Tuesday Tales is up, with authors writing excerpts based on word or picture prompts. This week’s word prompt is fight. My snippet is from a cozy mystery. Visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
Biscuit and I were in the middle of a frisky lope, when my cell phone called out Bitch Alert, indicating a text from my father’s second wife. I unpocketed it to look at the screen, wondering what the crisis was now. “Your sister is in trouble. Call me.” Great. Wasn’t that peachy.
I contemplated ignoring Rowena but knew it was useless. She’d repeat text and then proceed to ratchet it up with an actual call. It would end in a fight.
Sighing deeply, I herded Biscuit to a park bench and hefted him up. My mop of honey-colored fur sat dutifully beside me, tongue lolling. “My sentiments exactly,” I told him.
I removed a bottle of water, took a mighty swig, and then poured some in a bowl for Biscuit. Hydrated enough for battle, I tapped the tiny photo of Rowena.
She answered in seconds, her voice a combination of demand and near hysteria. “Peri, I can’t find out where Debra is. You’ll have to help.”
Ugh, it figured. My wayward stepsister was off on another escapade. I was determined to be the voice of reason. “Where did she say she was going?”
“To Atlanta, and I’m worried sick. My pills aren’t working. The doctor told me I’m overly stressed and can’t get worked up. But that’s a fat crock because I’m already worked up.”
Tapping a finger on a knee, I kept my voice calm. “Tell me what happened. The short and sweet version.”
“That Danny Tolliver hoodlum rolled back into town, and started after her again. You know he can’t leave her be. He talked big about some money-making scheme and wanted her to go in on it. She asked me for money. I refused to give her any. I told her in no uncertain terms…”
I cut her off. “Rowena, I assume you have tried to call her?”
“Certainly I have! Her phone goes to voice mail every time.”
“You’re sure Debra was going to Atlanta?”
“That’s what she said. She swore it would only be over the weekend and she wouldn’t miss any classes, but here it is Wednesday already.”
“If you didn’t give her money, how did she finance the trip?”
“She has credit cards, you know.”
“You froze those two months ago when she sprang for a new red Miata.”
“Uh, well, I may have reinstated one.”
I sighed. “Where in Atlanta?”
“I don’t know.” Her tone was becoming more frantic. “She left in the middle of the semester. All for that two-bit low-life.”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word prompt fight. Thanks for stopping by. Check out the other authors at Tuesday Tales.
Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2021 Flossie Benton Rogers
That was fabulous! Is this from the cozy novel you have in the works?
I want to read more!
Yes, it’s from the cozy. Thank you, Mae!
Fabulous story!! Now you’ve totally sucked me in. I need to know where Debra is and how Peri is going to handle Rowena. Love the text: “Bitch Alert.” Hilarious! But now you have a mystery going on here and I’m totally intrigued. Great story unfolding. I want more.
I like her ringtone, too. Could come in handy lol. Thanks so much for your supportive thoughts!
Interesting turn of events. You’ve once again left me with ore questions than answers. Well done.
Hahaha, thanks, Susanne. I aim to confuse lol.