"Are you kidding me?"
The cops were faster than April anticipated, the glow of an Eledroid at the mouth of the alley lit the sidewalk with a sudden burst of pure light. April whispered another curse to herself, forcing her body forwards as she put her fingers to the girl's lips and sank with her to the floor.
"Sh-sh-shush," April put a finger to her lips. Emmy bit down on her hand, "Ow, hey, what the actual fuck!" Despite the pain in her hand, she kept her voice low, a whisper shout in the dead silent alley.
"I'll scream if you don't-"
"Don't what?" April challenged, "I literally just saved your life."
"If I get caught, I get a slap on the wrist," she was quick to rebut, "you get caught, and you're in trouble yea?" The girl didn't wait for a reply, "I want to find my dad, and if you can help me..."
"Tell me you're joking," she looked over her shoulder, watching the buzz of the machine scan the perimeter of the alley. A dumpster was between them and it, and if they could stay perfectly still and quiet, they'd pass unnoticed.
"Help me or I scream."
***
In the City Capitol dome, the city sparkles through the late hours of the night; the outside world is desolate, closed off, an untouchable mystery behind foggy glass. No one has stepped foot out of the Capitol, and no one ever will.
Emmeline Thatcher's father went missing; with him is every word, thought and mention of him in the glimmering limelight of the city. Councilman Emile Thatcher had revolutionized the defense of the dome, was notorious for his dad-humor and charismatic charm-- that is, until he was up and gone. Determined to find her father, regardless of the consequences, Emmeline pairs up with an unlikely ally.
April is an outcast not only in the city, but in the outskirts as well. Emmeline knew she should have been frightened by the inhuman glow of her violet eyes, and the dark allure of her stoic mystery. Yet, somehow she feels... April knows more than she'd like to give off.
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.