In a near future that's harsh but not hard to imagine, can a young woman find the power to free herself from the pain of her past without becoming the perpetrator herself?
Introducing... Milly: a woman of the future. Her journey spans twelve birthdays, revealing an intricately layered and interconnected story. Succinct delivery belies subtle clues, subtext, and symbolism, sparkling with action and suspense, but the story is deeply character-driven by her.
Milly must find what it truly means to be human. When people are traded and subjugated, she walks the line where "have and have-not" means life itself, yet forges on with her dry humor intact.
Who can she trust? Who or what is watching her? What's she thinking? Will she have enough time? How will Milly use her beauty, or will she be used for it? Is she a killer? Does she have some kind of power? Although incredibly lucky, like humanity itself, will one day even her luck finally run out?
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.