OUR SPECIAL PLACE

When the music plays,

And your body sways,

Let my arms hold you,

And my body spoons you.

We’ll sashay to our own beat

And let the town fall at our feet.

As the demons fall from grace,

This remains our special place.

PREY FOR THE DEAD

THE DEAD GAME

 

THE DEAD GAME

I am thrilled my first book, THE DEAD GAME, is still finding new readers & reviews.

Thank you.

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4061474534

SILENCE REIGNS SUPREME

Silence reigns supreme.

The sun hides its face.

Palm trees shake their leaves.

Winds quicken their pace.

The hotel stands deserted.

Flapping sounds fill the air.

Dark shadows join the fray

beneath his icy stare.

THE DEAD GAME

by Susanne Leist

http://amzn.to/1lKvMrP

SNOWBOUND

Snowbound at the inn,

no one can get in,

besides the cursed one

who has already won,

by picking off bodies,

one by one.

MEET ME IN MAINE

by Susanne Leist

http://amzn.to/3z0EcsQ

TIME FOR FANTASY

The Fantasy-Scifi Sale has begun.

It’s time for 99 cents books & fun.

Don’t hold back & be shy.

Time, as you know, can fly.

https://authorsxp.com/99-ebook-sale

MEET ME IN MAINE for romance and fantasy.

THE DEAD WALKING

letslivebythesea

The waves cascade to

the white-sanded beach.

Life is beautiful.

Until the night.

When the sun bows its head,

And the moon takes its place.

Dark waves pound the shore

with relentless fury.

And the night brings

The Dead Walking.

THE DEAD GAME

http://amzn.to/1lKvMrP  

http://bit.ly/1lFdqNj

READ THE NEXT CHAPTER WITH ME

MEET ME IN MAINE

Did Logan survive the attack at the restaurant? How many victims will the evil curse claim before it’s finished?

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.

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.

MELTING DESSERTS

As the desserts melt, Chief Lively questions the witnesses of the bloody crime.

MEET ME IN MAINE

CHAPTER 5

The blood congealing in the chalk outline made my stomach queasy. Jonathan and Eric stood behind the counter, their faces pale, ice cream dripping from the sides of the banana split dish. Colorful dessert melted in the deserted dishes on the tables and the cones that had fallen to the sparkling white floor. 

“Elizabeth.” David rushed to me. “What are you doing here?”

“We were ordering ice cream when the man collapsed.” I shivered.

David pulled me into his arms and whispered, “I’m sorry you witnessed this,” as he rested his chin on my head.

“You know her?” Logan’s deep voice rumbled behind me.

“Have you met Logan?” David stepped back, staring at me, his hands gripping my shoulders.

“I met both of you today.”

“Nice,” the chief said. “You come to Blue Harbor and meet two of my men… how convenient.”

“What are you suggesting?” David glared at Lively.

“I’m not suggesting but pointing to the fact these two women have insinuated themselves into our town on their first day.”

“A coincidence.” David focused his stare on Logan. “How did you meet?”

Logan raked long fingers through his thick hair. “Bella was showing them the town when I bumped into them… a coincidence.”

“We’re full of coincidences today.” The chief paced the room, sidestepping the crime scene outline. “And now, we have a dead body.” He pointed to the thick mass of blood.

“How does this relate to us?” I asked.

“It could be nothing.” Lively scowled. “Or could be everything.” A strange light shone in his dark eyes.

“Stop with the macho act.” Logan marched to the chief, jabbing a finger at his chest. “They’re new to our town.”

The chief stepped back. “Okay, big boy, no need to argue. I’m doing my job.”

“So, do it, and don’t harass the women.” Logan took a deep breath before approaching us and turning his face from Lively. “Ladies, please have a seat. We have a few questions.”

“Sure,” the chief mumbled behind Logan’s back. “Do my job for me.”

David led me to a table, taking a position behind my chair, while Bella and Scarlett took seats on either side of me.

With a stern expression on his face, Logan halted in front of Scarlett. “Did the shop appear unusual before the man entered?”

