seen Wolf before, let me describe why he frightened me a bit.  He is a tall six foot five large male with the built of bear.  Archer says jokingly to me that he is more than a seventh of a ton in weight, but I don't know how much of that weight is from fat or muscle.  Wolf also always has a dark look about him, even when he smiled, which wasn't often.  Nice wording, I may use that for later.

     He came into the kitchen one morning to have a piece of buttered sourdough bread with some cinnamon (with a hint of sugar and nutmeg, his secret) and a glass of orange juice (no pulp).  He was dressed casual, with a pale yellow green shirt that seemed big for even him and some loose jeans.  On his right ankle, above his bare feet, was a black box with a dim blinking red light.  

     I repeated, "Can you skip lunch today?  I'm planning an early big dinner tonight for us and it's going to need some prep time for a couple of hours."

     Wolf took a large bite out of his toast and chewed silently for a bit as he looked at me.  It was that kind of look that felt like he was judging me for something.  Isn't that the worst?

    And then Archer came into the kitchen, opened the fridge and grabbed the milk. 

    Archer, for lack of a better term, is a show off.  He is a ladies man with a smooth attitude who flirts with any woman that has a pulse and a pair larger than an A cup.  I have been told by multiple women that he is handsome, but I don't see it.  Yeah right.  Mostly because of two reasons: his attitude is just as bad as Wolf's, and that his face is so heavily pierced which makes him look like some dumb street thug.  Aw, I knew that you had an eye on me.  Kind of hurt that you didn't mention my great body or that you are madly in love with me, but we'll come to that another day.  

     He grabbed and poured himself a large glass of milk without even looking at either of us.  Archer, or as he is mostly known as Hawk ( from what I gather being either his military history or whatever connection he has with Wolf ), was able to put the milk back in the fridge and then gulp down the whole glass before even realizing that we where even in the same room.  Oh so we're now calling me Hawk are we?  I prefer that than your usual Mr. Archer you keep calling me with. He saluted jokingly and said, "Morning." 

     Wolf didn’t reply back as he was still staring at me. 

     Hawk took one look between us and asked, “Did I miss something?”

     Wolf finally stopped staring and turned to Hawk.  “Nothing of concern.  I’ve got a job for you today.”

     “Sweet!  Means I can get paid this week,” Hawk stated jokingly.

     Wolf gave a nasty sneer, as if he wasn’t pleased at that joke. Or because he was in a fowl mood from you forcing him to diet again.  He turned to Hawk and said, “I’ll need you to clean up your face.”

     “Proper?”

     “Incognito.  You’ll need to blend into a crowd.”

     Hawk sighed, “Oh great.  Means I got to follow someone.”  As soon as Hawk took his glass and walked away, Wolf turned his attention back to me.

     “Ms. Cross, what do I pay you for?”

     I held back the desire to say for him to torture me on how I did everything wrong, but instead went with, “To clean the house and cook your meals, Mr. Wolf?”

     “Precisely.  And what meals does that include in your job request?"
     "Lunch and dinner."
     "Pray then, what am I to pay you for if you skip one of your job duties?"

     “Well I could skip cleaning the house today, if you would prefer?” 

     Wolf took a deep breath and closed his eyes like he was having a headache.  After a few moments he opened his eyes and said, “I accept.”

     I was taken back and left speechless for a moment.  I had expected a big outburst or us to argue a bit longer, but he had given up almost without a fight.  I had to ask, “What?”

     “I accept skipping lunch.  But you have to tell me what you are making for me to go through this.”

     “I’m making Pepper Steak with creamed corn and potatoes with the choice of a salad.”

     Wolf raised an eyebrow as both an indication that he was interested and confused.  “Sounds promising, but that doesn’t seem like something that would take all day to prepare.” 

     I replied with, “The corn by itself is going to take at least four hours to slow cook the flavor.”

     Wolf scoffed, “You know, my grandfather said that people who boil corn on the cob are turning a superb treat into a mere provender and that they themselves should be boiled in water.  He swore to his last days that corn should be roasted still in the husk inside the hottest oven for less then an hour and then shucked at the table with butter and salt.”

     I looked at him with held aggression.  “Yeah, I'm not cleaning that mess, so I'm making my mother's cream corn with the crock pot.  No boiling or shucking necessary.”  

     "Your not going to..." Wolf started to say.

     But I answered, "It'll be lactose free."   Unlike Hawk, Wolf had digestive problems when it came to dairy products.  I had spent the first few months learning from him what I could use to make substitutes for any meals with cream in it.  For awhile I had to make two batches of the food I would prepare because Hawk wouldn't touch anything without real cream in it, but I have recently gotten it to where he can't even realize most of the time. I KNEW IT!  I knew they tasted funny... good funny, but it's the principle of the matter!

      Wolf gave me another look before he asked, “Buttered steak on a pan?”

     “Marinated and then cooked on wood chips.”

     He seemed pleased with that, or at least in a better mood. “What kind of marinade?  Fruit?  Wine?   Beer?”

     “Actually I was thinking soda.”

     Wolf gave a horrified look.  “What?”

