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 Three.

“Am I too late?” Saundra heard a voice resembling the caller on the phone say as she struggled to get her bearings and stand up. As she did, Saundra looked up into the face of someone who might as well have been her if Saundra had been born a man.

“Oh my heavens,” he said, apologetically. “I didn’t mean to do that. I just got lost and was so afraid the store already closed.”

He reached out a hand and lifted her up.

“It’s like looking into a mirror,” he told Saundra.

“You can say that again,” Saundra told him.

Saundra saw Cait step up beside them, turn the sign to closed, and lock the door.

“I don’t usually do lock myself in a room with strangers, but right now I don’t want any interruptions. Who in the world are you?”

The new arrival turned on Cait.

“Why should I justify myself to you?”

“This is my business partner, Caitlin Blacke. And it clearly seems like you know who I am,” Saundra quickly interrupted before Cait could say a word. “So now, I’m going to ask what she asked already. Who in the world are you?”