For a small fraction of the human race, goodness is a natural state of being. They help others in need and give to the poor without a second thought, selflessly and consistently. Some people have this innate ability to be accepting of everyone's race, gender, creed, and even sexual orientation. They only see the goodness in others, pitying the evil people of this world instead of hating them. The rest of the human race, however, makes a lot of mistakes before discovering what goodness truly entails.
I wish I could say that I was part of the former group, but unfortunately, that would be the greatest lie that I could ever tell anyone. I am done with all the lies. I must tell you the full, complete truth about my past, my mistakes. I must start at the day where everything went south for me, the day that haunts me forever. I must warn you, reader, that this story does not put me in a favorable light. Besides, every good story has to have a good villain.
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.