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.

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.

I MUST CHOOSE

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

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THE FIRST BODY DROPS

We turned the corner, but Bella was nowhere in sight. Quaint stores lined the busy sidewalk beneath the red glow of the setting sun. The boats docked at the pier swayed in place above the choppy waves. A salty breeze brushed through my hair. The mellow sounds of early evening lulled my senses until a high-pitched shriek broke the spell. “Why didn’t you follow me?” Bella marched toward us.

“We lost you.” Scarlett spun to her.

“How could you lose me? I didn’t even cross the street.” Bella’s 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 pink-and-white shingled building. “We’re here.”

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

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

“Sure thing, Bella,” a gangly teenager replied, scooping 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 above the ice cream.

“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 and dragged me across the room to a booth.

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

She turned to me with a scowl, her mouth wide open, 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 in his early thirties 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.

MEET ME IN MAINE by Susanne Leist

Excerpt from MEET ME IN MAINE

Sit back, put up your feet, and let me bring mystery and romance to your lives.

Chapter Six

People strolled the sidewalks beneath the street lamps’ hazy yellow glow. Colorful 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 and inhaled a deep breath of the crisp, salty air.

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

David whispered to me, “We’ll walk you home.”

I glanced over my shoulder at Logan, feeling uncomfortable in his presence after the intense interrogation he put us through in the ice cream parlor. Logan’s haughty mien lifted as he caught my glance and nodded to me, his gray eyes softening.

The ground beneath my feet shook. I shrieked and grabbed David’s arm.

The street lamps went dark as ear-shattering explosions cut through the silence, followed by frenzied shouts. Time turned sluggish and unreal, like a movie reel playing in slow motion. Flames shot to the sky from the moored vessels. I stood frozen, transfixed by the orange flames sweeping across the wooden planks at the heels of the fleeing pedestrians. Scarlett clutched my hand as the crowd headed our way, jostling us in their frantic path. Intense heat hit our faces. People screamed; sirens shrilled; engines pulled alongside the marina. Police cars swarmed the streets.

His face a blotched red, Lively strode from the parlor, puffing. “Take them home,” he shouted to David before rushing across the street to join the officers arriving at the scene.

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

I hurried to keep pace with him as the hazy fog clouding my vision cleared. Scarlett strode ahead with Jonathan 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 turned to 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 grasped 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.” She emerged from the crowd. “The broken heel is making it difficult to walk.” Bella removed her shoes and loped toward us barefoot. “That’s better.”

Quick bursts of explosions shook the harbor, the blackened sky mirroring the orange and yellow flames consuming the pier.

People screeched as the panicked horde surged toward us, and David dropped my hand. “I’m sorry. The police need my help.” He pushed his way through the throng and headed back to the pier. “Remember to lock the 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.

Her expression sullen, Scarlett waited on the front steps, watching Jonathan race toward the flames engulfing the harbor.

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

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

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 THE AUTHOR Podcast

MEET THE AUTHOR Podcast

Wednesday JUNE 23, 2021 – 7 PM ET (USA)

MULTI-GENRE AUTHOR ALAN ZACHERDARK

FANTASY AUTHOR SUSANNE LEIST.

Watch here:

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Books will be given away!

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Meet Me In Maine’s First Review

5.0 out of 5 stars SUSPENSE AND ROMANCE

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 June 2021

Verified Purchase

After breaking up with her boyfriend, twenty-four-year-old Elizabeth, together with her pal Scarlett, leaves town to pursue her dream of running a bed-and-breakfast in dreamy Blue Harbor in Maine. On arrival, Elizabeth draws the attention of David Hunt, a good-looking lawyer, and Scarlett arranges a date with the debonair owner of the ice-cream parlor. Everything seems perfect… But then things become ominous and sinister. Explosions, a series of unexplained, scary deaths, supernatural powers, shapeshifting… An ancient curse also comes into play… And Elizabeth and Scarlett find themselves right in the middle of it. No spoilers, but there’s a great mix of suspense, murderous mayhem and romance in this tightly-knit story. Recommended.

A TOAST TO THE CURSED ONE

Join us at the East Coast,

where bodies burn to toast.

A vacation that is heavened,

like bread that is unleavened.

Here’s a toast to the cursed one.

Too bad he thinks he has won.

MEET ME IN MAINE

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MEET ME IN MAINE

Watching the harbor explode,

Elizabeth fears for her life.

Does the curse now include her?

MEET ME IN MAINE

Book One: THE BLUE HARBOR SERIES

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