Brutal winds follow close on my heels, Thunder and lightning join the crusade. Fluorescent lights paint the night sky, Rings of orange, yellow, and red.
A vortex of horror in unending circles Makes its way to the small town of Oasis, Where I will be waiting with a sword in hand, Secure in the knowledge Wolf won’t win.
The Watchers have joined the battle. They stand on the hill beyond, Their raincoats flapping in the wind, Concealing their cache of weapons.
We will protect Linda from the devil, An army standing strong against the winds. The Father clutches his bible of spells, Ready to cast the evil from our town.
We have come together as one, Humans, vampires, and human vampires. The last battle on this earthly planet, Which will determine our combined fate.
Linda clings to her friends, Huddled together in the storm. Will she choose wisely and correctly? Will she choose me above The Dead?
The time has come for the showdown. Time has slowed to a halt. We raise our weapons above our heads, Waiting for evil to make its final appearance.
Wolf has been given a new body, ButI recognize his deadly soul. A new package for an old one Does not change the battle to be won.
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.
Are you invited to a party? Can it be at End House? A deserted house at the edge Of the forest in Oasis, Florida. People have disappeared from this house, Never to be seen or heard from again. Are you going to this party? I admire your courage. Your tenacity.
I will tell you what you may expect. No one will answer your knock on the door. The door will open by itself, Inviting you to step inside. Flickering candles and gargoyles line the staircase. Your group will divide into two. The first group will follow the staircase candles. Your group will follow the flickering lights in the right hallwayto the basement.
Which group will find the elusive host? Who will survive to tell the tale? Only I know. For I am one of The Dead. We love our games. Welcome to THE DEAD GAME.
It’s time for chapter two of Meet Me In Maine, book one of The Blue Harbor Series. Our heroines arrive at Blue Harbor, eager to see their new home. The town meets their expectations but with a deadly twist.
Chapter 2
After three brief stops and seven hours of driving, we rolled into Blue Harbor. Once we’d crossed into Maine, the traffic had thinned. A blanket in alternating shades of red, yellow, and green draped over the hills on either side of the open road. Instead of crowded sidewalks, traffic jams, and tall buildings, grass and groves of trees filled my vision. A salty breeze from the window swept across my face, and the tension eased from my body. Freedom smelled divine.
Scarlett said, “We’ve arrived,” sporting an eager smile on her face.
“I hope the people are friendly.” The sign on the highway welcoming us to Blue Harbor passed my window.
She glanced at me, her long brown curls lifting in the warm breeze. “I’m sure they are.”
I checked the visor mirror. Almond-shaped green eyes stared back at me as I patted my straight blonde hair in place. Stop worrying, I told myself. Everything will be fine. Martin will never find me; he won’t even miss me.
“Did you say something?”
“Nope.” I folded the visor, reaching for the map spread open between us. “Do you need directions to the apartment?”
“I memorized the street map.” She threw me a saucy wink.
After exiting the highway, Scarlett followed the road past sculpted lawns and well-maintained homes painted in vibrant colors, the quiet streets turning busier once the harbor came into view.
“I bet the town was more congested during the Labor Day weekend.” I stared through the window at the people strolling the sidewalks, smiling as they greeted one another. Two men, sitting on rocking chairs on the front porch of a barbershop, nodded hello to us. Hope blossomed in my heart as I smiled back at them.
“I heard Blue Harbor was a madhouse of tourists last weekend.” Scarlett changed lanes to pass the double-parked cars. Beyond the colorful shops, turquoise water shimmered beneath a cloudless sky as boats of various sizes coasted along on its choppy swells. She turned a corner, slowing the car to check the addresses before parking in front of a red-shingled, two-story house. “We’re here.”
As we stretched our legs on the sidewalk, a white puppy ambled toward me and sniffed my leg. He nuzzled my hand with a wet nose when I bent to pat his head. “Hi, boy. You’re adorable.”
“He’s a girl, but she is adorable,” a deep voice replied. “Her name is Stella.”
I raised my face to light-blue eyes. The sandy-haired man grinned and extended his hand. “Hi, I’m David Hunt.”
I straightened and took his hand. “I’m Elizabeth Reading.”
Scarlett cleared her throat. “Don’t forget me.” She pointed to herself. “Scarlett Harding.”
His gaze glued to mine, he asked, “Are you moving into the rental?”
