Page 2 of Captured on Film
His brother ran a hand over a dark blond beard. “Hear meout.”
Okay, this was already bringing back bad memories. “No.”
“I came to invite you.”
“No.”
“Remember how Dad would take us camping?”
Caleb held up a hand. “Invite Dad. He’d be thrilled.”
Josheb’s eyes narrowed. “I’m making this official. I dare you,Caleb Dare.”
“You can’t.”
“Can, too. Just did.” From his doubly superior height,Josheb smirked. “Live up to the name, or live down the shame. Youknowwhat’s riding on this.”
He did.
As one, they both looked to Nessie, whose tail thumped thefloor.
Guilt Trip
“I’ll walk Nessie.”
Caleb scrambled to get between his brother and the door. “Notwithout me.”
Sporting a knowing smile, Josheb asked, “Afraid she’ll runaway with me?”
“You’re not a … a fit parent.” Which sounded stupid, so hetried again. “You’re not stable enough to take care of her.”
Josheb reached past him for the leash that hung on its pegbeside the door. “We chose a bloodhound so we could track down adventures.Remember?”
“That was a long time ago,” Caleb grumbled.
Dropping to one knee to clip the lead onto Nessie’s collar,Josheb grabbed her face. “What do you say, old girl? Want to run a little wild?Put your nose somewhere new?”
“I hate camping,” muttered Caleb. Ever since the last time,when he’d been plagued by all the tiny creatures that were supposedly figmentsof his imagination.
There werereasonshe lived on the twenty-secondfloor of an urban highrise. His loft was as far from grassroots as he couldget.
“You’re the one I need,” said Josheb. “I can’t do thiswithout you.”
“This.” Caleb wasn’t ready to give in just yet.“Definethis.”
“A tip came in at the paper I’ve been working for. Editor incharge gave me first right of refusal, and I jumped at the chance. If this pansout, it’ll be the story of the century!”
Caleb cringed inwardly. His brother didn’t write for anysort of reputable paper. He wrote largely speculative articles about bizarrehappenings and unidentified creatures.
“Don’t look so skeptical!” Josheb promised, “This time, it’sthe real deal. And it’ll be a good chance for us to hang out. Maybe workthrough some stuff.”
He closed his eyes. “Please, don’t make this aboutbrotherhood and bonding.”
“At this point, it’s about your good name.”
Thinking fast, Caleb said, “No swamps.” Never again.
“Scouts honor.”
