Tom

Brighton township has a history of people disappearing. Blame falls to a coven of witches called “The Dark Hand.” The evil goes unseen, and the guilty bear no mark. But the Good Lord always gives the name of one to join the others at the bottom of Lake Black. For the ritualistic drowning of a witch gives the people hope ... a respite from the devilry.

After witnessing this rite for the first time, twelve-year-old Peter Walcott’s mind is filled with disturbing thoughts. The local carnival offers a welcome distraction. In a back alley there, he finds a secret show—an eccentric animal trainer with unusual talents. The experience leaves Peter feeling mesmerized and inspired. A rare bright moment in dark times.

Soon after, a strange visitor arrives at his bedroom window. A creature that looks a little different every time he sees it. Deep down, he knows he shouldn’t trust it, but it makes him think of the animals from the carnival show. So Peter builds it a house and gives it a name ... Tom.

But Tom isn’t a pet. And Peter may soon find himself serving a new master.

Inspired by The Thing and the Salem Witch Trials, “Tom” is a standalone horror novella for fans of T. Kingfisher and Stephen King.