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 cold, which is totally on point, since Florida is experiencing freezing temps this week—love it! You may remember a previous version of this scene in my cozy mystery set in fictional Glisten, Georgia. Sections of the book are being edited and revised, and I hope to get it out soon. When you finish reading, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
Murder and munchies. Only with close friends. I swallowed my heavenly sweet bite. Despite the drop of whipped cream on Roy’s upper lip, his expression had turned serious. I asked, “Who would have hated her enough to kill her? Not counting Luella. I mean, people she has known for a while.”
He used his napkin. “I didn’t know her that well myself. She has gone through some guys, not all serious of course. Strangely enough, most of them were here at your meeting yesterday.” For a moment his gaze rested on the darkness outside the window, before returning to me. “Hatred is not the only motive. A person can murder for reasons other than reaching a boil.”
I tilted my head to try and soak in his meaning. “Such as?”
He shifted in his chair and eyed me pointedly. “Revenge or protecting someone, for starters.”
Why did I think these motives referred to Luella? “What else?”
“There’s love, lust, greed, jealousy, hiding a secret, and on and on.” He didn’t smile. “Stay out of it, Peri. Let the police handle it.” A grimace contorted his even features. “Or I should say let Pelier handle it. He’s got his mitts in now.”
Roy had certainly provided a different slant on the murder victim and on the murder. A chill ran up my spine at the thought of someone killing not out of heated emotion but with a cold heart.
Vicky sighed and touched his hand in commiseration. “Sorry for Pelier grabbing the bag, hon,” she said. “He’s a fool if he cuts you out completely. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I hope the case is resolved soon. I didn’t know her very well either. We weren’t close by any means, but my mom has done some sewing for her mother. The mother is sickly, you know? This has to be a devastating time for her.”
Empathy for the murdered woman overtook me. “Does she have other family?”
“Her younger daughter is up from Atlanta. We’ll see how long that lasts. That girl left Glisten as soon as she could. I don’t like to think how her mother might end up. I know if it was my mom…” Her words trailed off.
“Let’s change the subject,” Roy demanded, biting into another fritter.
“You should have been here at the meeting yesterday, Vicky,” Robin said brightly, reaching into the dessert bag.
“No, she shouldn’t,” Roy retorted, wiping cream from his chin with a napkin. “Matters are complicated enough.”
Robin curled a lip at him.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word cold. 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
This gets more and more intriguing. Looking forward to seeing it resolved. Great scene.
So glad you are intrigued. Thanks, Susanne.
I love their conversation. It deep dives into the murder and why it may have happened. It also tells me quite a bit about the characters. Great job!
I’m so glad it tells something about the characters. Thanks, Tricia!
One doesn’t usually think of all the reasons people might commit murder. Love your list. Which one fits this story? I hope you’ll tell us. I’m dying to know who did it and why. Great story continues.
I’m glad you love the murder motive list. Thanks, Jean!