Brianna Andrews stepped out of her car, which was parked just outside her friend Dylan’s house. It was the first time in a year since she had set foot on the property…and the town. The run-of-the-mil Winchester Virginia , a small town where everything was normal and nothing strange ever happened. Or, at least, nothing ever appeared to happen. But Brianna knew that this was not the case.
She, out of habit, walked right into the house without knocking first. “Dylan!” Brianna called.
“We’re in my room!” Dylan’s melodic voice floated down the stairs. They—Alice, Dylan, Brianna, Emma, and Paisley—had all agreed to meet at Dylan’s house for the first official meeting. This meeting would launch the beginning of their informal, secret investigation and search for their lost friend, Molly.
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.