The reporter continued. “Detective J.P. Hollinsworth tells us some kind of a gas leak caused the mass hallucinations that sparked a riot at the club last night. The small fire was caused by a guilty member of this smuggling ring, who had his cover blown.”
“He set himself on fire to elude capture.” J.P. looked nervously at the camera. “He knew I was onto him, and in an effort to escape, tried to take the club owner hostage. His plan backfired.”
“The club’s owner was unavailable to speak with us live,” the reporter went on, “but Feenixxx the Red, a stage name no doubt, released this statement: ‘I would not have survived if not for my guardian angels. They stopped the bad guys, since the police were late as usual. I’m so glad they came into my life, and going to them was the most intelligent thing I have done in years.’
“When questioned further, Feenixxx stated the Angels Detective Agency took her seriously and is responsible for the return of the missing men and women. When asked for a comment, an Angels spokesperson told us the Angels couldn’t have screen time, as it would destroy their cover, and angels are invisible. Those who have faith are never turned away. On to you, Ken.”
Shelby blanked the screen, grinning at her boys. “That was too close for comfort, guys.” She turned to smile at Will. “I think we’ll all take a break for a month or so. No new cases until we’re all rested.”
That was met with cheerful agreement.
As Shelby departed, Shen turned to Del.
“It is time!” he intoned. “Get the weapon.”
Nodding and solemn, Del disappeared only to return in seconds with a board game. “First Date at thirty paces. He who gets the geek loses and must perform an act of atonement to the injured party.”
“I’m ready.” Shen nodded as he picked his game pieces.
“Um, Shen?” Adan asked, watching the man prepare for this brutal test of honor and might. “Whatever happened to Feenixxx? Are you a couple now? No more playing with us?”
“Silly man,” Shen chuckled. “It is over between the glorious Feenixxx and me, or at least it will never be permanent. We’re too different. She’s a night person and I live to have my glory enhanced by the warming rays of the sun.”
“Okay,” Adan said, rolling his eyes in disbelief.
“Sometimes I’m not horny, Adan,” he instructed with a gentle smile. “And sometimes I’m not going to be the bottom for you. Sometimes I’m not all I seem.”
Adan smiled. “I got dibs on you for next Orgy Night.”
“That’s fine.” Shen smiled, then turned back to the game that would determine Del’s lack of honor. “By the way, Adan? Can you hop?”
* * *
Case 6748 and ½ -- one half because Del learned the mysteries behind fake boobs and how to pierce them without causing a flood -- closed.
Shelby’s Angels
Stephanie Burke
These are the stories of seven not-so-little little boys, each beautiful -- and unique -- in his own way. How do I know? My name is Shelby, and I’m the handler for these particular models/private eyes.
Let me tell you how this story began…
Changeling Press presents "Shelby's Angels: The Beginning" -- Free on Stephanie Burke’s Author page at ChangelingPress.com
Stephanie Burke
Stephanie Burke, known to friends and readers as Flash, has a warped, twisted sense of humor, and she isn’t afraid to let it show. From pregnant men to six-foot cockroaches, she’s covered the gamut of the weird, the unusual, and the just plain strange. She has about five million books currently in publication with one house or another, all under the name of Stephanie Burke. She says she won’t use a pen name -- she’d have to learn how to spell it. Too much like work. Be sure to join Flash’s “Flame Keeper” loop at Yahoo Groups -- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlameKeeper/join
Shelby’s Angels: Sometimes I’m Not Page 11