Halfling (Black Petals Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

looking into what looks to be a possible murder by the looks of the key words linked to the webpage. The only thing that I put into the online form that is actually mine is my email address, so they can get back to me.
    I snoop around the site a little longer to find out that the library, which I’ve just emailed, is stationed in Alberta, Canada. In Calgary to be exact. Coincidence? I think not.
    When my phone vibrates a few minutes later, signifying that I’ve received an email, I jump in surprise. That was sure a quick reply.
    A picture of the exact article that I was inquiring about is clipped to the email along with a short message thanking me for my interest in the libraries records. I browse the wording quickly and carefully. In a nutshell, this Darius Ranchiller guy was brutally murdered in an alley in Calgary around the same time that I was born. I’m interrupted by a knock on my door and a ring of my doorbell in unison. I jump up. My pizza must be here.
    I grab some cash from the table and rush over to the door, swinging it open. “Sorry, I had to grab some money,” I apologize and begin counting it out loud quickly.
    “I’m…not…selling…anything…” a deep, humored voice bellows in laughter. My heart jumps, and I look up. The one time I don’t check the peephole! I’m relieved to see that it’s only Crispen, my new neighbor.
    “Oh, Jesus, Crispen!” I cry reluctantly and place my palm over my heart in shock. “I thought you were the pizza guy!”
    Another chuckle. “Nope, I mean if that’s what you want me to be then sure,” he says in a flirty, but joking tone.
    I scowl at him.
    “I’m just joking,” he reassures me with a thunderous laugh. He’s in a good mood. “You’re still paranoid because of that horror movie, aren’t you?” he muses, taking in my expression of surprise.
    I nod automatically and motion for him to come in. “Would you like to come in? I have pizza on the way,” I offer.
    He shrugs and his amusement fades a touch. “Yeah, sure.”
    “Did you come to take your cookies back?” I ask, making conversation.
    He smirks. “No, you can keep them. They’re no good for these abs.” He lifts up his black t-shirt to reveal a finely sculpted torso. Damn him. If only I had enough ambition and will power to stop eating things like bacon and pizza, and get back into shape. It’s not that I‘m fat or even overweight, but I’m far from being in shape.
    “I bet you can’t turn down the pizza when it gets here,” I joke, lighting up a bit and flashing him a genuine smile. No one can turn down pizza. Well, not unless they have some sort of super will power.
    He licks his lips and half smiles. “No, you’re right. I won’t go that far. That’s just insanity.”
    I giggle as he steps into my home and kicks off his shoes. I lock the door behind him. I immediately feel better now that I’m not alone. He sets his shoes neatly in the corner and glances to the table beside the door.
    “Do you always carry around a big, badass knife?”
    I glance to where he’s looking. I forgot to put the knife back in the kitchen earlier.
    “I must’ve forgot to put it away,” I admit and grab it. I walk it into the kitchen and place it back into the knife block. “Sorry about that by the way. I didn’t mean to frighten you earlier when I answered the door with it.”
    “Not a problem. It isn’t the first time I’ve been threatened with a knife unfortunately.”
    I can tell by his tone that he’s not joking. I decide not to ask him to elaborate. I’m sure that if he was threatened with a knife before, it’s not likely a pleasant memory, and he probably doesn’t want to talk about it. I’d hate to ruin his giddy mood, because I need it right now.
    “How did you like the cookies?” he wonders, changing the subject.
    I toss a few pillows which have fallen off of my couch back where they belong and straighten the cushions. I wasn’t expecting guests. “They’re great.