Happy March! Spring is coming, friends. 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 kick. 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.
Back home, Luella appeared more worn out than ever and didn’t say more than two words in passing. Her interview hadn’t even taken place yet, and she looked like a wilted rag. It worried me. She didn’t ask me anything about my time at the station, and whatever I said to her received short, muttered replies or no comment at all. At last, after putting all the baking paraphernalia away and transforming the kitchen into a spotless kingdom, she informed me that she was tired and was going to take a shower and go to bed.
“But I was going to order supper.” I objected. “Roy is camping out on the couch tonight.”
“Why?”
I could have answered several different ways, but I said, “To protect us. I suppose he thinks a police presence is needed. Shall I let you know when the food arrives?”
She said no, but if I left her a bite she might get up in the night for it and, if not, would have it for breakfast. She went to her room.
Roy and Detective Pelier arrived soon after that. Once I had unlocked the study, I opened the desk drawer as well. They removed items from the wooden box but quickly replaced the Bible, seeming more interested in the phone and the items beneath the box.
“We’ll take the electronics and return them in a day or two,” Roy informed me. “You’ll get a receipt, of course.”
The next two hours consisted of Roy and Officer Parrish performing investigative magic on the mess in the study, while Detective Pelier made notes in his black book and gave a close-up perusal to random items that looked mundane to me but caught his eye. Of course, my conclusions were based on five minutes of watching from the open door. After that, Roy whispered for me to go sit down somewhere, kick back, and stop hovering. That brought pursed lips from the detective, who apparently objected to our old friend status.
When they were done with the study, Roy found me in the kitchen drinking tea and nibbling on the Welsh coin cookies Luella had made. He asked, “The intruder was after something of Jack’s. Have you looked in his bedroom to see if anything is out of place?”
Startled, I leapt from the chair. “No, I hadn’t even thought of it. I’ll do it now.”
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word kick. 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
Great scene. Poor Luella, she must be exhausted, but those cookies look so good. Can’t wait to see what they find in the bedroom.
She sure seems to be! The cookies DO look tasty.
And now I’m wondering what they’ll find in Jack’s bedroom. Another great snippet, Flossie. I could see everything playing out perfectly!
So glad you could see it, Mae!
Is the Detective interested in Peri?? He almost seems a little jealous. I love it. And what are they going to find has gone missing from the bedroom? I need to know. I love this story.
I think he’s interested in the case. Thanks, Jean!
Love this story. And pass me those cookies. I take a couple. And am wondering what they were after of Jack’s?!?
I know, those cookies look good! Thanks, Jillian!
I can feel how stressed everyone is. I love that she offered to order Luella and how Roy is protecting them. And what about Jack’s room? Great job!
Oh my dear Flossie, you are the master at leaving us with cliff hangers, right as the action is amping up – BAM – time to go.
Great scene. I can’t wait to find out what she discovers!