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 ceiling. When you finish the passage, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
Behind us, the menacing truck slowed to match our speed.
“Peri,” she squeaked, her voice frantic, “this is like what happened to you!”
“Is there any kind of opening or indention we can pull off on? Maybe he’ll go on around.” He’s more likely to stop behind us. I had visions of the guy getting out of the truck and stalking toward Robin and me.
Her knuckles bulged from gripping the wheel. “Not that I recall from previous trips, and I didn’t notice any coming in. It’s all stony ridge, and no development is going on.”
I hadn’t noticed any either, but I wanted to get off the road before the bridge, if at all possible. If he got behind us on the bridge with the deep, fast moving water underneath it, he’d be able to push us through the aging guardrails with one violent bump, if that was his intention. Until then, it appeared we were boxed in on either side by the high stony ridges. I glanced upward through the windshield, seeking space and breathing room. Instead, a low ceiling of thick black sky smothered me. No moon, no stars. No air.
Refusing to submit to the sensation of being suffocated, I drew in a ragged breath.
Robin glanced at me and back to the road. She asked, her voice wavering, “You okay?”
“Yes. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for an opening or widening of the apron. Be ready to pull off and swing around back toward the roadhouse if he goes on by.”
“And if he doesn’t? If he turns, too?”
A horn blared ferociously behind us. I jumped, and so did Robin, causing our car to veer over the line. She jerked too hard in straightening it, and we swerved again. “Sorry,” she muttered and then banged a palm against the steering wheel. “He’s crazy! He’s trying to run us off the road!”
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word ceiling. 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
OMG!!! How can you leave us here? I’m on the edge of my chair. Damn, amazing suspense here. I can feel how desperate she is and how it’s all closing in. They have to turn around before the bridge!! Great writing. Great story. Can’t wait for next week!
Thanks, Jean. Don’t you love it when danger looms?
Wow! That’s a nailbitter for sure. As Jean said, how can you quit here? The suspense is incredible. Well done.
Glad you see the suspense. Thanks, Susanne!
Such an intense episode. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Me either! Thanks, Loretta
OH DEAR!!! This is NOT good!!
Can I go back and un-hit that ‘like’ button and make it a ‘Don’t Like’ button? This is not good news.
LOL! Let’s hope they get away.
OH GEEZ!!! Who is this guy?? I hope they can find a safe space and finally catch this lunatic. Great job!!
Thanks, Tricia. I hope so, too.