Red Hat Volunteer

So Terence got his claw back, says Kobo.

Yes, good as new, says Ageless lobster.

What's that smell? asks Kobo.

Denis has burnt the potatoes, says Ageless.

Why is he here? asks Kobo.

He's going to Point Lowly with Gaius, says Ageless.

When? asks Kobo.

Tomorrow morning, says Ageless.

You should go with them, says Kobo.

Trying to get rid of me, beloved? asks Ageless.

That would be a bonus, says Kobo. But you could be a help.

What do you mean by that, dearest? asks Ageless.

You can venture underwater, says Kobo. You can provide on-the-spot intelligence. Like a journalist in a war zone.

Ageless imagines himself in that role. Posting despatches.

You have convinced me, beloved, says Ageless. I'll volunteer for the role.

Don't forget your red hat, says Kobo.

Gaius comes in from hanging out the washing.

What's that smell? asks Gaius. 

I burned the potatoes, says Denis. 

Already? says Gaius. 

Didn't use enough water, says Denis.

Can they be saved? asks Gaius.

I suppose so, says Denis. I'll scrape them out of the pan, and cut off the worst bits. 

I'll look for some butter, says Gaius. 

He is now near the fridge. Ageless calls out to him.

I will be coming!

What? asks Gaius. 

With you to Point Lowly, says Ageless. In the role of intelligence officer.

Excellent, says Gaius. Are you happy to travel in my back pack? 

I prefer a string bag, says Ageless. 

A string bag? hisses Kobo. People will think you're his lunch!

Why would they? asks Ageless. 

I foresee it happening, says Kobo.

I do have a string bag somewhere, says Gaius. I'll go and look for it. 

You'd better look for your hat, says Kobo.

Good thinking, says Ageless. With a red knitted hat on, no one will mistake me for Gaius's lunch.

Where's this butter? shouts Denis.

Fridge! shouts Gaius.

He comes back with a string bag, just as Denis is opening the fridge and not finding the butter.

Never mind, says Gaius. I must have used it all up before going to Paris. There's some cooking oil in the pantry, we could fry them.

So Denis fries the parboiled and half burnt potatoes.

They turn out quite nice.