THE SEA RUNS RED

At the end of the journey,

where the sea runs red,

the nights grow long,

dark shadows roam free,

and The Dead come to play.

THE DEAD GAME SERIES

DANCE WITH ME

Dance with me until the moon hides its face,
And the sun attempts to quicken the pace.
From the sunlight, the vampire turns his face,
And dancers twirl to the light’s frenzied pace.

PREY FOR THE DEAD
by Susanne Leist

https://amzn.to/2F1IiI2

CHOICES

Confused I may be,

I can’t set him free.

He has me in his thrall,

but I refuse to fall.

After I shut my eyes for the night,

it’s his face I see in the dim light.

THE DEAD GAME

https://amzn.to/31wJpuN

http://bit.ly/1lFdqNj

TIME STANDS STILL

The Dead arrive

in the dark of night.

Time stands still.

Birds take flight.

I’ve had my fill

of demons in the night.

THE DEAD GAME

http://amzn.to/1lKvMrP

HAPPY GALENTINE’S DAY

Join me at Books “R” Us Galentine’s Day Giveaway

On Valentine’s Day from 12:00 – 2:00 PM,

at https://facebook.com/groups/969378346890741…

For games and free books!

WHO ELSE IS HERE?

I open the guest room door
as violent winds pummel the inn.

Lightning illuminates the blood
dripping onto the floor.

I shiver in fear.
Who else is here?

MEET ME IN MAINE

https://amzn.to/3YKZKqN

BY THE SEA

Come with me to the pool by the sea.
Oasis is the best place to be.
Relax by the pool or sit at the bar.
Tourists visit this place from near and far.

I think I’ll take a dip in the pool.
I am definitely not a fool.
I’d never pass up a chance for fun
Or a tan in the Florida sun.

The sky is turning cloudy and dark.
I can see shadows over the park.
What’s that standing behind you?
It’s not one shadow but two.

More shadows are coming ashore.
I’m not going to wait for more.
Our destiny seems to be in this book.
I’m leaving now without a second look.

THE DEAD GAME
Kindle http://amzn.to/1lKvMrP
Nook http://bit.ly/1lFdqNj

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

5-Star Amazon Review

Meet Me In Maine

“Elizabeth and Scarlett are young, attractive and independent women who buy a B&B in Blue Harbor Maine with romantic ideas about the quaint town and being in business for themselves. Instead, they walk into a decades-old nest of violence and prejudice, where dead bodies pile up day after day and a curse hangs over Blue Harbor like a guillotine.
An epidemic of mistrust infects the townspeople as they worry who or what the killers are and who will be the next victim of The Curse. Events stymie even the police who are ready to assess blame on the two women, without any substantive evidence. Romantic entanglements complicate every aspect of a mystery that grows deeper moment by moment.
Navigating the labyrinth of characters, clues, suspicions, frights and paranormal happenings keeps you turning the pages. Leist has created a breezy cozy mystery, a clean read that is suitable for teens and adults alike. Her writing is descriptive without weighing down the plot, and she keeps up the energy and momentum throughout. A good fun read that is very well written.”

MEET ME IN MAINE – Let’s Read A Chapter Together

Chapter 9

Elizabeth’s first date with David goes differently than expected.

I spun in front of the full-length mirror hanging from my closet door, eyeing my black dress and high heels. My hands trembled as I smoothed the silky fabric against my thighs.

Scarlett came through the doorway, wearing a tight red dress. “Sexy.”

“Is it too short?” I turned to her. “I can change.”

“Don’t change. You look hot.” She grinned. “It’s not as short as my dress.”

“You’re comfortable in too-revealing clothing while I’m not.”

“Are you calling me a slut?” Her eyebrows arched.

“If the shoe fits.” 

Scarlett stalked across the room, a shoe dangling from her hand.

I stepped back, shaking my head. “You wouldn’t.”

The doorbell rang.

“Now, you’ll never know.” She slipped her foot into the pump and winked before rushing from the room.

“Lizzie. It’s for you,” Scarlett called from the living room.

