Ashlyn wanted to be free. But then he came along. Now, kidnapped and left alone, she still wants to be free. Her kidnapper is ruthless, vicious, and cruel. She is hurt both mentally and physically. Yet, her dream of freedom is not extinguished. Finally, her kidnapper seems to have a change of heart, visiting her in his basement to talk, not to beat. Her dream is stronger than ever, and she hopes that he will set her free. And he does. Almost. When she hears noises upstairs one morning, she thinks that he just fell down the stairs. But he didn't. He was being murdered. His murderers are now in command of her freedom. They ignore her, as if she is nothing, and that is when she discovers her way out. Yet, the scars are still there, as are the kidnappers. The only way for things to be right is if she unravels the truth behind her kidnapping and his murder. But will all this help set her free?
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.