Welcome to Tuesday Tales, powered by a small group of authors, where word prompts inspire passages in the books we’re writing. I’m working on a cozy mystery, Pumpkin Patch Murder. Our word of the day is harsh. When you finish the passage, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
When Robin had oohed and ahhed and chewed and swallowed several bites of éclair, she brought up the topic I’d been trying to avoid. “You’ve been going around asking a lot of questions. Are you going to keep that up?”
I swallowed a bite and said plaintively, “I have to. I’m holding down the fort, with Jack and Dovie gone.” I placed the doughnut on a napkin and took a sip of tea. “Anyway, Luella is not the only suspect. Several people have possible motives. For starters, there was that drama between Vonna and Kitty at the Pumpkin Fest meeting. Maybe Kitty is involved.”
Robin shook her head. “Uh, no. Edgar passed the information along to me earlier. She’s cleared with an alibi. Roy didn’t mention it to you?”
I melted into my chair. “No.” My tone was harsh and disgruntled. I glared at my dessert. Even my jelly doughnut had lost its jewel-like luster.
“In a way it’s too bad because she made a perfect suspect. The way she embarrassed Vonna that day seemed so “extra.”
A sigh escaped me. “If she’s out of the picture, she’s out. You know,” I picked up the doughnut, “I spoke to Kitty on my way from the police station. From what she said then, she thought she was still in hot water. She hinted that Skip could be the killer.” I bit into cakey, raspberry delight.
Robin grunted. “Skip as the killer would really surprise me. He has always been over the moon for Vonna. Did you already corner him?”
I grabbed a napkin to deal with the inevitable powdered sugar mustache. “Not yet. I was hoping you’d go with me.”
“Where? Surely, you’re not going to his office?”
“No, that wouldn’t be right. Where is he likely to hang out? Do you know?”
“Rocky’s Roadhouse, maybe. I haven’t been in ages, since Warren and I broke up, but back then Skip had a stool designated for him. I heard he still goes out there sometimes.”
I brightened and sat up straighter. “Does Warren still bartend there?”
She eyed me suspiciously. “Far as I know. Why?”
I offered her a contrite look. “Maybe you could call him and find out if Skip is still a regular?”
“Absolutely not!”
“Please? With sugar?”
She wadded up her éclair wrapper. “I’ve already had my sugar for the day.”
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word harsh. 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 @ 2025 Flossie Benton Rogers
Love the way the suspects are lining up and or being dismissed. Great scene and I adore the last line. Well done.
Thank you, Susanne. It reminded me of how, on I Love Lucy, Ethel always got in the best digs.
I’m not surprised she doesn’t want to call her ex. He might either be hostile or get the wrong idea. Still, they need to talk to Skip. I hope you’re going to do a great roadhouse scene! And give it your magic touch. Love the picture of the tea, makes me want a cup. Love your writing and I’m still waiting to find out who the murderer is!
Thanks for your interest and helpful comments, Jean! I appreciate your input.
The way she wadded the napkin is really visual. Good job! Aside from the mystery, my mouth is watering for a raspberry filled donut.
Right?!! Mine, too. Thanks, Loretta!
It’s never a good day when your doughnut loses its luster. 🙂 Love this. Again, very well done with the visuals. Jillian
Thank you! Notice the luster was soon regained lol.
Yep! LOL
I love their banter and the descriptions on their treats. They are such great friends. And I love the line about the powdered donut. Great job!
Haha, thank you! Who could eat one without getting powder all over?
I like how you use specific details like ‘Earl Gray’ instead of just saying two tea bags. It really helps put us in the scene.
Oh, good. I’m always loath to use the trademark names, but Earl Grey is made by many companies.