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  fourteen days is “Beyond the Shining Stars”. This is part 13 of 15.

“Wait, I thought this was you and I, Randy. I didn’t agree to pull anyone else into this. Besides, aren’t you working for the police?”

“Yes, and they already know that I’m here, and I am wired. They know about you looking for Randy and getting mugged and how he saved you. When you dropped him off and he asked you to get the items, he contacted the police who brought us together. This is the police’s plan, but they had Randy make the call on the phone so as not to alert you before the trap was sprung into motion.”

She kissed Randy on the cheek.

“Now, love, you and your Uncle need to get somewhere safe, and let us finish this.”

“I want to be part of finishing this.”

“You are, dear. Now we’ll clean up this job. Head back to your Uncle’s office and I will meet up with you there.”

“I don’t want to leave you,” Sam watched Randy beg.

Sam pulled Randy away.

“I’ve been around the beat long enough to not mess with the cops. If they’re really a part of this, we need to keep our distance and let them do their job.”

Sam and Randy returned to Sam’s office.

“I want you to understand how really lucky we got on this. If things hadn’t ended the way they did, we both could have ended up getting in trouble with interfering with a police investigation, and me losing my license.”

“I’d have taken any sort of punishment for someone I care about. Wanting me is one thing, but hurting others I love to try and get that result, I’m not going to idly stand by and let things like that happen.”

Randy waved his hand in frustration.

“I want to be out there, part of where the action is, making a difference.”

“Listen, Randy, you already made a difference.”

“This time, yes. But what about the next time? This might not be the last time she’s in danger. And I’m still not comfortable leaving her with the cops. Not all apples are good, you know,”

They were interrupted by a knock at the door. Randy got up from his seat,and ran to the door. The drag queen he cared about stood there, in a completely different outfit and makeup than they’d seen earlier.

“I’m so glad you’re all right!” Randy said, hugging her without a second thought.

Sam reached for his gun.

“I suggest you not pull out your gun, Mr. Hawkins, or I shall make quick work of your nephew,” came a voice that clearly didn’t match the drag queen. Just then, they both realized the voice belonged to the security guard. He stood before them dressed as the drag queen.