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FROZEN WITH PAIN

A town where the snow is black,

bringing coldness & fear.

Old remnants of tears held back

& times too hard to bear.

Woven from black sheets of rain,

fear covers in disarray.

Anguished & frozen with pain,

dark petals fall in dismay.

THE DEAD GAME SERIES

JOIN ME FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER OF MEET ME IN MAINE

Will Logan survive or become the next victim? Elizabeth and David rush to the hospital to find out.

Chapter 11

I trailed behind David at the hospital through a maze of corridors, announcements ringing in our ears, overhead fluorescent lights bouncing off the too-white walls. He reached for my hand when my steps slowed, and I took a deep breath. “I hate hospitals.”

“No one likes hospitals, but they’re a necessity.”

I frowned at his response.

A nurse exited as we entered Logan’s room. He lay on the bed, his eyes closed, a white bandage covering the left side of his head, closest to us. His eyes opened at our footsteps, and Logan tilted his head to see us.

I ran past the empty bed to reach him. “How are you?” I extended my hand before dropping it at my side. “We should have brought flowers or a gift.”

His slow grin made my heart flutter. “I don’t need gifts, just you.”

David cleared his throat.

Logan chuckled. “I need you too.”

“What happened?” His eyes flashing, David sauntered to the opposite side of the bed.

Logan glanced at him. “All business, no ‘how do you feel’ from you?”

“You’re conscious.” David cocked an eyebrow. “So, you’re fine.”

I inched closer to the bed and touched his hand. “What happened?”

Logan looked at me, his gray eyes softening, his chiseled face gaunt. “I spotted two men lurking on the pier behind the fish restaurant, so I tracked them until they ambushed me on a side street. While I was tackling one of them, the other hit me. The next thing I remember is waking in the hospital attached to tubes.”

“Did you recognize them?” David paced at the foot of the second bed, waiting in the shadows for its next patient, its lights and machinery dark.

Logan faced him with a disdainful expression. “They wore hoodies and dark clothing.”

“That’s it?” David halted, his expression grim.

A grunt escaped Logan’s lips. “Let me see you identify someone who bashed you on the head.”

“I was just checking.” David shrugged. “We’ve been attacked before.”

Logan frowned. “Thanks for the show of sympathy.”

I squeezed his hand. “Did you hear about the woman?”

“I was there.”

“Why were you there?” David asked, his voice hardening.

“The chief heard rumors of an attack at tonight’s opening.” Logan closed his eyes. “He asked me to check the restaurant.”

“The chief expected an attack?” I let go of his hand. “Scarlett was there.”

He opened his eyes, giving me a glassy stare. “I didn’t know until I saw her and Jonathan.” Logan winced. “I was approaching Scarlett when the woman… I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry.” I grabbed his hands in both of mine. “They could have killed you. You should rest.”

David grunted and strode from the room.

“We’ll return tomorrow.” I gave Logan a wistful look before hurrying after David into the corridor.

While he marched ahead of me to the nurses’ station, his tense words drifted to me over his shoulder, “I’m going to speak to the nurses before I drive you home.”

I waited as three nurses surrounded him, eager to answer his questions. After nodding to them, David led me to an empty lounge. “Do you need to sit?”

I shook my head.

“Logan has a severe concussion… they’re taking him for an MRI.”

“Poor Logan; you could have been nicer to him.”

“He has a thick head. This isn’t his first concussion or mine.”

“Are you trying to comfort me?” I frowned. “Your technique isn’t working.”

David shoved his hands into his pockets. “I guess not.” He searched my face. “I’ll take you home… I’m sorry for the way our date ended.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“Blue Harbor has an awful habit of interfering in my life,” he said as we followed the twisting hallways to the exit. 

At my apartment, he stood in the hallway, watching me. “I’ll wait until you lock the door behind you.”

I unlocked the door, stepped inside, and turned to him.

A hooded expression crossed his face. “I’ll call you tomorrow.” The soulful chords of Tchaikovsky’s “Pas de Deux” from The Nutcracker drifted from his jacket. He pulled the offending cell phone from his pocket, glancing at the screen. “The chief is calling. Lock the door,” he said, backing into the hallway and motioning to the lock.

