Happy spring! It’s time for Tuesday Tales, March 21, 2023, where authors make use of word and picture prompts in their works in progress. I am working on a cozy mystery. Today’s word prompt is chaos. When you finish reading my snippet, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
“Actually, I’m amazed at how much he did get accomplished. The main thing is—the plans are laid out like streets of gold. Be seeing you.”
I swiveled and hurried out. Instead of returning the way I’d come, down the public sidewalk, I decided to cut across the area behind the store. I really didn’t want to talk to anyone else right now. The encounter with Dulcy hadn’t gone the way I had planned, and it left me uneasy. I hadn’t felt comfortable showing her the ring case. She seemed unlike herself—touchy and bristly.
I had just rounded the corner of the brick building and stepped into the back alley, when I heard Dulcy’s voice. It wasn’t raised, but l could hear it, including her angry tone. I plastered myself to the wall and edged behind a tall sheet of tin that sheltered a row of garbage cans. I poked my head out enough to see her flowered skirt fluttering out the threshold of the back door, the one she said the wind blew shut. Then all of her appeared, as she took a further step and stood vehemently wagging her finger at a man standing outside the door.
It was Luke Prescott, the one Robin had gone gaga over. He looked none too happy himself, and his words carried the same conviction. His voice was as cold as a polar wind. “You’ll regret this.”
“You’ll be the one doing the regretting if you show your face here again. That’s all I’ve got. I’m done. Do you hear me?”
He said something else, but this time too low for me to make out.
Her words came out in a flurry. “Go ahead and tell him. See what it gets you.” She slammed the door, thoroughly this time. Faint footsteps headed away from me. When they subsided, I eased out from behind the tin and retraced my steps to the front sidewalk, but out of view of Dulcy’s window. I wouldn’t return that way, nor across her back lot. She might think I’d been spying on her. Which I hadn’t. Or, rather, if I had, it was by accident. I moved down the sidewalk and headed the opposite direction home.
Just as I rounded north, a figure strode from the alley. Luke Prescott. He eyed me with a look similar to one the Chaos Demon had given Buffy the summer Robin and I had spent binge watching that show.
I hope you enjoyed the snippet inspired by the word chaos. 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
Love the snippet! Great use if Chais! ( makes me want to binge watch Buffy)
Haha I still flick over to Buffy every now and then, too! Thanks for stopping by, Cathy.
Excellent scene and you’ve dropped more hints. Looking forward to more. Love the reference to Buffy.
Thank you. I’m glad you liked the Buffy reference. Wonder what Dulcy is up to?
Sounds like someone’s blackmailing her, but that’s just a guess.
Sure seems suspicious, doesn’t it?
Great use of the prompt. And makes me wonder what is at the root of what took place in that alley!
I’m glad it makes you wonder. Thanks, Mae!
Uh oh! Is Luke going to figure out she was there eavesdropping, even if accidentally? He is a scary figure. I love your cliffhangers. They always suck me in. And listening to half a conversation is so enticing. Makes me want to read this story. Please send me the links when it’s done and up for sale.
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Wonderful scene!
Thank you!
Uh oh! There was someone else in the building! I wonder what they were discussing to make her so mad? Great job!
Thank you!