It’s time for Tuesday Tales, February 21, 2023, where authors write excerpts incorporating word and picture prompts. I am working on a cozy mystery. Today’s word is hard. When you finish reading my snippet, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
Despite his known mania for early morning fishing down at the lake, Dulcy made sure that George did his share to keep their current supply of bread well and truly buttered. She had told me once of the unique dusting standard to which she held a steadfast grip. “Even Sandra Parton,” she declared, “clad in her best BeBe Branch designer ensemble, should be able to browse in Treasured Past without attracting a dusty speck. And that’s the God’s honest truth, Peri.”
George didn’t dust, but he sure did polish up a storm. Besides all that, Dulcy knew her merchandise. She might be able to throw some light on the men’s ring case. If so, easy question and answer. If not, there was always the library.
On the way to Treasured Past, I spied Lawyer Hawtrey herding his brood into A La Mode. They waved at me from across the street, and I waved back. Only four children had been with him at the open house the other night, but now he was corralling at least seven. Maybe the extras were school friends. I could understand the impulse to be there. The cute window sign with its huge strawberry ice cream cone made me salivate, even with the chilly, brisk breeze batting my hair around into my eyes.
I arrived at the antique shop, with its rich interior appearing warm and comforting through the top pane of the oversized door. After entering I took a moment to smooth down my hair and straighten my jacket. Then I realized that something was different. I frowned up at the little silver bell. It hadn’t tinkled when I opened the door. Reaching up to poke in it with my finger, I felt the hollow of its drum and nothing else. No little clapper to make it ring. Hmm, that seemed out of character for Treasured Past.
“Hello,” I called, and got no answer. Dulcy must be doing something in the back room.
I made my way through the aisles, taking in my surroundings. It set my mind at ease that everything was gleaming as always. A row of unique journals caught my eye, and I stopped to inspect them for a moment. They had crisp, hard covers and, in some cases, little locks on the front that gave a steampunk vibe.
I hope you enjoyed the snippet inspired by the word hard. Thanks for stopping by. If you haven’t done so already, check out the other excerpts at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2023 Flossie Benton Rogers
I’m really enjoying the snippets from this mystery, Flossie. Another good one!
Thanks so much, Mae. Glad you liked it. Take care!
Well done and now I want to know why the bell didn’t ring!
Did you ever see the bell ringing episode of Midsomer Murders? That was surely some bell ringing.
Okay, so who copped the clapper and why? I’m suspicious. I hope nothing’s happened to Dulcy and I hate having to wait until next week to find out. Glad George is at least good at polishing. This is a great story. I’m loving it!
That is a pithy title– Who Copped the Clapper? Love that.
Hmmmm. What is up with the clapper? Mystery indeed. And Hoping Dulcy is okay. I still want to shop in this store! Jillian
Let’s go on a shopping spree!
I’m in!!
And I’m itching to find out too! Something is amiss here. I know we’ll find out…but darn, it’s so hard to wait from week to week!
Great scene. Well written.
I know what you mean, Trisha, hint hint!
Uh oh. The detail of the bell makes me uneasy. I do love your description of the lawyer and the children. Great job!