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 “Doonah Cross Me,” a prequel for the character of Doonah Cross who premiered on Wattpad last year that will run over the next several days. This is Part Two.

Doonah put her guitar back in her case and walked out of Tarran’s apartment for the last time. It was less than half a mile back to her parents’ home in the nice, quiet suburb where Doonah grew up all her life. Her home life stayed relatively peaceful as well, being raised by a single father as her mother died giving birth to her. Together they’d been the ultimate father-daughter team. That really was the heart of the reason Doonah didn’t want to leave living in the area; she didn’t want to think about her father living a life alone.

Doonah came home to find that her father’s car wasn’t there, and from the timing it likely meant he just wasn’t home from work yet. However, as she approached the front door, a car she didn’t recognize pulled into the driveway. A well-dressed woman got out, who couldn’t be much different than her father’s age, and also looked puzzled at the home as if she’d expected to find her father home as well.

“Hello?” Doonah asked. “Can I help you?”

Doonah could swear the woman needed to restrain herself from leaping into the air in surprise and shock as she turned around to acknowledge her.

“I’m looking to meet with someone, but he appears to be running late.”

“Is it Noah Cross you’re looking for?”

“Well, yes.”

Doonah extended her hand for a handshake.

“I’m his daughter, Doonah Cross. Maybe I can help you.”