Alex Vega (full name Alexandra Zaretsky) is the daughter of a Russian secret service assassin duo and the brother of an elusive teenager. Unaware of the details of their work other than it being classified, Alex grows up as a normal girl with a few talents learned in the survival and language classes her seemingly-eccentric parents sent her to. However, her world is thrown upside down when she's kidnapped and beaten by a child trafficking group. Upon her escape, Alex proves to be quick-thinking and a skilful combatant, to her parents' relief and praise. Alex is asked to join the SIS in the Young Persons Black Ops Unit under co-ordinator Jack on a trial basis. She has one demand: to be assisted in her search for the man responsible for an old friend's death. Thrown into a world of training, fighting and violence, Alex's only consolation is her best friend Felix, who was also recruited at a young age. Together, they stun the Intelligence Service with their combat skills and intelligence and grow closer together as full-time work partners and best friends. Can it ever blossom into more, though? And what revelations does Alex witness about her family when her brother makes a reappearance? And most of all, will Alex track down the dogtag's mysterious owner and finally get the opportunity to commit the ultimate act of revenge?
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.