Some call it an urban legend, some denied it out right and some call it a story you tell your children to scare them, but everyone knows how it's described. Every child, every adult, everyone.
It's said that if someone, man or woman tries to end they own life, commit suicide, she appears. A woman clothed entirely in black, wearing a hat, a mantel and a mask to conceal her face. She takes your hand and brings you to her house. Where all she does is talk with you. She does not tries to drive you into suicide further, she does not try to keep you from killing yourself. All she does is talk. After a conversation some kill themselves, some don't and those who didn't kill themselves get branded with a kiss mark on the neck. An entirely black kissmark. It can not be removed, not with water, acid or a laser therapy. No one knows why she does it, but everyone knows that if you end your own life you will meet her.
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.