Tuesday Tales 2024-2-6 Run

How fortunate to have the shortest month, February, appear when light is returning to the world and the days are getting longer! 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 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.

My hands untwined on my lap, and two fingers began tapping against my knee. How much did the detective think I could learn during three days in Glisten? “I am only aware of Kitty threatening my godfather, and I told you everything Luella said about that. The incident in the kitchen was the first time Luella talked to Kitty about it.”

“To your knowledge,” he prompted.

I tried to look through him, but his expression didn’t change. “Yes, to my knowledge.”

“Regarding the alleged threat toward Mr. Douglas by Kitty Varner, was Mrs. Douglas present when that conversation occurred?”

“Not that I’m aware. I doubt it. I think Dovie or Luella would have mentioned it to me.”

“I’ll need Mrs. Douglas’s phone number in Minnesota.” He readied his pen.

“Surely you’re not going to bother her tonight. She recently got my godfather into a room and is trying to deal with doctors to learn what his condition is. Can’t you ask Kitty about it?”

Roy, who had thus far stayed silent, spoke up. “Everyone will be questioned, Peri.”

Detective Pelier straightened his pen. “Mrs. Douglas’s number?”

I pulled out my phone and gave him Dovie’s cell phone number and that of the hospital room.

He recorded the numbers into his black clad notepad. “Why do you suppose Mr. Douglas didn’t report Kitty Varner’s alleged threat?

“To the police, you mean? I don’t know. He may not have considered it a police matter. I really have no idea about it.”

“In the sequence of events yesterday, you spoke to Kitty Varner in the hallway and then to Luella Wyler in the kitchen. I understand you and Mrs. Douglas left the premises shortly afterward. How long after?”

“Within about fifteen minutes. The hospital in Blairsville called Dovie to come as quickly as possible, and we had to run.”

“You left the premises with a room full of guests remaining?”

“Yes, Robin agreed to explain why we had to leave, offer our goodbyes, and make sure the tearoom door was locked.”

“Did Luella Wyler and Kitty Varner have any disagreements prior to the kitchen incident?”

“None that I know of.”

“Or after?”

I swallowed. “Not that I’m aware.”

“Who besides you and Robin Gilmore witnessed the argument in the kitchen?”

Heat surged into my cheeks. Was he trying to trip me up? “As I explained, I didn’t witness the argument, only the aftermath.”

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

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