Scarlett cleared her throat. “I don’t know what’s unusual for this town since I just arrived.”

“You know what I mean.” Logan lowered his face near hers.

“I was trying to lighten the mood.” Scarlett averted her face. “No. I saw nothing strange.”

“Did you?” Logan directed his sharp gaze at me.

I shook my head.

When he glanced at Bella, she mouthed, “No.”

“Okay, let’s try this.” Logan circled the table before standing in front of Scarlett, his hands on his hips. “What do you remember?”

Scarlett squirmed in her seat. “The man ran into the store, blood gushing from his neck. He said, ‘they’re back,’ and then collapsed.”

“Nothing else?”

She shook her head. “Nothing else.”

“Elizabeth?” He faced me.

David’s fingers tightened on my shoulders as I replied, “I remember the same.”

Logan swiveled his head to Bella. “I take it you have nothing to add.”

“There’s nothing to add.” Her face reddening, Bella came to her feet. “He walked into the store and bled to death.”

“Did you recognize him?”

We shook our heads in unison.

Logan directed his icy glare at me. “Why did you choose this week to visit Blue Harbor?”

“What do you mean?” I squinted at him, confused.

“Most people visit our town during the summer and leave after Labor Day.” Logan tilted his head, watching me. “Why are you visiting after the season?”

“We’re not visiting.” Scarlett rushed to her feet, her voice rising in tone. “We’ve moved here.”

Logan spun to her. “You’re staying?”

“Why is that so strange?”

David replied, “It’s unusual because we didn’t hear of your arrival.”

Scarlett shoved her hands on her hips. “We didn’t arrive with a parade and horns blaring.”

David gave her a sullen look.

The chief grunted. “I don’t enjoy surprises.”

“I didn’t think we were an unpleasant surprise,” I said.

“You’re a pleasant surprise.” David patted my shoulder.

“We had nothing to do with the man’s death,” Bella said. “Let us go home.”

Logan frowned at Bella. “Thank you, women. You can leave.” He strode to the door and held it open for us.

MEET ME IN MAINE – CHAPTER THREE

This might be the chapter you’ll never forget.

Chapter Three

“I’m bone-tired.” Scarlett plopped onto the couch, crossing her ankles on the glass coffee table. “I may never move again.” She leaned forward to massage her jean-clad legs.

I settled beside her, smoothing my hand across the plush gray suede. “When you said furnished, I didn’t know you meant living in luxury.” A massive flat TV screen faced the couch and two chairs; tall brass lamps stood on the glass end tables. Polished light-wood floors wove through the rooms, leading to a sectional beige leather couch curved around a second TV in the den. “And we have king-sized beds.”

Scarlett loosened her curls from the scrunchie. “In case we have company.”

“Do you expect company?” I asked, wiggling my eyebrows.

She snickered. “You’ll be welcoming a guest before I do.”

“I intend to sleep alone.” I felt my brow furrowing. “No more live-in boyfriends.”

“We’ll see after your date tomorrow.” Scarlett grabbed the remote from an end table and flipped through the channels, the changing screen absorbing her attention. “I’m set for the evening. Oh, look, we have cable and Netflix.”

I glanced at the empty pizza box sitting open on the coffee table. “I’m still hungry.”

“You’re always hungry, but you never gain a pound.”

“Neither do you.”

“I work hard at dieting and exercising.” She pointed the remote at the TV; a black screen replaced The Hallmark Channel. “What do you want to eat?”

Ice cream.”

“Are you two years old? Do you need ice cream as a reward for unpacking?”

“Yes, I do.” I stood. “Let me grab my bag.” I hurried to my bedroom and unearthed my handbag on the floral comforter between the mounds of matching pillows. Laughter and voices drifted through the open window. I moved to the white curtains, parting them to the setting sun and glowing red sidewalks.

Scarlett strolled into the bedroom and stood beside me. “Wow. Maine sunsets are much more impressive than Manhattan ones. I’ll grab my bag and jacket.”