I shut the door and locked it. Date finished.

MEET ME IN MAINE RETURNS FOR MORE FUN

Let us return to MEET ME IN MAINE for the next chapter. Will our heroines be faced with another dead body?

Chapter 10

David parked between the police cruisers blocking the street in front of a brown, shack-looking building, flashing red lights illuminating the bystanders standing in groups on the sidewalk. We hurried beneath the hanging wood sign, Blue Sea, and into the restaurant. A whiff of fish hit me as we entered. Round tables rimmed the perimeter, where three walls of windows faced the pier and moonlit water. A circular bar with bamboo stools took center stage in the darkened room. The half-eaten dishes filling the glass tabletops and the fallen bamboo chairs hinted at the patrons’ quick retreat. Police milled around a table beneath a shattered window sprayed with blood in the right corner.

David stepped in front of me when I gasped, blocking my view of the scene. “Stay here.”

“But—”

“No buts.” He took my arm and guided me to a chair and a small table beside the front door. “Don’t move until I return.” Then he rushed to join the officers.

“I can’t believe there’s a murder during the grand opening,” a woman’s voice near me whispered.

“Yeah. And this time, it’s a woman,” a high-pitched voice replied. The police shooed them to the far left corner, where the other customers waited in a tight group, quiet and grim-faced.

I jumped to my feet, jarred by the thought: Jonathan had taken Scarlett to a new restaurant on a pier. What if the body belonged to her? I hurried across the room to where David stood beside the chief.

“Is it Scarlett?” I clutched David’s arm, getting a glimpse of a headless body draped across the table. So much blood. The woman wore a black dress. She wore a black dress, while Scarlett had twirled in a red dress for me.

“No.” David yanked me from the scene, but I’d seen enough: blood covered the window, table, and floor. He scowled at me, gripping my arm. “Why didn’t you listen to me?”

I tugged my arm from his grasp. “I was afraid it was Scarlett; she and Jonathan went to a new restaurant on a pier tonight.”

David pointed to the left. “She’s standing with Jonathan. Go join them.” He marched away as I slunk toward them.

“Elizabeth.” Scarlett wrapped her arms around me. “What are you doing here?”

“The chief interrupted our date,” I replied, nodding to Jonathan.

“Why?” Scarlett narrowed her teary eyes at me.

I sank into the chair Jonathan had brought me. “Logan was attacked.”

“Is Logan okay?” Jonathan asked.

“The chief didn’t sound concerned.”

Jonathan said, “Lively is only worried about his career.”

“What happened?” I asked. “I saw the body.”

Scarlett twisted her hands together. “We were eating at a table beside the window. The view was spectacular; there was music and plenty of tequila flowing. Then a woman’s head exploded at the next table. The woman sitting with her got covered with her friend’s blood before she screamed and fainted. Once the ambulance arrived, the paramedics revived the second woman and helped her to her feet. She didn’t appear hurt… but soaked in blood.” Scarlett grimaced as she gulped for air.

“Does this happen often?” I squinted at Jonathan in the dim light. “This is the second dead body we’ve seen in two days.”

“We’re having an outbreak of violent episodes.” He dragged shaky fingers through his shaggy blonde hair. “In March, two people turned to stone.”

“What do you mean they turned to stone?” Scarlett grabbed his arm.

Jonathan patted her hand before directing her to a chair across from mine. “Two new statues appeared on the dock, resembling a husband and wife living in Blue Harbor. The couple went missing as the statues appeared out of thin air.”

“You believe the couple turned to stone?” I asked, shaking my head at this absurd thought.

“The chief does.” He stared at the police surrounding the dead body. “He’s investigating with the help of Logan and David.”

My opinion of Lively plummeted to even lower than before. “I understand Lively having bizarre fantasies but not Logan or David.”

Jonathan looked at me. “This is a peculiar town.”

“These episodes have happened before?” I asked.

He nodded, his expression solemn.

“Have they called the FBI?” Scarlett asked, her eyes widening.

He shook his head. “Lively wants to keep it local; he doesn’t want the Feds traipsing through his crime scenes.”

“But if the chief can’t solve the crimes, he needs help.” Scarlett lowered her face. “This is ridiculous, and the whole situation borders on the ludicrous.”