Why was David early? I raced for my bag and coat. My heart was pounding as I came to a stop. I must act cool and collected. I took a deep breath and sauntered through the doorway.

He came to his feet. “Hello, Elizabeth.”

My gaze drifted from his cleft chin to chiseled cheekbones, coming to rest on dazzling blue eyes. I opened my mouth, but no sound escaped.

“I hope you’re happy to see me.” He shifted closer, lifting his hand to stroke my cheek.

“I am.” I closed my eyes as his touch sent shivers through my body.

“Okay, lovers.” Scarlett pushed between us. “You’ll miss your reservation, and my date will be here soon.”

David took my hand. “We can take a hint.” I followed him from the apartment, but not before I stuck my tongue at Scarlett behind his back.

* * *

After clicking the remote to unlock the black Jaguar parked at the curb, David opened the passenger door, and I sank into the beige leather seats. Once the car was humming, he seat-belted himself and faced me. “Are you comfortable?”

I nodded. “It’s a gorgeous car.”

“Air-conditioning or sunroof?” David grinned, giving me an enticing glimpse of dimples.

I thought of the wind messing my hair. “Air-conditioner, please.”

We drove in silence until I asked, “Is there any news?” When he didn’t respond, I added, “We don’t have to mention the explosion or –”

“Pick any topic.” He glanced at me. “I want us to relax and enjoy the evening.”

I lowered my face and smoothed the black fabric bunched beneath the seatbelt. 

He placed his hand on my arm, and I lifted my face to the glittering blue eyes seeking mine. “Don’t worry. We’ll find the ones responsible for the explosion.” David pulled the car in front of a one-storied teal blue building, its windows and door strung with twinkling lights. “We’re here.” 

Valets rushed to open our doors. I took David’s arm as we headed inside behind the couples filing through the doorway. Soft music accompanied the hushed conversation in the darkened room. A fire sizzled in the fireplace, nestled in the far left corner. The maître d led us to a table set for two overlooking the water.

After the maître d seated us, a server filled our water glasses and handed us menus. I glanced through the pages, amazed at the steep prices.

“Don’t look at the prices.”

I raised my face and stared at the handsome man sitting across from me, grinning. “I wasn’t.”

“You were.” David chuckled. “Your arched brows tell the complete story.” When I blushed, he continued, “Don’t worry. You have lovely eyes and brows.” As heat suffused my face, he laughed. “I have the money, so spend it.”

I shook my head.

He reached for my hand, which rested on the table, covering it with his. “Order what your heart desires.”

“I’m not familiar with most of these dishes.” As I perused the menu, my gaze drifted to the tables closest to us. Well-dressed couples drank wine and ate, smiling at each other, laughing, and holding hands. His finger stroked the inside of my wrist, and I shivered.

“Are you cold?”

I met his gaze. “I’m fine. Can I order the same dish as you?”

A smile deepened his dimples. “I was going to order steak and home fries.”

“A steak-and-potatoes man.” I smiled. “I’ll have the same.”

The server took our orders and David’s choice of wine. I turned to the window where the moon stroked the dark water with shimmering silver streaks. The soft music and murmur of conversation helped to soothe my frayed nerves.

“Are you upset?”

I caught his concerned expression. “No. Why do you think I’m upset?”

He leaned forward, giving me a lopsided grin. “I was hoping you weren’t angry from last night.”

“Last night?”

His jaw tightened. “The way Logan interrogated you, I should have stopped him. The chief allows him to take control.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” I twirled the wine glass in my hand, watching the dark burgundy liquid catch the votive candle’s flickering light. “Why does the chief allow Logan to intervene?”

“Logan is wealthy and has influential contacts.” He leaned back in his chair. “The chief needs his help to solve the recent crime wave.”

“Is it a crime wave?”

David took a sip of wine, his unhurried gaze following the contours of my face. “A few incidents have occurred in the past six months.”

“Murders?” My stomach plummeted as if I’d consumed a lump of coal.

“Yes.” David shifted in his seat. “Chief Lively has requested my help.”

