The story follows the protagonist, a police officer in the United Kingdom. They respond to a call at a mysterious research facility and discover a critically injured man wearing a hazmat suit. The man's condition is severe, and they rush him to a hospital where doctors try to save his life. However, the protagonist is not a medical professional, and they are questioned by investigators about the incident.
The protagonist's narrative takes a surreal turn as they describe being trapped in a bizarre and ever-changing environment known as "The Walls." They struggle to survive, contending with hunger and the constant threat of the unpredictable surroundings. After an extended period, they find themselves in a room with a door that leads to a swimming pool area, providing temporary relief from their hunger and thirst.
Their relief is short-lived, as they eventually encounter a vault door, and a group of individuals dressed in hazmat suits and gas masks invite them inside. The protagonist crosses the boundary into this new space, and the story concludes with their sudden collapse.
The narrative is filled with a sense of confusion, disorientation, and existential dread, blurring the line between reality and hallucination. The story leaves readers with many unanswered questions, creating an eerie and enigmatic atmosphere.
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.