Jonathan hunched on his knees in front of her, his bright blue eyes focused on Scarlett’s face. “I shouldn’t be telling you, but the town has secrets.” He shook his head, stopping himself from speaking further. “I shouldn’t be divulging them to strangers.”

Scarlett raised her face. “We aren’t strangers but will soon be owners of an inn.”

“What?” I stood, my head spinning. “When did you decide to stay?”

She turned tired eyes to me. “We can’t leave now.”

“No. You can’t leave.” Jonathan lifted her hand, bringing it to his lips. “We just met.”

“Wait a second.” I sat as the surrounding voices became muffled in my ringing ears. “The contract requires two signatures. And one is mine.”

“You don’t want to live here?” a deep voice whispered.

I turned my head to David. “My plans don’t include moving to a town of exploding heads and people turning to stone, where a psycho killer fulfills his delusions of grandeur by using Blue Harbor as his evil playpen.”

He took my hand, bringing me to my feet. “I can help make this town peaceful again.” His penetrating gaze pierced through me. “Please, let me try.”

“I don’t know.” I swallowed the lump growing in my throat.

“Give me a chance to make this right.” David wrapped an arm around my waist, backing me against his hard body, his warm breath tickling my ear. “I’ll keep you safe. I promise.”

I leaned against him with a sigh.

“I’m going to visit Logan at the hospital? Do you want to join me?”

I raised my face to his beseeching stare.

“We’re joining you.” Scarlett jumped to her feet.

When a police officer blocked her and Jonathan from leaving, David said to her, “You have questions to answer first,” before turning to me and extending his hand, “Join me, please.”

I took his hand and followed him past the officers surrounding the bloody scene to the police cars and camera crews flashing their lights across the night sky. When a reporter shoved a mic at my face, David pulled me against him and said, “No comment,” before leading me to his car.

I settled in my seat, my thoughts jumbled, my heart pounding. I don’t want to live in Blue Harbor, where the unusual becomes the usual. Then I glanced at David; I was not ready to say goodbye to him.

MEET ME IN MAINE

Lizzy gets ready for her first date with David. Is she eager? Let’s find out.

CHAPTER 7

Scarlett stepped through the front doorway, halting in surprise. “I thought you’d still be asleep.”

“Where were you?” I asked from my perch at the kitchen counter, eyeing the white paper bag clutched in her hand. “You’re never an early riser.” 

With a grin, she sauntered into the kitchen, placing the bag beside my coffee cup. “I bought muffins at a cute cafe around the corner.”

“No diet?” I asked.

“Not today.” Scarlett popped a Keurig cup into the machine, withdrawing two plates from the kitchen cabinet and settling beside me before reaching for the bag. “I’m hungry from scouting the town.”

“What?”

She set a chocolate chip muffin on a plate before sliding it toward me. “Everywhere I visited, people were discussing the explosions.” Scarlett bit into a corn muffin, her voice muffled as she continued, “No one was hurt, but plenty of boats were damaged.”

I quirked a brow.

“Ten boats burned to ashes, and many residents believed it was arson. The shipowners have insurance, but it takes time to collect; for now, they’ve lost their livelihood. The cafe owner handed around a collection to support them, and I pledged money from the both of us.” She glanced at me. “Is that okay?”

“Of course, it’s okay. The boat owners need our help.” Losing my appetite, I shoved the plate away. “Were these people shocked?”

“Nope.” She shook her head, her long ponytail bouncing around her shoulders. “A wave of violence has plagued the town for the past six months.”

“That’s strange; the residents should be more concerned their harbor exploded.”

Scarlett stopped eating and looked at me. “I don’t know the details since people are closed-mouthed, but I’ll find out.”

“Are you canceling our appointment at the bed-and-breakfast for this afternoon?” I stood and began pacing the tiny kitchen. “New York City was dangerous enough; I don’t want to move to a place where I’m afraid to walk home in the evening.”

“I’m not canceling.” Scarlett swiveled to me. 

“We can find a town with no crime wave. The coast of Maine is lined with towns offering picturesque harbors and inns to purchase.”

“No.” Scarlett scrambled to her feet, retrieving her cup from the Keurig and bringing it to the counter. “I want to live here.”

