Tuesday Tales is a weekly blog featuring diverse authors who post excerpts from their works in progress based on word and picture prompts. We’re a story hungry troop that enjoys reading as much as you do. Today’s prompt is the picture of last week, and the snippet is a continuation from then. Please visit the other fabulous authors at Tuesday Tales.
A shudder thudded up her spine at Gavin’s forbidding words. She had to force herself not to turn around toward the shadowy demon in the storefront window. She groaned. “For some reason I want to look–”
Before she could do more than tilt her head, Gavin had his arm around her shoulder, herding her toward a nearby seat. She pointed to another bench down by the fountain. It seemed a safe distance at the opposite end of the sidewalk. “L-let’s take that one.”
A couple of minutes later she half collapsed on the wooden slats.
“It’s an energy twitch.”
She glanced up in surprise. “What is?”
“Feeling compelled to look.” Lines appeared at the edges of his half smile. “Not to worry. No link was formed with the demon. I wouldn’t allow you to be harmed.”
She averted her eyes. “I know. B-but it wanted to? It was seeking someone?”
“Perhaps. Perhaps not. I’ve seen instances where dark energy is more mindless than sentient. Rather like trauma residue than an entity.”
She jerked up straight. “It had a face. I’ve just seen a demon in Mrs. Jenkins’ store, and you’re trying to placate me. Oh my God, Gavin, Mrs. Jenkins has a demon in her store.” She bit her lip at the edge of hysteria in her tone.
A shoulder squeeze steadied her. “I’m not placating you.” He held up his hand as if swearing, and his expression softened a fraction. “I think too much of you not to play straight, Ivy. I’ll have to examine the situation before I come to a definitive conclusion.”
“What can I do to help?”
His response came with no hesitation. “Go home.”
“The hell I will.”
QUESTION: There really is a face near the lower righthand corner of the picture. Can you see it? I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on Christmas window. Thanks for stopping by. Please visit the other fabulous authors at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
I had to look the i finally saw it.. Creepy I really want to read this book. It sounds so good!
Glad you saw it, Cathy. LOL
LOL I looked for a face and can’t see one. No imagination I guess. Great scene.
You have a great imagination, Susanne. I know that from your beautiful writing.
Great dialogue and yes, I notice the small round face that attracted her eyes.
Good, Carmen, I’m glad you saw it. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate you.
Nice scene, Flossie! Not one you’d expect from this sort of bucolic holiday picture. Great job!!
Thanks, Trisha!