As the sun slipped beneath the horizon, I moved through the bustling streets, a silent observer in the chaos of the city. The glow of storefront televisions caught my eye, the news flashing images of my latest handiwork - another victim claimed by my darkness.
I watched as fear and anger painted the faces of those around me, their whispered conversations filling the air with tension. Passersby cast furtive glances, their eyes betraying the dread that gripped them in the wake of my actions.
But amidst the turmoil, I remained unaffected, my own twisted satisfaction simmering beneath the surface. In the heart of the city, where shadows danced and secrets thrived, I knew one thing for certain - my hunt had only just begun.
Anyway,
Who am I?
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.