“Why you? Aren’t you a lawyer?”

“Yes. I’m a mere lawyer.” His eyes darkened to midnight blue as they met mine. “But the chief claims to enjoy my keen mind; he told me I chose the wrong profession.”

“I can see you as a detective.” I busied myself with sipping wine instead of witnessing his woeful expression.

David laughed out loud. “I’m not hurt.” Heads turned from neighboring tables. “I’ve been an officer of the law.”

“As a marine?”

“You’ve heard.” He winked. “Major David Hunt, at your service, ma’am.”

“Nice.” His uneven smirk captivated me as I struggled to compose myself. I didn’t hear the server arrive and place our dishes on the table.

I came to realize I loved to watch David eat. He cut his steak with precision, chewing with his mouth closed, his Adam’s apple bopping along his tan neck. My gaze lingered at the juncture of his white shirt and blue-striped tie. I noticed he had stopped eating, and I raised my face. 

“Hi.” Dimples appeared in the light stubble on his cheeks.

“I enjoy watching you eat.” Blood rushed to my face, and I glanced away. Why did I say that?

David took my hand. “And I love watching you.” His face shifted closer to mine, and I shut my eyes. “Lizzie.”

I opened my eyes.

“You’ve mesmerized me as no other woman has for a long time.” He sat forward, his hungry gaze devouring me until I trembled from its intensity.

“There you are.” A shout rang across the room, followed by the husky figure of Chief Lively. 

David shot to his feet, facing Lively with an annoyed expression. “What’s wrong now?”

“There has been another death.” The chief halted beside our table, his dark glare landing on me.

“I can’t help you; we’re having dinner.” His face ashen, David sat, replacing his fallen napkin on his lap.

“I need you,” Lively replied, his voice sharpening. “They took Logan to the hospital.”

“What happened?” David threw me a concerned look before hurrying to his feet and leading the chief to an isolated spot beside the window.

“Logan will be okay. A woman is dead.”

“A woman, this time?” David glanced over the chief’s shoulder at me. “I’ll drive Elizabeth home.”

“No. We don’t have time.” Lively stepped in front of me, his heated gaze meeting mine. “You’ll have to come with us.”

I nodded.

David said to the chief, “I’ll meet you.” He then turned to me. “I’m sorry.”

Attempting a smile, I said, “I’m fine. I might even help.”

His eyebrows rose in disbelief as he escorted me from the restaurant. And so began my journey into Blue Harbor’s secrets, known only to the select few, which now included me.

DARK PARADISE

 

A more beautiful place cannot be,

It faces the waves of the dark sea.

White sand and quiet beaches galore,

You can’t ask for anything more.

Life is perfect as can be.

Come and frolic with me.

Tourists visit from far and wide.

Oasis is Florida’s pride.

Beware when The Dead descend.

We can no longer pretend

This is a perfect place to be

As The Dead rise up from the sea.

Darkness brings flying creatures and death.

Beware that this won’t be your last breath.

THE DEAD GAME

by Susanne Leist

MOONLIT FOREST

Walk with me through the moonlit forest.
Let our feet graze the tips of the grass,
Never touching down,
Held aloft by our love and passion.

Follow me through the endless night,
To a land where no man walks.
Only creatures as dark as the sky
Dare to venture forth alone.

Love has no bounds or shackles.
We will be free to display our passion,
Without retribution from humanity,
As long as you remain mine.

Come with me, my ice princess.
Step award from the burning plains,
Where the heat burns your soles,
And love is hampered by the living.

Wolf holds his hand out for me.
The words flow from him,
His lips never uttering a sound,
But his meaning is as clear as can be.

We can be together forever more.
But the other has followed us to the clearing.
He will try to take me back,
And never give up his hold on me.

His eyes burn red with passion.
Fire follows close in his footsteps,
Scorching a trail through the grass,
Melting his enemy’s cold path.

They face each other.
Hot and cold from opposite poles,
Dueling until the end of time,
Both fighting for me.

Our games have just begun.

THE DEAD GAME
by Susanne Leist

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.