I stared at the enticing view. No one moved in a hurry; no cars honked. Kids rode bicycles. A group stood laughing and gesturing with their hands. I reached for a fast-forward button to quicken the speed, but there was no button: Blue Harbor moved at a slower pace than New York City.

“Here I am.” Scarlett scooted in front of me with a black Michael Kors leather jacket draped across her arm, wearing DKNY jeans and a yellow billowy blouse. She spun in a circle. “Do I look ready to paint the town red?”

I grinned back at her. “You look terrific.” I stepped back from the window, letting the sheer fabric fall from my fingers. “Everyone is moving in slow motion.” I blinked, feeling disoriented. “We’re used to rushing from one place to the next. Here, no one is in a hurry. They’re even smiling at each other.”

“We’ll adjust to the slower pace.” She eyed my skinny jeans and flowered blouse. “No need to change: you look perfect. Just grab a jacket

I headed to the hall closet, reaching for my tan leather jacket. “Do you have the keys?”

Scarlett replied, “Yup,” as she swung the front door open. 

I followed her into the hallway. 

“Now, I’m getting hungry.” She shut the door, locking it behind us. 

Bella sauntered toward us. “Hi, guys. Where are you going?”

Scarlett quirked a brow. “Out.”

“Do you need directions? I can introduce you to people.” The curvy redhead shifted to the right, blocking our path to the front door. 

“You’ll get chilly in that skimpy outfit Scarlett narrowed her eyes at her.

We have a warm spell.” Bella smoothed the pleats of the black miniskirt that hit mid-thigh.

Tired of their banter, I said, “We’re going for ice cream.”

“Great.” Bella gave a catlike grin. “Wait for me.” She dashed to her apartment.

I turned away from Scarlett’s accusing glare. “She can lead us to the nearest ice cream parlor while introducing us to people.”

“I don’t trust her.”

“Neither do I.” As the approaching footsteps neared, I whispered, “Be nice.”

Bella appeared in tight jeans and a ruffled pink blouse. “I changed.” She slung a black beaded bag across her shoulder. “I know the perfect place for dessert.” 

“Do we need a car?” I asked, eyeing Bella’s plunging neckline. I hoped she didn’t plan an evening chasing men.

“Nope.” Bella sashayed past us, flinging a lock of wavy red hair over her shoulder. “It’s only a block away.” We followed her as she greeted people on the sidewalk without bothering to introduce us. Men flirted with her, while women scowled as she ignored them. 

“She’s not popular with women,” I whispered to Scarlett.

“Most women understand her game plan,” Scarlett said as another man stopped to stroke Bella’s impressive ego.

“Which is?”

“Tempt as many men as she can until—” She froze.

“Until what?”

“Until she catches the one she wants.” Scarlett cleared her throat. “And she found him.”

I followed her frozen stare to the corner where Bella spoke to a tall, muscular man who wore a pinstripe gray suit and red tie to perfection. When his sharp gaze swung to us, I bit back a sigh. Gray eyes observed us from beneath hooded lids. 

In my ear, I heard Scarlett’s breathless words. “First, David, and now, this guy. Does Maine only produce gods?”

“And Bella knows them.”

“Introduce me to your friends.” The dark-haired Adonis strolled toward us, extending his hand. “Pleased to meet you. I’m Logan Rayne.”

Scarlett moved closer, taking his hand. “Scarlett Harding.” 

“Elizabeth Reading,” I said as silvery-gray eyes met mine.

Bella emerged from behind Logan, linking her arm through his. “Will you join us for a bite to eat?”

“I’m sorry,” Logan replied, his heated stare capturing mine. “I have a late meeting.”

“Then we’ll expect a rain check.” Bella batted her impressive eyelashes. “This weekend will be fine.”

“I’m free Saturday night. Are you?”

I gulped; he was watching me. “We’re free since we just arrived today.”

“Good.” Logan stepped back, relinquishing Bella’s grasp on his arm. “Dinner?”

Bella sighed. “We’ll be ready at, let’s say, 9 o’clock.” She arched a red eyebrow at him.

