Tuesday Tales 2024-2-27 Icy

Welcome to Tuesday Tales, powered by a small group of authors, where word prompts inspire passages in the books we’re writing. Today’s prompt is icy. 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.

After the brief interruption, Detective Pelier continued questioning me. “What time yesterday did Mrs. Douglas unlock the study for you?”

“Around eleven in the morning.”

It was relocked afterward and the key turned over to you?” 

“Yes, she gave the key to me, since I would eventually need Jack’s files and information about his plans for upgrades to the inn.”

“Did you return to the study later?”

When I noticed my forefinger showing a tendency to make little circles on the table, I jerked both hands to my lap. “Not until today.”

“Did you leave the key anywhere—for example, when you met with the group yesterday or drove to Blairsville?”

“No, I kept it on a chain around my neck, as Dovie did.” I showed him the chain.

He squinted. “What is that second key?”

“It goes to a desk drawer.”

“I suppose you looked inside the drawer?”

“Yes, and then relocked it.”

He poised the pen. “What was in it?”

“A wooden box with a cell phone and a Bible. Below that was a laptop and tablet.”

The detective’s crystal gray eyes pierced me, leaving icy particles in their wake. “The key was on your person the entire time after Mrs. Douglas gave it to you?”

“Yes.”

“You called it the spare key to the study. Where is the primary key?”

“I don’t know. Maybe Jack had it or maybe it’s put away some place.”

Pelier turned to Roy. “I’d like to see that room before it’s rearranged or cleaned. Are you examining it tonight?”

“Yes, once we finish here.”

“I’ll tag along then, if you don’t mind.” Pelier’s tone didn’t pose it as optional. He straightened  papers, snapped his notebook closed, and eyed me. “We’re done here, Ms. Nash. Thank you for your cooperation. I suppose you’ll be staying on at the Inn for the foreseeable future?”

“Yes.”

“No plans to fly to fly out to see your godfather?”

“Not at this time. I can help him best by working on the building upgrades.”

“Splendid.” He nodded at Roy, and without further word, left the interview room.

I stared silently at my friend.

Roy rose and gathered his belongings, while the recording officer did the same. He told her thanks and, after she scooted out, leaving the door open, he said, “You can make your escape, Peri. I’ll be heading back to the inn shortly.”

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

All rights reserved, copyright @ 2024 Flossie Benton Rogers