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 Ten.

The profile that came up showed the name “Kale Karmaman.”

Cait scoffed.

“Hhmph. Kale Karmaman. That is so not got to be his real name.”

Saundra pointed out the blond haired, blue eyed young man in the photo.

“I suppose he could have some of that heritage in him. But I’d suspect he’s lying. We know that’s his real photo because he’s in Vallie’s other pictures.”

“But no clues on how they met, at least as far as I can see, ladies.”

“Maybe if we look at the venues there are pictures of them at together, we might get an idea of how they met,” Saundra suggested. “Or at least places we could go asking for more questions. They all seem to be bar and nightclub situations.”

“You said she was a mother, I believe Who’s taking care of her kids all this time?”

“One of us usually,” Saundra heard Cait admit. “Except times like today, where I paid for a sitter since we’re both here. Once Saundra’s husband comes home, he’ll take over.”

“Great. So, we can concentrate on finding Vallie”

“Only if we let my husband as to what’s going on.”

“Sure, but not until we’re sure what you’re doing. Do you know these are the places Vallie goes?”

“We’ve learned by now not to stop her, Marcel. Our concern is more about her child and wanting stability for a life. But that doesn’t mean loving Vallie any less. But you’ve never had a sibling, at least not until now. I know you can’t understand.”

“You’re right I can’t understand. I wish I could. Right now, all I need to know is if either of you know of any places she frequents like this. Maybe she didn’t meet this guy on a dating app. Maybe she met him in person at her favorite hangout. He could have smoothed talked her face to face.”

“There’s only one she mentions often,” Saundra suggested. “It’s called Dance All Night, or something like that. Not the most original name. Don’t even think they do much advertising, either. All driven by a lot of word of mouth. It might be hard to find the address.”

“Got a computer in your back office?”

Saundra watched Cait look suspiciously at Marcel.

“What do you want my computer for?”

“I know some places to dig around for information on underground clubs. We could do the work here and then go find Vallie. But only if you agree.”

Cait gestured toward the back room.

“Please, go find my sister. I’d give anything!