James Alberqu has a conflict. He can't exactly describe why it is there but it is a conflict in his heart. He hates this conflict and wishes it away every time it comes from the deepest chambers of his heart. The same question comes up again and again every day, no matter how hard he tries to push it back into his mind. The question in question, am I gay?
James would never admit that he was, if he was that is. He only askes himself this question because he always looked at him a different way. Him: Adam Sparkfield
Adam knows about James, but he doesn't know him. He wishes he did, after all...the boy is so enticing it hurts. No one can know Adams' thoughts, especially James, so he will settle for being friends, even if the boy avoids him. But when the video of James' diary gets leaked, he feels so many things at once, anger towards the mysterious person, confusion, and hints of...hope. But he refuses to do anything but platonic with James.
Adam makes a deal with James, and it goes like this: Find the one who did this, turn them in to the school, then they would go their separate ways.
James, questioning himself more than ever, agrees. But when Adam hears this, he can't help but let the feeling of emptiness hit him like a bullet to the back, but he made the deal to save him from doing something unforgivable to James, like...well the thoughts that come to Adam aren't exactly PG. So Adam lets it go.
James and Adam must now work together to find the anonymous life ruiner, but can James keep his feelings for Adam deep inside, and never confirm if the diary was real or not, which to Adam was already proof, and Adam was willing to throw it all away. Or would they crumble from the inside out before they catch the villain, who was most likely lurking within the school walls.
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.