When humanity evolves into a hive mind, it makes murder much more difficult.
But not impossible.
Tanya was a police cadet when the Blessed Peace came over mankind. She's still a police cadet: even now that crime is almost eradicated, unnecessary. She serves a purpose, in the hive: she has a function. As long as police officers serve a function in the great shared consciousness, they will continue to serve. Even if it's just a matter of rescuing cats up trees, and filing paperwork.
When everyone, everywhere, has access to all awareness: how can murder exist? How can anyone possibly get away with it? And why would they want to?
But today is a very special day. Today, long disused police skills are required. Today, the North Willims Police Department have a real murder to solve...
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.
***
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.