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
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
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!
Monday, December 25, 2023
HOLIDAY POP-UP BOOKSHOP
You’re invited to RRBC‘s Holiday Pop-Up Bookshop.
My books are 99 cents.
Check them out here:
https://rrbcbooksbudzpopup2023.wordpress.com/rrbc-booksbudzpopup22-books-99-or-less/
The holidays have never been so fine
as in the unique books of mine.
Sunday, November 19, 2023
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
Sunday, November 5, 2023
MY LAST BOW
Source: aqua-regia009
Seek, and you shall find
what the mind may hide.
Follow the soft sighs
to where the bird flies.
Dig deeper into your dream
as you float with the stream.
Time will never end
nor will it ever bend.
Enjoy the here and now
as I give my last bow.
Thursday, September 28, 2023
DARK FANTASY
What lies hidden beneath End House?
Familiar faces & bony countenances.
A cacophony of moans & sounds.
A community of creatures living in the tunnels.
Friends who might be returning to the living,
Or the living who might be joining the dead.
THE DEAD GAME
by Susanne Leist
Sunday, September 24, 2023
LOST
A clown leers at me.
The knife-thrower aims
and misses.
I run into a tent.
Mirrors surround me.
I flee into the darkness
and crash through a mirror.
I stand in a dark room.
The floor spins.
I grab the walls.
My hands slide
on the slippery stones.
A hole opens in the ground.
It widens,
pulling me closer
to the abyss.
I’m falling.
THE DEAD GAME
Thursday, September 21, 2023
FEEL THE HEAT
The music drums to the beat
of the sound of marching feet.
Crimson waves hit the shore,
seeking both rich and poor.
A red blanket covers the town
as The Dead descend with a frown.
THE DEAD GAME
Sunday, September 3, 2023
HAIKU OF GOODBYE
HAIKU OF GOODBYE
The galaxy shines,
In awe of the human race.
It makes my heart race.
I cannot see far,
But I know what is right here.
It’s not far from here.
Heaven covers us,
Protects above and below.
To it, I must go.
Goodbye to my friends.
Time comes to an abrupt end.
I shine for each friend.
Sunday, July 16, 2023
A GARDEN FOR THE DEAD
Frozen in place.
Dripping tears for centuries.
Memories of a lifetime.
Praying for salvation.
A frown for eternity.
Will her tears sprout
a garden for The Dead?
THE DEAD GAME
Thursday, May 18, 2023
THE PERFECT TIME FOR A PARTY
It’s a magical night for a party.
Beautiful couples dance
between the glass statues.
Fancy gowns drape the perfect bodies.
The glasshouse shimmers in the moonlight.
The party is perfect.
A little too perfect.
THE DEAD GAME
Thursday, March 9, 2023
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.
Thursday, December 15, 2022
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.
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