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 6 of 15.

Over time, the news reported on the background of the suspects that broke into the home. Neither of them fit the profile of what Randy described to Sam. Sam considered that perhaps the people now in custody had been hired by the person giving Randy trouble. That thought made him consider that in turn, perhaps that person could be working for higher-up people.

No telling how much trouble Randy might actually be in. However, Sam determined not to involve Lauren if Randy hadn’t desired it. However, he knew for his own piece of mind he’d need to reach out to Randy again, if for no other reason to make sure he was ok. Sam may have married into this family, but when he vowed his love to Lauren, he’d promised to take care of any member of it.

Sam knew where Randy lived, and checked in on his place. From how things looked, Randy didn’t seem to have been around for days. He didn’t know if the young man went into hiding or already ran into issues. The next logical place Randy might be would be with his parents, but going there might tip off Lauren something bigger was going on and he hadn’t entrusted his own wife with it.

The seasoned private investigator debated what to do next.