“Yes.” Not able to meet his direct stare, I shifted my focus to his cleft chin and chiseled cheekbones. “How did you know?”
“The rent sign and the fact you have luggage stored in your car.” He nodded to the backseat.
“That’s right, Sherlock.” Scarlett pushed past me. “Hi.” She eyed David with a mischievous grin. “We’re moving in today.”
“Let me help you.” David handed the leash to me before rushing to open the car door and unloading the bags to the sidewalk.
“We have more luggage in the trunk.” Scarlett sauntered to the front steps. “I’ll find the owner.”
“Where are you from?” he asked, piling bags in his arms.
“New York City.” I crouched beside the puppy, who licked my hand.
After depositing the baggage on the porch, David descended the steps and hunched beside me. “I see you’re a dog-lover. Is your friend a dog-lover? Maybe she can babysit.”
“Babysit?” I swallowed. “Do you have children?”
“No.” A chuckle rumbled deep in his throat. “I’m not married.” He straightened to his full height, between 6’ 2’’ or 6’ 3’’, revealing broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and sculpted muscles beneath his white T-shirt. “We’ll need a babysitter for Stella if I take you to dinner.” A shy smile appeared between an enticing set of dimples.
“You’re taking me to dinner?” One last pat on the puppy’s head, and I rose to my feet. “Are you asking me or telling me?” I refused to date another aggressive man.
“Asking. I’m not usually so forward.” He cleared his throat. “Is tomorrow evening too soon?” His blue eyes twinkling, David shifted closer, letting his fingers graze my cheek. “I must work on my technique… I’m rusty.” He dropped his hand to his side. “I should have waited to ask you.”
“That’s okay,” I replied. “Are you divorced?” He seemed sweet, but there had to be something wrong with him: no one was as perfect as they appeared.
He stepped back. “No. I’ve been busy with my practice.” He stared into the distance. “My last relationship ended a few years ago.”
“Are you a doctor?”
“No. A lawyer.” His attention drifted back to me. “Why are you smiling?”
“I’ve just ended a relationship with a bossy doctor.” I wiped sweaty palms on my jeans. “I’ve sworn off doctors.”
“Then I’m happy I didn’t attend medical school.” He grinned. “My parents… both doctors… were eager for me to follow in their hallowed footsteps.”
“Do you enjoy the law?”
He smiled, dimples emerging again. “Yes, I do.”
Scarlett called my name from inside the brownstone.
As I headed to the front steps, David whispered in my ear, “Is that a yes for dinner?”
Am I ready for a date,oris it too soon? I turned to him, hesitating before nodding.
A grin crossed his face as he climbed the stairs and hurried to open the door for me. “That was the answer I was hoping for.”
When we stepped into the narrow hallway, David nodded to the door standing open to our right. “That’s the owner’s apartment.”
Scarlett strolled through the open doorway with a tall redhead trailing behind her. “You have a spacious apartment.” Scarlett turned her companion. “Is the rental as large?”
“All the apartments are the same size,” the redhead replied in a bored voice, but as soon as she spotted David, she became animated, batting heavy-mascaraed eyelashes at him. “David, are you visiting me?” She crossed the hall to stand at his side, sliding an eager arm around his.
“No, Bella.” He stepped back, removing his arm from hers. “I’m helping Elizabeth and Scarlett with their luggage.”
Bella glanced at me with an annoyed frown.
Scarlett grabbed my arm. “Let’s check the apartment.” As we crossed the hall, she whispered, “Bella doesn’t trust you because she sees you as competition for David. But he can’t keep his eyes from you.”
Bella’s voice took on a sugary tone behind us. “See me before you leave, David.”
“Sure, Bella,” he replied before shutting the apartment door.
Scarlett said with a chuckle, “Good riddance.”
I walked into a room flooded with sunlight from the large kitchen window straight ahead, highlighting the yellow cabinets and white granite island with a cheerful glow before settling its translucent rays across the gray suede couch and chairs.
“Isn’t this an awesome apartment?” Scarlett asked before disappearing into the hallway to the right of the kitchen.
As Scarlett investigated the two bedrooms, we followed the narrow hallway to a small den. David joined me at the window overlooking a compact lawn. “I’m happy I walked Sally on this block today. I got a feeling.”
“A feeling?”
He grinned. “I get those.”
“What other feelings do you get?”
