Tuesday Tales 2023-11-7 Run

Bring on November, hostess of leaves in scarlet, orange, and gold!

This is Tuesday Tales, presented by a small group of authors, where word and picture prompts inspire passages in the books we’re writing. Today’s word prompt is run. My snippet is from a cozy mystery set in fictional Glisten, Georgia. When you finish reading, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.

I drained the final swallow from my teacup and walked to the window to take in the activity. Robin and Roy stood talking. Every now and then one of them glanced my way. I had no idea if they could see me from that angle. Probably not, since Robin didn’t wave. Several officials had departed along with the mortuary van. Still, quite a few police remained, including wiry Detective Pelier in his civilian clothes. When Robin scooted away to snap more pictures, the detective gestured to Roy. The two engaged in animated conversation. They appeared to be having a difference of opinion. Detective Pelier pointed emphatically toward the inn.

Roy seemed determined to get his point across. Finally, the detective gestured in half-hearted agreement and strode toward a group of officers near the gazebo. Roy headed toward the inn. Did I have a temporary reprieve from more questions?

After opening the door, Roy stomped his boots onto the knotted rope doormat. He closed the door and said, “Pelier wanted you to walk the trail with him to get a sense of the time that passed. I talked him out of it for now, but it may come up again.”

“Oh, Lord.”

“Otherwise, he will talk to you here before he leaves or when you come to the station, prior to your official statement. His focus will be on the details of finding the body. Understood?”

I nodded, feeling wearier than ever.

The door swung open, and Robin came rushing to me. “Peri, are you okay?”

Roy moved close to us and kept his voice low. “Okay, you two. I know you’re going to put your heads together and natter about the body and the homicide, but do it in private. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t talk where anyone can hear you.” He looked severely into my eyes and then Robin’s. “Are you both clear on that?”

We both said yes.

“I’m not going yet, but when I do, I’ll station an officer to remain inside until I get back. That will be Officer Castor.”

“You’re coming back?”

“As a precaution I’ll remain on scene overnight,” he said matter of factly. “Robin, I assume you’ll have an article in tomorrow’s paper?”

“I haven’t talked to Bill yet, but I can’t see why he wouldn’t run it.”

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word run. 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