Growing up, Ashanti Chambers lived what most would call a 'perfect life', but was 'perfect' really the right description? She lived in one of the best neighborhoods in Miami, Florida, in a three story house, then another in Los Angeles, California, and was brought up in private school. But with that, came her bickering parents. Things were okay until her father, Andrew, lost his job, and her mother, Alana, started to get paid less. Their financial problems made them end up in Compton, California, the last place they thought they would ever live. Along with drastic changes, came Andrew's brother, Anthony; Alana's uncle. He had freshly broken up with his girlfriend, and she kicked him out the house, leaving him with no place to stay. At first, he was just a bother to Ashanti because of space issues. Later on, he became a more personal problem. With all the trauma he has given her from sexual abuse, she is torn between killing herself or killing her family. In the end, she chose her family and she came up with the 'perfect' way to do so.
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.