Birthdays Can Be Deadly Read Online Free

Jo, the mysterious diva that she could barely get to speak a word.
    As Jo disappeared around the side of one of the villas, Samantha stood up and headed in the direction of Frank's villa. He obviously knew James. If they were old friends or even just old acquaintances he might be very upset by his passing and would need some comfort. She walked down the sloping walkway towards the lake.
    Frank's villa was one of the closest to the lake. All of the villas had a view of the lake, but Frank's villa was one of the few that had a small dock that stretched out into the water. Baki used to sit out on the dock and pretend to fish. He didn't even put a lure or bait on the line. He confided in Samantha that it was his way of hanging out on the dock and ensuring no one would disturb him, as everyone assumed he needed quiet in order to fish. Otherwise, if he just sat out on the dock the entire neighborhood would be outside and wanting to join him. The people of Sage Gardens did have a habit of getting into each other’s business fairly frequently. Of course Samantha's interest in Frank was for much more than pure gossip. She wanted to make sure that he was okay after James' death, and that he was settling into the villa well.
    When she knocked on the door of the villa she could see that the windows were dark. It was still light outside, but usually the kitchen light, or a television would be on, to indicate that someone was home. Samantha was about to walk away when she heard the door handle shake. She turned back just as the door was opening. Framed by the doorway Frank looked a bit larger and stronger than she recalled. She was startled by his sudden presence, despite the fact that she had knocked on the door expecting him to answer.
    “Hi,” she said nervously.
    “Hello?” he replied with a hint of annoyance. “Can I help you?”
    Samantha felt as if she was in the crosshairs of a weapon. She had planned out all of the things that she would say to Frank before he opened the door. Now that she was staring directly into his eyes, she couldn't recall a single thing she had planned on saying.
    “I'm sorry, I'm Samantha, Sam,” she explained and offered her hand for a handshake. “I met you at the party today,” she added as he didn’t seem to recognize her. As her hand hovered in the air before her, she realized just how awkward the situation was. Did anyone even shake hands anymore? Reluctantly, Frank reached out and shook her hand.
    “Are there more of you?” he asked and leaned forward to look past her, up the hill.
    “More of me?” Samantha asked with confusion. “What do you mean?”
    “I mean, you're the first,” Frank shrugged as he met her eyes.
    “The first what?” Samantha was getting even more confused by the moment.
    “The first of the single women to just show up on my door step,” Frank replied impatiently. “It happens every time I move into one of these places. All of the single women smell fresh blood and decide to introduce themselves for no apparent reason. I find it extremely forward and distasteful.”
    Samantha swallowed thickly. She had never been so embarrassed. Her mind couldn't keep up with what he was accusing her of doing.
    “Excuse me, but I had no intention of coming here to introduce myself to the fresh blood. I came here to check on you, because of what happened to James. I noticed the way you two were talking, and assumed that you might be old friends, which made me think I should make sure that you are handling the news okay,” she explained. Her voice was even and confident as she spoke, but inwardly she still felt flustered by his accusations.
    “What do you mean? What news?” Frank demanded, it was clear that his patience was on its last thread.
    “Oh, wait, weren't you at the recreation hall?” she asked, startled once more.
    “I was,” he replied darkly. “You know I was, obviously. But I left. Did something happen at the party?” he narrowed his eyes.
    Samantha felt