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 Thirteen.

“I promise, I’ll find a way of involving myself as little as possible. Marcel and Cait will have to take the brunt of this. I won’t do anything to put myself in danger or jeopardize my family. I love you.”

Saundra hung up and then returned to Marcel and Cait.

“Del and I have agreed I can help you but not go with you. I’m willing to message this guy and tell him I know Vallie. I’ll also say that I know a couple that’s looking for a great place to have a good time and Vallie says he’s the one to ask. If he gives me the info, you two go and pose as the couple and find out what’s up If he doesn’t, then we are stuck. Either way, I can’t come along. Will that work for you?”

“If that’s all you feel comfortable with, it’s all we can do,” Marcel said. “There’s no guarantee this will even work. Go ahead and give it a try.”

Saundra messaged “Kale Karmaman” and the three of them hovered around her cell phone. To Cait and Saundra’s surprise – but not Marcel’s – he answered quickly.

“Give me their name and friend me and then I can see they are your friend.”

“No surprise,” Marcel explained. “He’s doing that not just to validate but then to also mine your contacts. You are friends with Cait, right?”

“She is, but not as Cait. My family is fairly notorious where I moved from. So my social profiles are by my first and middle name.”

Marcel quickly looked something up on his phone and showed it to Saundra.

“Quick, friend me then. Here’s my profile on that social network.”

Saundra sent the connection request and Marcel quickly accepted.

“Tell him to look up my name.”

Saundra passed on those instructions.

“Great!” came the response. “Now I’ll send him a friend request and send the details direct.”

“He’s going to friend you,” barely came out of Saundra’s mouth before the notification came in.

“Got it and accepted, sis,” Marcel said without a second thought.

Saundra started to get more nervous inside as she realized the full extent of what was at stake.

“Just be safe out there.”