Pleasure is the first sensation I feel.
The next, is fear.
For some peculiar reason, I feel immense pleasure during my acts of sin. Perhaps that's why I do it. But it is not. It is not of my own free will that I commit these atrocious acts, but one of a higher force; a God. Or, perhaps, the Devil. An evil being, controlling my acts. But how is it that I continue to live in this world like I did before? How is it, that I still feel the same towards each of my hobbies, and every one of the people in my life? Surely, if the Devil, a being with such great power, and so much influence over this world and its people, there would be more of a change in my existence? Surely, the Devil would have changed how I think, at the very least? But no - I still think the same thoughts as I used to. I still like and dislike the same things; the same people. Maybe there's a possibility that I am not being controlled by the Devil, or even a God. Maybe, it's just me.
But I doubt that very much.
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.