“Why?” I sat as she sipped her coffee. “Is it Jonathan?”

She peeked at me from the corner of her eye. “Yes, it’s him. Then there’s David and Logan. Blue Harbor has interesting characters.”

“Are you seeking characters for a murder mystery or a Hallmark movie?” 

Scarlett pulled a plastic knife from the paper bag and cut my rejected muffin into bite-size pieces. “I don’t want to live in a boring town.” She offered me a piece, but I shook my head. “Blue Harbor offers a unique way of life.”

“The town offers more options for dying.” 

She popped a chunk of muffin in her mouth. “Every town has crime. Once the police catch the ones responsible, the town will be peaceful again. Blue Harbor has the best shops and harbor, and I don’t want to live farther north.”

“The explosions destroyed the harbor.”

“The planks are being replaced as we speak.” Scarlett gave me a pleading look. “Blue Harbor has other piers.”

“Okay. We’ll keep the appointment.” I took a sip of coffee.

“What will you wear on your date with David tonight?” 

“I forgot.” My head pounded. How did I forget?

“Don’t tell me you forgot a date with a gorgeous man.”

“I’ve been trying to forget yesterday; the bleeding man, burning boats, and chilling screams gave me nightmares.”

“Are you keeping the date?” She gawked at me. “No way are you canceling it.”

“I’m going.” I shrugged. “But I don’t need a man to feel whole; I can find happiness without being half of a couple.”

“You can still date and have fun.” Scarlett winked. “You remember how to have fun, right?”

I turned my face to the window where white puffy clouds coasted along the blue horizon. “It’s been a long time.”

“One date doesn’t have to lead to another.” Her expression becoming somber, she added, “I’m not looking for a commitment either.”

I nodded.

“You can’t help men falling for you; you’re blessed with blonde hair and green eyes.” Scarlett tossed her ponytail. “While I sport a frizzy mop of brown with boring brown eyes.”

“Nothing about you is boring.” I laughed. “And you have no problem finding men.”

“But I’m always one step behind you.”

“And I picked Martin.” I stared at the shredded napkin clasped in my hand.

“Forget Martin; he’s history.” She took my hand, peeling pieces of napkins from between my fingers. “Turn your thoughts to David, tall, dark, and handsome.”

“He has those Nordic blue eyes.” I gave a soft sigh.

“Nordic blue?” Scarlett chuckled. “Is that a color?”

“Yes.” I wrinkled my nose. “I found it on Google.” A side glance at her confirmed my suspicions; she sat there grinning like a cat who consumed a bowl of cream. “When is Jonathan taking you on a date? Tonight?”

“Yup.” She slid from the stool. “I’m excited; he’s taking me to a new restaurant on a pier.”

“Nice.” I swallowed. “A pier that didn’t burn?”

“Blue Harbor has many piers.” Scarlett shook a finger at me. “Remember, happy thoughts.”

I planted a smile on my face.

Scarlett gave me a smirk before continuing, “I checked the restaurant online, and it’s fancy.” She leaned her hip against the counter. “Should I wear my strapless red dress?”

“Perfect choice.” I grinned. “You’ll catch the big fish.”

She laughed. “I won’t tell Jonathan you called him a big fish.” Scarlett tilted her head to the side. “What will you wear?”

“I have my little black dress.”

“With an emphasis on little.” With a snicker, she added, “Perfect.” 

I got to my feet and began rinsing the dishes. “Who gets Logan?” I turned to her.

She canted her head to the side.

“If I pick David, and you choose Jonathan, who gets Logan?”

“Can he be the spare?” She clapped her hands together in delight.

A giggle slipped from my mouth. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Men refer to women as spares, so why can’t I?” 

“As long as they don’t hear it.”

“I’m sealing my lips,” Scarlett replied, running an imaginary zipper across her lips.

THE HARBOR BURNS

As explosions rocked the harbor, the blackened sky mirrored the orange and yellow flames consuming the pier. People screeched as the panicked horde surged toward us.

Chapter 6

People strolled the sidewalks beneath the street lamps’ hazy yellow glow. Bright window displays beckoned to visitors as music wafted from the open doorways. Boats rode the soft swells on either side of the long dock, jutting into the dark water. I stood beside Scarlett at the curb, taking a deep breath of the crisp, salty air.

