Tuesday Tales 2025-7-22 Pearl

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 pearl. When you finish the passage, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.

Monroe’s tense facial muscles relaxed a bit. “My mother is the epitome of southern grace.”

I offered a smile. “So true. She’s amazing, and the Pumpkin Fest is lucky to have her as Chair.” Feeling weight on my arm, I shifted my purse, making sure to keep it well away from the man I had hurtled into. “The truth is, after finding Vonna’s body I feel a certain obligation. I thought you might tell me something helpful. You must have known her better than most people.”

“I knew her as an employee and fellow townsperson. Of course, I am shocked and saddened by her demise, but our acquaintance was superficial. I could provide the authorities with very little information. As for obligation, you have none. The police will sort it out.”

I was in Glisten. Might as well go for the gold. “Who do you think killed her?” 

A raindrop landed on Monroe. Atop his well-groomed dark hair, it glistened like a precious pearl. “I haven’t an inkling. Of course, we all know about the argument with the cook, Luella is it? The only other person with an animus that comes to mind is Kitty Varner. Their mutual dislike was particularly obvious at the meeting.”

“Then why did you purposefully stay with Kitty instead of leaving with Vonna?”

His eyebrows shot skyward. “As a patron and interested party helping my mother with her festival duties, I wanted to hear the end results of the discussion. Miss Nash, you seem to be conflating mere business with fabricated personal motives. I assure you, I had none. Now if you will excuse me, I really must go. Perhaps you should do the same. A downpour is imminent.” He was off, with the confident stride of a British Earl.  

I called after him, “I’m sorry for the collision.”

Without turning, he waved it away.

I looked around. Ghost Vonna had disappeared as well. As I headed for the steps the rain began in earnest. The front door swung open, and Roy came toward me, frowning. “What were you in conversation with Monroe Dahl about?”

I stomped my shoes on the welcome mat. “I was being polite and saying hello. This is Glisten, after all.”

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word pearl. If you haven’t done so already, check out the other excerpts at Tuesday Tales.

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