     “I’m using a recipe that uses a dark soda marinade.  Of course I will mix some peppercorn, soy sauce, and lime juice, then let them soak for some time before I cook them.  But I need time and…”
     “Alright, alright.  At least tell me I can have my potatoes…”

     “Baked with butter and topped with just salt and pepper.”  I replied from habit.  However, I made the mistake by finishing it with, “But…”

     Wolf slammed his fist on the counter and yelled, “NO.”  The kitchen seemed to start shaking as he bellowed, “I’VE ACCEPTED SKIPPING LUNCH, I’LL LOOK PASS NOT MAKING CORN RIGHT, AND I’LL EVEN TRY AND TASTE YOUR COKED UP MEAT, BUT I’LL BE DAMNED IF YOU TRY AND PUSH TOPPINGS ON MY POTATOES!!” 

     When Wolf stopped, he started to breathe heavy like a dog that just finished running all over that yard chasing a squirrel.  Most people would either yell back or cower, but I had learned from meeting Wolf, that neither of those are the correct way of handling him.  That coming from the girl who tried to have a shouting match with him after the first week.

     “Dr. Pepper.”  Was my response.

     Wolf’s breathing slowed.

     “It’s Dr. Pepper, not Coke.  I find it sweeter and mixes better with the other sauces.”

     Wolf breathing returned to normal, and he closed his eyes again as if to regain his composure.  Without opening them, he asked, “Caesar salad?”

     “Of course.”

     Wolf sighed, grabbed his last piece of toast, and walked out without saying another word.

     I braced the counter, feeling exhausted just from that encounter, when I heard from behind me, “Well, that went well.”  I turned to see Hawk, clean faced and in normal attire.   I truthfully prefer it when he doesn’t have his piercings in, but I wouldn't want him to know that.  Which is why you and Wolf constantly tell me every week that I look like a pin cushion when I have them on.  They help with the job, as much as you two hate them.

     "I'm planning on doing dinner a little early, around five or so.  Will you be home in time?"
     Hawk shrugged.  "Depends on the job, why don't you take a look through the painting and see."
     As Hawk headed to the main office, I followed and ---- ---- -- --- ------ ----. - ------ -- -- --- ---- - ---- ------- --- --- ---- ---- ---- --- -- -------.  Hmm, I see you blocked this part out, smart move.

     Wolf gave Hawk a folder with pictures in it and explained some things, but I couldn't hear it very well.  But I think it was something like this-

     Wolf got an employer via phone and e-mail involving an investigation for an affair.  Wolf usually doesn't take these jobs unless someone pays a lot of money upfront, and judging from his attitude, Wolf got payed and was promised a lot more if he came through.
     The client's name was John Stromer.  No it wasn't.  He wanted proof that his wife, Nicole Stromer, was cheating on him or find some proof to use for a divorce procedure.  That isn't her name either.  Wolf had figured that money was involved and that John wanted a reason to divorce Nicole so she wouldn't get any money or something.  Really professional there, kid.  A+.
     Wolf asked Hawk if he needed any help he could call Eric or Peter, both who were part of his Chain Link, but Hawk declined and head out by himself.

     The rest of the day was spent with quiet work.  As usual, Wolf spent his mornings watering and trimming his roses while I prepped the food and cleaned house. 

     I knew the corn was going to take the longest setting up, so I got the cobs of sweet corn and started to shave off the kernels.  I cleaned the crock pot and the spread half a stick of vegan butter all over the sides and bottom inside.  I put the shucked corn, and instead of cream, I used flour and almond milk, with dashes of brown sugar, salt, and pepper.  I mixed them all in and started the pot on warm.

     Am I reading a cook book?

     The marinade for the ribeyes I had already made the previous day, as it could be used also as a glaze for cooking the meat as well.  It included, of course-

1 liter Dr. Pepper cola (not diet!)
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup Worcestershire sauce
5 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon peppercorn (I like to grind it fresh)

1 tablespoon of garlic salt (you can also use regular salt and garlic cloves, but Wolf hates cloves unless it's in a roast)

 

     Dear God, I am reading a cook book.

     The last were the potatoes.  As I wrote before, Wolf likes his plain, but Hawk and myself like it topped, Hawk with cheese and bacon, and myself with chives and sour cream.  I usually peel and cut out the rough knots out of each decent sized potato (the biggest one saved for Wolf) and wrap them up to cook for later. 
     You know, you could just write a cook book, instead of pretending to write a diary.

