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 6 of 14.

It frustrated Roxane that the information wasn’t easy to get. Then it dawned on her that one other option existed. The computer system’s specs would at least tell her the manufacturer, even if it did not show specifically who the part was sourced from. At this point, any hint would help.

She looked up the lighting decoration part name in the computer. It came up as being made by a ShadedLyte Enterprises. So Roxane did some investigating online to see what might come up about the company, which turned out to be surprisingly little, given how well the item supposedly sold. The inventor, as well as the owner, came up as a Zella Lytene. However, specific information on Ms. Lytene wasn’t readily available. She didn’t seem to be one to give interviews. Everything went through a publicity agency, for which information was shown.

Roxane called the agency.

“Hello, how can I help you?”

“I’m looking to get in touch with Zella Lytene. Can you help?”

“What media outlet did you say you were with?” the receptionist asked.

“My name’s Roxane Sheridan. I work for a local store that sells her product. I wondered if Ms. Lytene might be interested in some local promotion with our store, since she also lives here.”

“Ms. Lytene wouldn’t be interested.”

“But you haven’t even asked! May I at least leave some contact information?”

“Ms. Lytene is not open to any such requests. Good day.”

The receptionist hung up the phone on Roxane.

Roxane refused to be dissuaded. At least the receptionist confirmed they were working for Zella Lytene. She would just have to find another way to get the information that she desired in order to make contact and find out how Lou knew about ShadowLyte Enterprises.