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 Twelve.

Saundra tried to explain everything to her husband Del over the phone, but he would not be swayed.

“You are not going into some dicey nightclub, especially not with someone you just met who claims to be your brother!”

“We won’t be alone. Cait will be there, too.”

“Cait can get involved with any man she wants, but you are my wife!”

Saundra wasn’t sure what to make of that.

“Are you insecure, Del? Do you not trust me?”

“I love you and trust you, but I also know your history. You were blackmailed by someone which ruined your relationship with your high school sweetheart. Before we met, you never thought you’d find love again, but you did. I don’t understand how or why you’d even consider endangering that and all we’ve built together.”

“Without Cait, I wouldn’t have gotten the encouragement to do what I did and meet you. You know that. It’s time I returned that very big favor.”

She heard Del’s loud sigh through the phone.

“Just promise me you will come back safe, Saundra. And keep one eye on this Marcel person. If he’s not who he claims to be, I will hunt him down. He might even be part of luring you into the same trap Vallie may have fallen into. Don’t drop your guard for a moment.”