SHORTS FROM THE SHELF features short serialized fiction by author Shannon Muir, administrator of SHANNON MUIR’S THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF, that may be later released as part of e-book or print collections. The story line featured over the next  fifteen days is “Beyond the Shining Stars”. This is part 10 of 15.

Sam struggled to figure out how to best handle this. If he insisted he didn’t know where Randy was – although it was the truth – who knew what he’d be in for. However, if he could slowly string the guy on a bit, perhaps Sam could figure out his obsession with Randy and perhaps buy some time to escape.

“Hey boss,” the goon not nursing his hand said. “Stopped me just before I could make him talk.”

He thumbed a finger at his still-in-pain companion.

“Get this bumbler out of here and I will find out what you need to know.”

The young man in the security guard outfit sighed.

“You have five minutes “

Then he beckoned for the whimpering goon to follow him, and the two left the room. The remaining goon made eye contact with Sam.

Maybe the stage lights played tricks on him, but the eyes staring back at him appeared to be Randy’s.

Before Sam could say a word, the goon put his fingers to his lips in a quieting  motion. Then, he struggled to undo the knots tying Sam to the chair. Soon, Sam could feel the ropes fall free.

“Follow me,” came a gruff sounding whisper.

Sam went along as he could hear footsteps returning, and would rather take his chances with the goon who just rescued him.

After the two of them ran some distance, the goon ducked into a storage room and Sam followed. There, he saw the goon take off a now clearly padded jacket and remove his cap.

“I know I’ve got a lot to explain to you, Uncle,” Randy said. “But right now, follow me.”