"Why is it so dark?"
Suddenly I felt the brightness from behind and turned to find the source, it lit from the center of the once dark room. I stared in horror at the red liquid that began to pool, blood. There in the center was a body, deformed in an inhuman way, I wasn't supposed to recognize it but it matched one which I've known my whole life, dad! I wanted to run towards him but was too paralyzed to move. The pool of blood gradually increasing, bones snap and his head turns towards me. Lights flickering, his hands clasp around my neck, I get a glimpse of his lifeless eyes, his choke tightens
"Dad! Dad it's me!"
It was too late, he couldn't recognize me, he couldn't tell I was his little girl, I can feel myself screaming but there's no sound. I can't hear myself, He can't hear me, hes gone. I... I can't bre...athe...
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.