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 currently is “Blacke and Nu Beginnings,”  that will appear on Saturdays and Sundays over the next several weekends, and then a special daily run from March 21st to March 27th, 2020. This is Part Seven.

“I want to find Vallie. When I decided to no longer follow the ways of my mother and the generations before her, Vallie’s been the only family I’ve really been close to. Yes, I know she’s done this before, but I worry about her. I worry about her every time.”

“Then I’ll help you,” Saundra stepped up and told Cait. “You two have been like the sisters I never had.”

Saundra’s mind then turned back to Marcel being there.

“Sorry, that must be so awkward to hear.”

“I always wished I had siblings growing up. Just the very idea that it might be true still overwhelms me.”

Marcel headed toward the door, cupcakes in hand.

“Still, I understand that right now might not be the best time to catch up. I’ll be in touch again in a couple days, see if things have calmed down.”

As Saundra watched Marcel reach for the door handle, she heard Cait’s voice cry out.

“Wait! I didn’t ask you to go. I can use all the help I can. If you really studied to be a policeman, maybe you can bring a new perspective on this. It’s just, something feels different about her being missing this time, but I can’t put my finger on it. Please, help.”

Saundra wondered what Marcel might decide.