     Around noon, I was halfway cooking the corn and letting the marinade set in the meat, and had just started cleaning the rest of the house.  Around this time, Wolf is usually hovering around the dining table waiting for me to serve lunch, but this time he was no-where to be seen.  I suspected him to go into the kitchen to try and grab something, but while I was vacuuming the hallways, I saw him in his counting office.
     Most days usually consists of the same things, which is him eating, exercise, reading, and his coins.  Wolf gets bags from friends and acquaintances of different coins and he spends time going through the bags to see if he can find a new coin for his collection or an old one to make a completed set.  I tried to follow him explaining the difference between D, P, and S once, but it's just not for me.  It's a simple thing that keeps him quiet for a few hours without being disturbed.
     However, that day was one of the few days I didn't see him count.  He just sat in his chair with his eyes closed, as if he was meditating on something.  When I came by and saw him, he opened his eyes and, without a word, got up and walked down the hall and into the Forbidden Hall.
     I guess I'll briefly mention this, but the house is... it doesn't have a happy story.  It belonged to Wolf's real father and mother, who were murdered here a long time ago.  The area that the crime took place is the only place I'm not allowed in, which is called the Forbidden Hall by Hawk and Wolf.  I'm told it hasn't been clean since the murders happened, but I doubt that.  Hawk told me once that it was Wolf's first unsolved case that is still plaguing him to this day, the reason he became a detective and worked for the police force (as well as his grandfather pushing him to be a world class chef and him being stubborn).  His house arrest for a crime I'm still not sure of, is more of a punishment for him here than prison.  Every few weeks, whether it will be because of a difficult case or because he needs some time alone, he'll go into the Hall, and won't come out to anything for at least a few hours.
     Oh shit... he must have been pissed.  But over lunch?
     After that, I didn't see him again until late.   

     After I finished cleaning, I went back to the kitchen to start cooking for dinner.  But as I did, a great sense of guilt washed over me.
     Through my months here, Wolf had taught me many thing involving food.  I learned how to make fried shrimp (with a hint of nutmeg), steam broccoli with white wine (even though Wolf hates wine), pork stewed in beer (which tasted amazing!), and learned who to cook biscuits from scratch (and lard).  
     Again, COOK BOOK.
     But this was the first time I tried forcing him to go against his usual schedule.  I knew why, but maybe I should have told him the full reason in the beginning and have saved myself the embarrassment later. 
     Wait, you didn’t notice it?  You left a major clue...  Your detective skills need some more work, girl.
     But... I'm getting ahead of myself.  ???

     Wolf appeared again about thirty minutes before five.  I was just about to start cooking the potatoes and the grill had just come to a nice burn.  He didn't say anything, no apology or complaints, and just watched me for a bit before heading to the table and sitting himself down, looking at the clock and waiting for it to strike five.
      Another thing I have learned about Wolf is his need to be punctual.  In fact, my working schedule is made for specific time calendar, unless a case is involved.  Most people would be driven mad at this, but it reminded me a lot of the time I spent with my military family.  Not to mention, there is some self satisfaction getting food prepared just right on dot that makes it almost worthwhile to work here.   Yeah, but then...
     However, that was proven to be challenging that night, as Hawk busted through the front door in a rush and a busted lip.  He went straight to Wolf and said.  "We need to talk, now."
     Wolf looked concerned, but he didn't move. "You alright?  What happened?"
     "I'll explain in the office, let's move."
     Wolf motioned him down, "Just sit here and explain, it's almost dinner."
     Hawk leaned forward with annoyed eyes.  "No, I know how you get when dinner is near and I know the rule about working when food is around, well I'm not going to wait for this if Ariel finishes dinner soon cause then you will be useless to me and then I'll get really really upset." 

     Wolf still motion him down, "Have you eaten today, can Ariel get you a glass of milk or some crackers while you wait, it's almost finished..."
     Hawk slammed his hand down, "No I can't wait!" he yelled.  "And I wouldn't dare sully the taste of milk with my blood all in my mouth, which is why I need to..."  Yeah, I shouldn't have yelled... I should know better.
    Wolf got up and yelled back, winning the shouting match instantly with his loud bellow,  "CONFOUND IT, ARCHY!  SIT DOWN.  YOU'RE HURT, YOU'RE TIRED, AND YOU'RE ANGRY, STORMING AROUND ISN'T GOING TO SOLVE ANYTHING.  ARIEL CAN BRING WATER IF NEED BE BUT CALM DOWN AND TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED RIGHT NOW!"
     Hawk paused for a moment, and as the dust was settling from the yell, he took a seat from the other side of the table.  In a few moments, I brought out a glass of ice water and watched as Hawk took a sip and placed the cold glass against his face.  That did feel good.

     Wolf motioned me to go finish the meal I was prepping, but as I was finishing the steaks, I could hear Hawk explain.
      "So that lady you told me to follow has a pretty busy schedule that goes all over the city, you know.  There I was following her from place to place trying to take any pictures that seemed out of the ordinary.  Nothing happened, and I had to act like some sort of artist hipster and take some pictures of a wall and street to get people to stop looking at me."
      Wolf paused, "Why didn't you go in a car or building next door?"
      "She kept walking everywhere, which was unusual because it was at least a few streets around the city she kept going to.  But as I was heading up on her, I noticed her ducking into an alley.  I thought at first I blew my cover and she was running, but when I tried to catch up to her, some guy grabbed me tried punching to the ground."
     Wolf nodded, "A friend or lover I presume?  Did you get hurt?"
     "Hardly.  He only hurt my pride, cause he didn't give me this." he pointed to his lip.  "I knocked the guy down, but before I could ask him what his deal was, I was thrown off my game at who it was."
     Wolf eyebrow raised.  "Who?"
     "The guy who hired us.  The wife's husband."  Duh-duh-dun!

To be finished in part 2.