The Dark Sacrifice: A Horror Novel

by Jay Bower

  Patrick,

  If you’re reading this, then you’ve done what needed to be done. I may or may not still be with you, but I do not care. I have told you all I know about these evil doings here in Brownsville. I want to let you know a few things.

  First, if you killed Benny with the dagger, then it is truly over. As you may or may not know, he was Nathaniel Browne. I’ve known for the past few years, ever since our last sacrifice. His death means an end to all the misery of the past. From my research, we are no worse off than any other small town. It was all a lie to purposefully give forth a sacrifice for his own selfish needs.

  Second, if you killed Benny with the dagger, it is because I read something that made me think it was the way to destroy Nathaniel for good and end this nightmare. If I was wrong, then we are in for something terrible, I’m sure.

  Patrick stopped reading. “Damn you, Virg, you could’ve told me!” he said out loud. But as soon as the words left his mouth, he knew he’d never have believed the old man if he told him anyway. He owed so much to Virgil. He continued reading.

  Finally, Patrick, take care of your family. I regret to this day how I let mine slip away. Always keep them close. Don’t let Meah’s upbringing spoil the wonderful love you two share. And watch over little Noah; he will need you now more than ever.

  Sincerely,

  Virgil

  Patrick let the letter fall to the table. He held his head in his hands and sobbed. The pressure of everything, the possibility of losing his son, the revelations from Virgil crashed at once…it was all too much.

  “You okay in there, Officer O’Shea?” Meredith called from down the hall. Most likely, she’d end up with Virgil’s old job and be the new caretaker of the town records, too.

  Patrick composed himself, wiped his tears away, and stood. He left the letter on the table and walked out.

  “Yeah, Meredith, I’m fine. In fact, everything is good. If you are going to take over for Virgil, you might want to be careful with that stuff in there. He died for it.”

  She scrunched up her face like she didn’t understand.

  “Just be careful with it, okay?” he asked.

  She stepped past him and went to the room. He heard her pick up Virgil’s letter.

  “My God!” she exclaimed. Patrick turned and walked out of the library.

  The death of Chief Wayne was blamed on Benny, though no one ever did find the old man or his body. The families involved in the sacrifice never spoke about it to investigators from the State Police and FBI, who had been called in due to the nature of the victims and the perpetrator. The people of Brownsville went on as though nothing was wrong and treated the situation as if it were a case of momentary rage on Benny’s part.

  None spoke of the sacrifice or the wicked happenings in Brownsville ever again.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  There are many I’d like to thank for making this novel happen.

  I’d like to thank my readers Leland Lydecker and Pamela Morris. They helped refine the story and offered many thoughtful suggestions.

  I’d like to thank my editor Jodi McDermitt for honing my voice and kicking my words in the ass so they read clearer and have a greater impact.

  I’d like to thank Mibl Art for the sweet cover and bringing my idea to life.

  I’d like to thank my wife for putting up with me and allowing me to chase after the elusive writer’s dream.

  Finally, thank you reader for spending your precious time with me. I respect your decision to share your time on a voice you were not familiar with. I hope I lived up to your expectations. If you enjoyed this novel, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. I’d appreciate it.

  MORE BY THE AUTHOR

  Want more horror? Check out Soul Eyes, the second novel from Jay Bower. It’s the story that induced nightmares and made other horror authors squirm. Ready for yours? Get Soul Eyes and try a new terror.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Jay Bower is a horror author living outside St. Louis, MO in the forest of Southern Illinois. He spends his time reading, writing, and convincing his wife the dark stories he writes do not involve her.

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  Find him on Twitter or Facebook. Feel free to email him at jaybowerauthor@gmail.com or visit his website at:

  https://jaybowerauthor.wixsite.com/author