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 over the next  fourteen days is “Shining a Light on Crime”. This is Part 5 of 14.

“Ok, you win, Lou. I can see not making it public. But shouldn’t the rest of the family know at least? Why be so secretive about it?”

Roxane couldn’t wait to hear Lou’s comeback to that.

“Your parents trust me. You are married to me but keep questioning me. What’s up with that?”

She had to admit it was a good comeback.

“I trusted my parents you’d be a good match for me, that over time I would see your better qualities. I’m still struggling to find out what those are, Lou. So it sadly makes it a little hard to put my trust in them.”

Roxane wasn’t quite as bitter as she sounded about her current situation – she’d gone into it with both eyes open –  but throwing attention on to her parents she hoped would ease the suspicion on her.

“Hmm. Never thought of it that way.”

Her move appeared to work, at least for the time being. Unfortunately, Roxane realized Lou wouldn’t just volunteer the answer and she’d have to snoop a little harder to get the info she wanted.