“Let me see.” David paused as he took my hand, his thumb rubbing the inside of my wrist. “I have a feeling you’ll enjoy the French cuisine at the restaurant I picked for tomorrow evening.”
I gave a nonchalant shrug. “Everyone likes French food.”
“They make a delicious chocolate mousse.”
“They do?” I swallowed. “Mousse is my favorite dessert.”
“I’ll store that information for future use.” David winked before handing me the puppy’s leash. “I’ll get the luggage.”
Scarlett rushed into the den, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Wow. David is handsome and nice. I’m happy you found him. Well, he found you.”
“Is he acting too pushy?”
“No. David likes you.” She watched me with a concerned expression. “Don’t worry, David is not Martin.”
“Okay.” I exhaled the breath I was holding. “I like him.”
She chuckled. “So does Bella.”
I frowned. Forcing Bella from my mind, I said, “We should help him with the bags.” Then I remembered Stella, who was watching me with soulful brown eyes.
“I don’t need help,” David whispered in my ear.
I twirled to him. “You’re finished?”
“I move fast.”
I followed him to the bags piled high in the living room. “Yes, you do.”
“I believe Stella needs a walk.” He took the leash from my hand. “Can I pick you up at 8 o’clock tomorrow? I have a late client.”
“That’s perfect.”
David lifted my chin with his finger. “See you tomorrow.” He nodded to Scarlett before leading Sally through the doorway.
Scarlett pouted. “You met a cute guy right away.”
“Dumb luck?” I quirked an eyebrow.
“Lizzie, one thing you’re not is dumb.” She laughed.
“Let’s unpack, then we can order pizza.” I marched toward the bags. “Maine must have pizza places.”
“We passed a few.” Scarlett wound her long, brown curls into a ponytail with a scrunchie. “You noticed nothing but David.”
I should have listened to my heart’s song, Listened to reason and right from wrong. I’m now trapped in this horror of despair, Waiting for death to take me in its arms.
The shadows are growing larger, Surrounding me from all sides. There’s nowhere to run or hide; I will stand strong against the tide.
He’s here. I can feel him. He’s come back for me. No one is safe from his wrath.
The cold wraps around my body. My hair drips icicles down my neck. I shiver in dread of my future. My future as queen of The Dead. THE DEAD GAME
A small town on the coast of Florida offers tourists white-sanded beaches, blue skies, and an opportunity to vacation with the elite of society. Too bad the rich and famous include creatures of the night. How did this happen, you might ask?
While vampires inhabit every country in the world, they blend peacefully with humanity. In Oasis, Florida, the human inhabitants have no idea vampires or hybrids, which are a part vampire/ part human mix, live in their midst.
In recent years, the world’s vamp population has been threatened by a rogue group of vampires with bloodlust running through their veins. THE DEAD have infiltrated the vamps of Oasis and wrestle for control. They want to rule the world.
Linda, her best friend, Shana, and their group of young friends learn of THE DEAD. They join forces with the vampires and hybrids of Oasis. They travel undercover to an exclusive club in Disney World with the two hybrids, Todd and Sam, to locate THE DEAD’s base of operations.
Why did I choose THE CLUB at Disney World for the vampires’ base? Is there such a club in Disney where its members are the elite of society?
Yes. There is. It’s called CLUB 33. Walt Disney created the club in Disneyland in the New Orleans section. It sits behind a door with the number 33. A door that resembles all other doors on the quaint streets. If you are lucky enough to be invited by a member, you will walk through the doorway to an elegant entranceway. The hosts will greet you and take you to one of the parlors, where you may peruse the showcases of Walt Disney’s favorite things. Maybe Mary Poppins’ umbrella or a speaking parrot sitting above a clock. The adventure continues in the dining room, where toots of steamboats provide the aura of being in New Orleans.
You can climb the staircase or use the old elevator.
Visit the showcases of Disney memorabilia.
Once I read of CLUB 33, a club that is forbidden to me, I became obsessed with knowing more. The more I learned, the more I wanted to give it to my vampires. I used the images in my mind of CLUB 33 in Disneyland to create THE CLUB in Disney World. And wait until you see what they do to THE CLUB. You will never look at Disney World the same way again.
And guess what? I read CLUB 33 opened in Disney World. Too bad. I had my club first or what’s left of it.
SUSANNE LEIST 