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 yellow. When you finish the passage, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
Irritation flashed over his face but passed quickly. He pointedly consulted his watch, which hugged his wrist with buttery suppleness. “Very well. What can I do for you?”
He could tell me if he was the killer. I shook off the fantasy and cast about in my mind for a suitable answer.
“Ask him something, nitwit!” ghost Vonna squeaked beside me. I jumped a foot, which brought a startled look to Monroe’s countenance. He undoubtedly thought I was a blithering idiot. To make matters worse, I spied Roy eyeing me quizzically as he hot-footed it across the parking lot toward his cruiser. Was he leaving?
“I found her body,” I blurted.
After a long moment, Monroe said, “I’m aware.”
“The police called me down here to answer questions. I don’t know anything about the murder. I only found her body. Worst thing that ever happened to me.” That and the unruly spirit performing her antsy dance beside me. “Have you been questioned yet?”
“Yes, of course, as her employer. You may be aware that she worked for the import firm my father established and which I now run.”
“Also as a friend? I mean, you accompanied her to the committee meeting at Tea Thyme.” From the corner of my eye, I saw Roy grab something from his cruiser and head back toward the station’s side door. I feared he’d rush out at any moment and put a stop to my badgering his interviewee.
Monroe couldn’t prevent the irritated look from flashing again but was adept at recovery. I didn’t wait for a reply but hurried on before he could figure an unobtrusive and gentlemanly way to dodge the crazy lady who had tried to knock him down and was now plying him with questions. “Do you know she was strangled with a yellow scarf?”
“From hearsay, not the police. That’s a strange detail to disclose…” he waved a hand, “out here in the open, don’t you think?”
“I saw it around her throat.”
“That must have been difficult for you. Why do you tell me?” He squinted up toward the darkening cumulus clouds rushing in. He was formulating an exit.
I wiped a raindrop from my nose and said hurriedly, “Your mother has been so gracious to my godfather and me.”
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word yellow. 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
Interesting that the ghost doesn’t know her killer. Great scene.
The murdered person doesn’t know who did them in. No closure yet.
I like the way you worked in the word “yellow.” Very creative.
I was fortunate the word prompt matched my murder weapon!
Clever use of the word prompt. I love how your ghost just pops up and injects herself into the scene. She’s making him nervous. Is he the killer? Will she come out and ask him. Suspense is buildilng.
She’s getting better at astral travel, it seems!
“He pointedly consulted his watch, which hugged his wrist with buttery suppleness.”
THIS. This is exactly why I love reading your stories. It doesn’t pertain to the murder, but the way you write – the words you choose, the way you put things together. I could never come up with that sentence. And that is why I admire your writing so much.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Trisha! When I am to the periodic point of my writing sux and my books are pointless, I read your kind words and bounce back.
Hmmm…I’m a little suspicious of him. He seems a little dodgy to me. Plus Vonna’s ghost insisting she talk to him makes me think the spirit knows something. Great job!
I hope Peri finds out more information!