David and Logan exited the parlor, taking positions on either side of us. 

I glanced at Logan, feeling uncomfortable in his presence after the intense interrogation in the ice cream parlor. His haughty mien lifted as he caught my glance, and his gray eyes softened. He nodded to me before turning and heading back to the store.

The ground beneath my feet shook as flames shot to the sky from the moored vessels and ear-shattering explosions cut through the air. Time turned sluggish and unreal, like a movie reel playing in slow motion.

I stood frozen, transfixed by the orange flames sweeping across the wooden planks at the heels of the fleeing pedestrians. Scarlett grabbed my hand as the crowd headed our way, jostling us in their frenzied path. As an intense heat hit our faces, people screamed; sirens shrilled; fire engines pulled alongside the marina. Police cars swarmed the streets.

His face a blotched red, Lively strode from the parlor, puffing. “Take them home and then hurry back,” he shouted to David before rushing across the street with Logan to join the officers arriving at the dock.

“I’ll walk you home.” David snatched my hand, transporting me back to reality. 

I hurried to keep pace with him, the hazy fog clouding my vision cleared. Scarlett strode ahead while Bella hobbled beside us on a broken heel. I glanced back at the burning harbor. “I don’t understand; the advertisements depict Blue Harbor as a peaceful town.”

“It used to be.” David shrugged. “Things have changed.”

“What things?” I asked, but he refused to look at me. “David?”

He faced me. “Maybe you shouldn’t move here.”

“Do you want me to leave?”

“No, then I won’t see you again.” He halted as people rushed around us. “But the town hasn’t been safe for the past few months, and I don’t want you hurt.” David took my hand, and we continued walking.

“Do you believe I’m in danger?”

“I don’t know. I’ve been working with Logan and the chief, but we’ve made no headway.” He checked over his shoulder. “Where’s Bella?”

“I’m here.” Bella emerged from the crowd. “The broken heel is making it difficult to walk.” She removed her shoes and loped toward us barefoot. “That’s better.”

As explosions rocked the harbor, the blackened sky mirrored the orange and yellow flames consuming the pier. People screeched as the panicked horde surged toward us. 

David dropped my hand and looked at me. “I’m sorry. The police need my help; I must go back.” He pushed his way through the throng and headed back to the pier. “Remember to lock your doors,” he yelled over his shoulder before disappearing.

“What’s wrong with this town?” I eyed Bella.

“What isn’t wrong with it?” she replied before stumbling ahead to our building.

Scarlett stood on the front steps, gaze riveted to the burning harbor, her arms wrapped around her shivering body.

Bella unlocked the front door, and we trailed behind her into the dark hallway.

“Are you going to explain this creepy town to us?” Scarlett stepped in front of Bella.

Bella hit the light switch. “No, and don’t shut the hall lights. Tomorrow, I’ll explain the town’s strange history.” She rushed into her apartment, throwing the bolt on the door.

MEET ME IN MAINE

Each week, I will share a chapter of Meet Me In Maine, the first in The Blue Harbor Series. I’m working on the second in the series, which will further explore the Penobscot Indians and their unique history and culture.

Chapter One

I slammed the front door and peeked at the retreating figure through the living room curtains. Martin’s black hair glistened in the bright sunshine, his rugged face pensive,  as he dodged pedestrians on the busy sidewalk and strode to the BMW parked at the curb, glancing over his shoulder to see if I’d changed my mind. It was too late for second chances. After folding his long body into the sleek car, he revved the powerful engine. A New York cabbie honked as the morning rush-hour traffic swallowed the black car as it cut in front.

My favorite melody, The Point of No Return from The Phantom of the Opera, drifted through the empty apartment. I grabbed the cell phone vibrating on the coffee table, and my mood lightened once I spotted Scarlett’s name on the screen. 

“Hi, Scarlett.”

“Elizabeth.” My best friend’s sultry voice rose with excitement. “Is Martin gone for good?” Scarlett hated Martin right away, while it had taken me a long year, laden with arguments and tears, to recognize the arrogant doctor’s faults.

