Saving Camo (SWM Contest Entry)

Disclaimer: This short story is an entry to @AvaViolet's contest to win a copy of her book She's With Me. If you guys haven't, check her out. She's actually awesome at what she does.

Now, here's the story:

 "How could you not tell me!?" He yelled. "This involves me too!" He was pacing around, his fiery hair reflecting the low light.

"I know. And I'm sorry, Gavin."

"Sorry doesn't save him. Sorry doesn't get Camo out of his hands. Sorry doesn't get our brother back!"

He has every right to be mad at me. Hell, I'm mad at me. But Mortem said not to tell anyone. And yes, I realize I shouldn't be taking orders from a guy who literally has the Latin word for death in his name, but what else could I do but comply? He threatened Camden, my little brother. He said not to tell anyone or he'd take him. He'd kill him. So I didn't.

In hindsight, I should have told Gavin. He's my partner in this. He's the only one who has stood by me throughout this whole thing. My brother. My best friend. He's a genius; he could've helped me figure something out. Or he could've taken Camo and ran, gotten him safe. Then I'd be the one dealing with a psychopath crime lord instead of my nine year old brother.

"You never should have kept this from me, Nic." He's calmed down now. His pacing has finally come to a rest and he slumped down next to me on the couch, as if all the energy has suddenly drained from his body. I relate.

"I know. And now Camo is in danger because of me."

"Why didn't you tell me? I could've helped you." I look up to meet his eyes. They're big and terrified. As quickly as I can, I tell him everything. Mortem. His threats. How he'd take Camden if I said anything. How he'd take him if I failed. The false lead he set up for me so I'd leave Camo alone that night. The panic I felt in realizing what I'd done. Everything that led up to us sitting here now, both scared out of our minds that we might lose the one innocent thing left in our life.

"I'm so sorry, Gavin. We have to get him back." By this point, I was crying, tears streaming down my cheeks, face buried in my hands.

"I know. We will." He put his arms around me and pulled me into a tight hug.

"How?"

"I don't know yet, but we will. Mortem will pay tenfold for what he's done. Not just for taking Camo - for everything." I uncurled myself and threw my arms around my big brother, holding on as if at any moment, he could disappear. Mortem could have him too and I'd be left completely alone to fight this war. "We'll get him back, Nic. I promise."

I hope you're right.