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 leafy. When you finish the passage, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
That night, Robin arrived a few minutes early and came upstairs while I was still getting dressed for our night out at Rocky’s. While braiding my hair, I filled her in on Mason and the burly man and how I had thought for a minute he might be the culprit of the so-called road rage incident that had occurred on my way up to Glisten.
Appalled, she plopped down on the bed and stared at me open-mouthed.
I drew her to her feet, gave her hands a little squeeze, and said reassuringly, “Not to worry. There is no connection. Roy called just before I came upstairs and said the man is a cousin of Mason’s. Apparently, he did some cabinetry work for the family and wasn’t satisfied with the payment. So, wanting to get rid of him, Mason gave him cash and sent him on his way. I was making a mountain out of a molehill. Luckily, Roy’s calmer head prevailed.” Looking in the mirror, I dashed on some moisturizing lip oil before turning back to her. “You look stunning,” I said, admiring how the leafy green sweater complemented her dark hair.
“You, too.” Worry lines marred her smooth forehead. “But is Roy sure?”
I beamed a smile and nodded. I didn’t want to dwell on what had happened earlier in the day and my overly dramatic nervous reaction. Somehow my suspicions about Mason being Vonna’s killer had gotten tangled up with the road rage incident. Chances were the burly man had nothing to do with either. Even though I still had some niggling doubts, the information Roy had uncovered did set my mind more at ease. There was no need for Robin to know how close I had come to panicking earlier. “Roy was confident of the information. He did caution me to pay attention to my surroundings.” I considered. “He called it situational awareness. Oh,” I grinned, “and he said not to run off alone.”
She nodded emphatically. “I agree one hundred percent. There’s no chance of that tonight. I know we’re going to Rocky’s specifically to talk to Skip, and I hope to God he turns up, but let’s try and enjoy ourselves, too. Okay? What do you say?”
I gave a big thumbs up. “You got it. I’m not dancing though.”
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word leafy. 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
Yes, situational awareness, great phrase, is important for a woman on her own. I hope she’s taking his heed and saying safe. I love the underlying menace that shadows your story — ever so in the background, but always threatening to break through. Great job!
I love that term. My son taught it to me. So glad the background menace is perceptible–thank you!
I’ll bet she does dance. This is a great scene, quickly resolving a previous issue, but leaving just enough doubt to keep the reader on edge. Excellent job.
Thank you, Susanne. I appreciate your take on it.
I was really hoping she was on to something. I live in inside look at them preparing for their girls night. I do hope they get answers. Great job!
I hope they do, too. I wish they didn’t have to drive out to Timbuktu though lol.
Well, I feel a LITTLE reassured. But not completely. She still has some nigging doubts and I have a feeling her intuition is probably spot on.
By the way, I LOVEEEE how you used the ‘leafy’ prompt. Excellent!