“Yes, he is.”

“That’s all you have to say?”

“What else can I say? I’m relieved but lost.” I paced the Persian rug covering the polished wood floor between the brown leather couch and matching chairs. 

“Are you packed?”

My luggage sat as a tall mound at the front door. “Yes, and I can’t wait to leave this depressing place.” The apartment I shared with Martin held sad memories; we had good times, but the hard times outweighed the happy ones.

“I’ll be there in a few minutes.” The line clicked, and Scarlett was on her way.

I sank into the buttery soft leather couch, part of the set Martin had purchased for our perfect life together. A dream that his possessiveness and violent temper had soon turned bitter. Later tonight, after he finished his shift at the hospital, the expensive furniture and empty brownstone apartment could comfort him and cook him dinner. As thoughts of Martin swirled through my mind, the discordant medley of loud voices and car horns faded into the background. Why did I allow the abusive relationship to continue for so long? Did I become immune to his angry words, accepting them as my due? No. I didn’t deserve his cruel attacks. I deserve respect. Even though no one was there to witness it, I lifted my chin in defiance, with the confidence I hoped one day to achieve. I was free from him and his tyranny. By the time he comes home, I will be long gone.

The doorbell rang. I jumped to my feet and rushed to the front door. Scarlett’s brown eyes glittered back at me through the beveled glass. Her lipstick-red lips curved in a decadent smile. The bell chimed again, and I swung open the heavy wood door.

“How is my baby girl?” Scarlett swept into the hallway. I stepped back as she strolled past me, poking her head into the all-white kitchen outfitted with brand-new appliances. 

“I’m only two years younger than you.” She was twenty-six to my twenty-four. “And yes.” I grimaced. “He’s gone.”

Scarlett grinned. “At last.” A sidelong glance at the mountain load of luggage, and she added, “You’re ready. So am I.”

“You’re packed? But you just called.”

“I packed this morning.” Her sultry smile widened. “Once you told me Martin was history, I quit my job.”

“What?” The room spun around me. “Why?”

“I found the perfect bed-and-breakfast for us to buy.” Scarlett perched on the edge of the couch. “Our appointment is tomorrow afternoon.”

“You don’t have to uproot your life because of me.” Butterfly wings fluttered in my stomach as I sank into a chair.

She watched me through sparkling eyes that reflected her brimming-over-the-top delight with her plans. “It’s a beautifully furnished two-bedroom apartment; I saw the pictures online.” Scarlett, a romantic who watched too many Hallmark movies, planned to open a bed-and-breakfast and meet her soulmate in Maine.

“You’ve been busy.” I gave a cautious grin. Since meeting in college, a bed-and-breakfast was our dream, and I refused to return to Long Island and hear I told you so from my family, who’d disliked Martin from the start.

Scarlett scrambled to her feet. “It’s a five-hour drive between Manhattan and Blue Harbor, and I want to reach Maine before dark.”

“We don’t have to leave this minute.” I scrunched my nose. “Do we?” 

“We do if we want to stop for a bite to eat.” She grabbed two wheelie bags, dragging them through the doorway and down the front steps. After storing the pieces in the red Mustang’s trunk, Scarlett removed her high heels and switched for sneakers. “I can’t wait to leave the City.” With her hands fisted on her hips, she stood on the sidewalk glaring at me, orange and yellow leaves swirling at her feet. “Aren’t you going to help?”

“I fell into a trance watching you.” I stood frozen on the top step with bags clutched to my body. “You’re a whirlwind once you get started.”

She climbed the steps, yanking the luggage from my hands. “Once I make a decision, I’m eager to begin.” A snicker flew over her shoulder as she hurried to the car.

“Yes, Captain.” I saluted. “Ready for duty.” I raced back into the brownstone, collecting the rest of my stuff before locking the door behind me.

Scarlett gave me a thumbs-up as I settled into the passenger seat beside her. “And we’re ready to go.” She eased into traffic, honking at jaywalkers and swearing at cab drivers. 

I won’t miss the traffic, crowds, or Martin Pierce, the world-famous heart surgeon.

Beneath a hazy September sun, honking cars, and slow traffic lights, we left Manhattan for a new chapter in our lives.