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 sandy. When you finish the passage, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
“No, you’re not dreaming. The fog is rolling in. Just take it slow. We’re in no hurry.”
“Tell it to that truck behind us.” She peered in the rearview mirror. Lord, look at the condition of it. It’s all sandy or muddy. The tires look as though they’ve been sucked out of quicksand. Some fool is in such a gigantic hurry that he has to tailgate me.” She huffed. “He can’t pass on this narrow, curving road. It’s no pass all the way beyond the bridge. And there’s certainly no room for me to pull over and let him by. Oh, my God, he’s turned on his brights.” As she reached over to adjust her side mirror to cut off the glare, her grip on the wheel loosened and the mini swerved slightly. She tightened her hold.
My heartbeat speeding up, I shifted in my seat to check behind us. The truck had been with us since we left the roadhouse. The driver had turned on his headlights and crept closer. Way too close. A bolt of déjà vu rocked me. The situation seemed so similar. Was it a coincidence or was this the same truck that had run me off the road on my trip up here from Florida? My throat convulsed. I swallowed, feeling as though I were trying to dislodge a stone. Robin was already uneasy. I didn’t want to alarm her further. Trying to keep my tone light, I asked, “I didn’t notice on the way in, but is there any place where we can pull off and let that guy pass? Maybe an open gas station or convenience store?”
“No, nothing like that.”
“Take it easy,” I suggested. “Maybe slow down a little and see if he can get safely by?”
“We’re already crawling. If I slow down much further, we’ll be dead in the road. And…” She was quiet for a moment. The roar of the truck sounded behind us. “I can try.” Her voice had gone hollow.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word sandy.
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Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2025 Flossie Benton Rogers
Talk about intense suspense. Well done. My heart is in my throat.
Thank you, Susanne. Your encouraging words are much appreciated.
Boo! Don’t stop there! I am so at the edge of my seat hoping they will be okay. Great job!
LOL thank you, Tricia!
OMG!! You win the cliffhanger award!! Geez! Talk about suspense and then, wham — you leave us in the middle of the road. Excellent piece. I love the line about a stone in her throat. You’ve got me on the edge of my seat. Great job!
Oh dear – this is getting suspenseful!! Hanging on to the arms of my chair as you keep ramping up the tension!
Great use of the word prompt, Flossie!