“Did you move into Bella’s building?” he asked, his attention returning to me.

I nodded.

“I’ll see you then.” A smile flashed across his face before he strode to the navy-blue Mercedes parked at the curb. He folded his long legs into the two-seater, then nodded to us before easing the sporty vehicle into traffic. 

“What are you? A man-magnet?” Her hands clenched at her sides, Bella stood at the corner, glowering at me, bright spots of red on her pale cheeks. 

“I thought that was your job,” Scarlett said with an evil chuckle.

“Ha, ha.” Bella gave a “humph” before rounding the corner.

“Logan was asking us, wasn’t he?” I asked with a slight squeak.

“He was gawking at you.”

“No way.” I gulped. “No one looks at me while you’re standing beside me.”

“Yeah, right.” Scarlett shook her head, muttering something to herself.

We turned the corner to the busy avenue, where colorful stores faced the harbor, but Bella was nowhere in sight. Beneath the orangey-yellow glow of the setting sun, the docked boats swayed in place on the waves. A soft breeze brushed through my hair. The mellow early evening sounds lulled my senses until a high-pitched shriek broke the spell.

“Why didn’t you follow me?” Bella marched toward us, waving her arms.

“We lost you.” Scarlett spun to her.

“How could you lose me? I didn’t even cross the street.” Bella’s pale face reddened. “Unless you were trying to lose me.”

“We reached—” Scarlett glanced at the street sign. “Harbor Drive, and we didn’t see you.”

“Fine.” Bella pointed to the pink sign, Le Ice Cream Parlor, hanging between two 3D hot-pink ice cream cones on a white shingled building. “We’re here.”

We stepped into the pink. An extended counter spanned the left wall, fronted with hot-pink stools, light-pink booths lined the right and back walls, and white wrought-iron tables and chairs filled the middle. “Cute,” I said. The sweet aroma of ice cream, chocolate fudge, and cotton candy wafted my nose. My mouth watered. I smelled peanut butter and strawberries and didn’t know what else. “An ice cream heaven.”

Bella took a pink stool at the counter. “Hi, Eric. Can I have a banana split?”

“Sure thing, Bella.” The gangly teenager scooped ice cream into a banana-shaped glass dish, a toothy grin on his pimpled face.

“What can I get the young ladies?” I turned, expecting an older man. Instead, a man in his early thirties flashed his pearly whites at us. “Hi. I’m Jonathan Hale, the owner of this ice cream heaven.”

“You heard me.” My face heated as I faced the shaggy blonde, blue-eyed, surfer-looking guy. 

“Yes, I did. And thank you for the compliment.” His gaze landed on Scarlett and stayed there. I felt relief; he fit Scarlett’s unique taste.

“What do you recommend?” Scarlett asked, her voice sounding breathy. 

“I suggest the tornado.” Jonathan winked. “It has my best flavors topped with chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry.”

“We’ll share one.” Scarlett glanced at me, and I nodded.

As Jonathan retrieved a tall dish from behind the counter and began layering the decadent ice cream flavors, he asked, “Are you new to Blue Harbor?” His intense gaze met Scarlett’s through the glass dome covering the ice cream display.

“We arrived today.” Scarlett’s voice drifted as she glanced away.

He chuckled. “Then I’m happy to welcome you to Blue Harbor.”

Scarlett gave him a tremulous smile. “Thank you.”

“Take a seat at a booth, and I’ll bring my special concoction to you.”

Scarlett took my hand, dragging me across the room to a corner booth.

“Wow,” I whispered. “You must be in love. I’ve never seen you act timid. And shy. You’re never shy.”

She turned to me with a scowl, her mouth opening, ready to defend herself before her attention shifted to the front door.

The door flung open, hitting the wall beside it with a loud bang. A hush fell across the room. 

Startled faces turned to the doorway.

A tall, thin man hurried inside, clutching his throat, his gaze darting around the room. “They’re back,” he whispered before collapsing to the floor, blood spurting from his neck and pooling around his body.