Flossie Benton Rogers (Cozy Mystery)Welcome to Tuesday Tales, powered by a small group of authors, where word prompts inspire passages in the books we’re writing. Today’s word is fan. You may remember a previous version of this scene. Sections of the book are being edited and revised, including the initial gathering that introduced the various ringleaders in this cozy mystery set in fictional Glisten, Georgia. When you finish reading, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
A few moments later a crashing noise sounded from an inner room. I jumped up and thrust out my hands to keep the guests in their seats. Or was it to ward off evil? “Not to worry. Luella probably dropped a pan. I’ll see about it. No, sit still, Dovie,” I urged my tablemate, when she half rose from her chair.
Robin was right behind me, as I hurried into the hallway. Vonna leaned against the wall outside the kitchen door, looking shaken. Her face was mottled an angry red. The dimple in her chin looked more pronounced.
I hurried to her side. “What happened?”
“I wanted to thank Jack’s cousin for the cookies and tell her how good they were. She snarled and yelled at me, caterwauling like a banshee. She knocked things to the floor and held up a giant spoon like a battering ram. I think she wanted to hit me with it. That woman is a freaking menace!” She fanned her face with both hands. Her reedy voice had become shrill, and I was sure the crowd of guests could hear her from the other room.
A churning sensation lurched in my stomach. I kept my voice quiet and calm. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. Please accept our apologies.”
Robin began to guide the shaken woman away from the kitchen and spoke solicitously to her. “Are you all right, Vonna? Luella must be in a terrible temper today. Here, let me show you to the ladies room.”
I flew into the kitchen, my cheeks feeling as flushed as Vonna’s looked. I swallowed several times, trying to calm down.
Luella glared at me, feet planted apart, a substantial fist clutching a large stirring spoon. Her jaw was set and the slight sizzle behind her moist eyes had become a blaze.
“What on earth happened, Luella?” I retrieved a baking pan from the floor and set it on the counter. “Vonna is a guest, and you scared the life out of her.”
Her dark brows knit together. “That Vonna Lacy is wormwood. Wormwood! She tried to hurt my cousin!”
I blinked, surprised. “She tried to hurt Jack? How? What did she do?”
She shook her head. “He wouldn’t tell me. Said he couldn’t get into it right then. But she threatened him about something and got mad as a hornet when he wouldn’t fall for it.”
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word fan. 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 @ 2024 Flossie Benton Rogers
Wow! That certainly shows a side of Luella’s character that I didn’t expect and adds another layer to the story. Well done.
Oh good, thanks, Susanne.
Omg! Love the detail of this scene. I can see Luella standing there accusing Vonna of hurting Jack. I also love how she urged the guests to stay still. Great job!
Yeah, Luella was surely upset.
The plot thickens! So maybe innocent little Vonna isn’t so innocent afterall? And what about Luella? Seems to me she could have the ability to commit the crime afterall! You keep stirring the pot. I’m dying to see this mystery unraveled before you add another layer to this plot. Loving this story!
Hmmm, the plot does thicken lol. 🙂
Your descriptions are always so vivid that I can see the characters and how they are in the scene. This part was particularly well done:
“Luella glared at me, feet planted apart, a substantial fist clutching a large stirring spoon. Her jaw was set and the slight sizzle behind her moist eyes had become a blaze.” Jillian
Aww, thank you, Jillian. Your support and take on things mean so much to me.
Aww. Thanks! <3
Wow! This is heating up, for sure.
Loved how you used the phrase “caterwauling like a banshee.” Excellent!
Haha, thanks– as long as she’s not caterwauling at me lol.