Welcome to the end of June. 2024 is halfway completed. Where did the time go? This week, the Tuesday Tales crew is writing to the word prompt SEEDS. I’m continuing with Listen to the Stones.
Marina nodded, unable to speak with the various emotions, most predominant of which was a sense of confusion, clogging her throat. Now that she knew the truth about Jerome, she seemed no longer attracted to the man. In fact, the resemblance between him and James that she’d found so compelling was slight at best.
“Yes. I’m sorry that you couldn’t join me. It was fascinating.”
“I do apologize for that,” James added. “I really didn’t expect it would take so long. That man is a colleague. We’ve had trouble connecting so it was a real stroke of luck to find him here. We’re looking for a witness … I shouldn’t have said that. The last thing I want to do is fill your head with sordid crime statistics, especially when you were upset by the report of Bronagh’s death. Have you seen enough? If so, we can go below. They have a gift shop with books and stuff, the usual gewgaws that attract the tourists and bring in a few pounds. Perhaps there’ll be a trinket or two to amuse you and serve as a reminder of your first visit here. I can see by your smile that you’ll come again.”
Finding no fault in his explanation, she nodded. With James by her side now, the vision, or whatever it had been, wouldn’t return even if he did look like the man in it.
“Most definitely. My mind is bursting with the seeds of ideas and questions about the origins of the place. I may even try to sketch it the way my father did.”
He led her away from the Neolithic monument. Once she could drive herself, she would come back and check out the stones again, the price of admission a pittance in the scope of things.
“The Standing Stones of Calanais have worked their magic on you, have they?”
“Magic? I thought you didn’t believe in such nonsense, but they are magnificent.” She made no attempt to hide the awe in her voice. “I’m anxious to see the ones on Fraser land. I understand that they aren’t as grand as these, but having something like this within walking distance is fantastic. I can’t believe neither my grandfather nor my great-uncle registered them. I’m sure they would draw the tourists, and since I plan to expand the inn, a drawing card like this would be a bonus.”
That’s it. Come back next week for more. Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.
Living the Dream 
love how you used the word prompt. And love her idea of expanding and registering the stones on Fraser land. Jillian
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I’m glad she found the truth about Jerome. Her plans for the future show that she’s got a handle on things now, especially with James by her side. Love this story and that cover! Can’t wait to read it in its entirety.
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I wish I could show more than disjointed 400 word sections. James and Jerome still have a few surprises in store for you.
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I a so happy she knows who Jerome really is. She is strong enough to hold him at bay. I can’t wait to see what happens when she visits the stones on Fraser land. Great job!
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The gift shop, the cost of admission ? * Museums on the Wall ( just up the road ) include souvenirs made in Hadrian’s day. .
Hope the trinkets and gewgaws aren’t all stamped Made in China. On Fraser land, maybe an outlet for local artists ? Visiting ancient stones, mist works better than heat and dust.
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