Rain tapped against the windshield of Detective Rebecca Lane's unmarked car, creating a rhythmic symphony that matched the drumming of her fingers on the steering wheel. The city that never slept seemed to be in a state of restless slumber tonight. The usual dazzle of lights was replaced by a muted, eerie glow that cast long shadows over the damp pavement.
Rebecca's eyes, a piercing shade of green that had seen their fair share of darkness, were fixed on the city's skyline. From her vantage point on the edge of the rooftop parking lot, she could observe the entire sprawl of urban life. But tonight, there was something off. A creeping unease wrapped around her like a cold, damp blanket.
Her phone buzzed on the seat next to her. With a sigh, she picked it up, her gloved fingers deftly navigating the screen. The message was an encrypted video file from an unknown sender. With a raised eyebrow, she tapped on it, and the screen illuminated with an eerie blue glow.
The video showed a dimly lit alley, rain-soaked and slick. A figure emerged from the shadows, their form distorted by the darkness and the rain. They walked with purpose, moving closer to a flickering streetlight. And then, as if the world itself had grown hungry, the figure was devoured by the encroaching shadows. The light dimmed until it vanished entirely, leaving only a void.
Rebecca's heart quickened. She watched the video again, her mind racing to make sense of what she had just witnessed. It wasn't a camera glitch or a clever hoax. Someone had actually disappeared into thin air. She felt a chill crawl down her spine, a sensation she hadn't experienced since that gruesome murder case three years ago.
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.
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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.