Tuesday Tales 2023-10-3 Icy

Welcome to Tuesday Tales, where writers use word and picture prompts in our stories. This snippet is from a cozy mystery set in Glisten, Georgia. The week’s word prompt is icy. When you finish reading, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.

An interesting exchange occurred not long after Bon Bon left. Vonna Lacy rose and commented softly to Monty that she had to get back to help Curtis Jr. with the report software. I thought he would move to accompany her, since he and Spike had escorted her to Tea Thyme. Instead, he glanced at Kitty and then back to Vonna. He muttered to the woman standing beside his chair, “I’ll catch you later then.” Vonna’s lips tightened, and she twirled and moved stiffly toward the exit.

As she passed Spike, he sprang up. “I’ll walk with you.” He turned, gave a quick goodbye salute toward the general vicinity of our table, and hurried after Vonna. She was going ninety miles a minute and not waiting an iota for him, but he hustled and soon caught up with her. Halfway to the sidewalk, they pivoted and veered toward the copse of woods in the back. The woods continued for a ways and, on the far side, abutted a public park and parking area. I figured one or both of them had parked there earlier in the day. Maybe they were ride sharing or going for a drink.

Seeing Dovie’s paleness and anxious looks toward her sullen phone, I hoped the departures would be a cue for the group to disband and take their leave, but no such luck. Everyone was taking the opportunity to drink, munch, and chat, as if they hadn’t seen each other in months, which could not possibly be the case. Naomi Upshaw had entered a quiet but intense conversation with Dulcy Tolliver.

Robin’s thumbs flew over her phone. I squinted at the screen. She appeared to be composing today’s story. Using the phone for intricate composition was a skill I envied. I had yet to buy a tablet or phone smart enough to handle my ramblings. I still scribbled my research notes by hand on yellow legal pads.

I stood, intending to see if Luella’s thumbprint cookies were ready yet. I wasn’t hungry for more sweets, but I was nervous and it was something to do. Plus, I could check and see if she had calmed down. I would eventually have to speak to her about her railings against Vonna Lacy. A good question was, which woman was lying? Before I could move toward the hallway door, the light in the tearoom seemed to dim. My ears popped. An icy sliver trickled down my spine.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the snippet inspired by icy. 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

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