The names Beatrice, pronounced Be-a-tris, but most people call me Bea (Like Bee). I was kidnapped when I was 16, on my birthday. I went to start my morning with a wonderful cup of coffee. One minute I was walking from the local cafe, and the next, all I saw was black and was knocked out by the chloroform. When I woke up, I was completely and utterly lost. I didn't know where I was or anything, except for the fact that the person who had kidnapped me owned a nice home, well at least based on the fact that he or she hadn't thrown me into some dirty, old concrete room. It's been almost a year since I was kidnapped and, to this day, I still don't know exactly why I was kidnapped. He says that he's protecting me, but I don't know what from; he could be talking a bunch of bologna for all I know. But through out the time that I have been here, I have tried to find evidence or clues as to why I was here, whether it been from my intense eaves-dropping, inconspicuously searching around the house, or attempting to squeeze as much information out of my captor as I can. So, let me start my first diary entry: Hello Diary, I've been kidnapped and I don't know why. But, that's all going to change soon, and you're coming with me.
A criminal mastermind makes a bold move against a wealthy client to put himself in a position to retire in comfort. He has no idea what he's up against when a young widow, desperate to make ends meet, sets her eyes on earning the bounty set on his head.
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Newly widowed housewife Melody Scott needs to earn some major cash, fast. When her bright and busy children learn that a priceless ruby bracelet has been stolen and a six-figure reward is being offered, they convince her to try to do what the police, museum security, and the best private investigators have failed to do. Working against them is a notorious thief who has met people from around the world, but who has never once encountered a woman like Melody Scott. When the sweet innocence of the Scott family clashes against criminal forces more dangerous than they ever imagined, Melody is all too aware that a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do to protect her family.
The Widow, Melody Scott is a 2021 Watty Award Winner!
Content Warning: This story does contain depictions of stalking behavior.