Cree turned on the space heater before leaving the small cabin. When he closed the door, he sighed. This job was going to be hard. Something about Kennedy’s eyes called to him. Deep down in his soul, he felt a strange connection to her. God help the ones who hurt her.
Pulling out his phone, he called Teller. “Cree,” the brother answered.
“Teller, can we have the boys in Provo grab Kennedy’s car and store it for her?”
“I’m sure we can. Send me the info and we’ll handle it.”
“Thanks.”
“Anything else you need?”
“Not at this time.”
“Keep us updated on things.” Teller thought he’d remind Cree that Kennedy was Player’s sister, just in case the man forgot that detail. “You might want to give Player a call. After all, you’re taking care of his little sister.”
“Will do.” Cree hung up the phone and found Player’s number. “Player, it’s Cree.”
“Do you have Kennedy?”
“Yeah, I got her a few hours ago.”
“And you’re just calling me now?—”
Cutting Player off, Cree gave him the details of Kennedy’s situation. “Before you start getting all accusatory, let me tell you, she’s witnessed a shooting. Been shot at and has a deep flesh wound. She’s being hunted, and no, I don’t know by who yet. She’s too exhausted to make a coherent sentence.”
“Son of a bitch.”
“I’m about to grab her some food and see if that makes her feel better.” Running his free hand through his damp hair, Cree looked up and down the tiny gravel lane the small cabin sat on. “She’s bruised, got blistered feet, and her legs are covered in scratches. I don’t know everything she’s been through yet. Just know, I’ve got her and she’s safe with me.”
Player hated not being there with Kennedy. “I appreciate you taking care of her.”
“I know if the shoe was on the other foot, you’d do it for me.”
“Fuck yeah, I would.”
“How about I have her call you in the morning?”
As bad as Player wanted to hear his sister’s voice, he knew she probably needed the rest, and he’d want to ask her a thousand questions. “Sounds good.”
“Till then, I got things covered.” Cree hung up and stepped off the porch, heading for the diner.
Chapter Six
The sound of chattering teeth kept Cree awake. The small space heater couldn’t keep up with the chilly air seeping through the wooden walls. Shoving off the floor, he pulled his blanket with him as he slipped under the comforter. Draping the cedar bark blanket over them, he tucked himself around Kennedy and felt her stiffen. “Don’t worry, katawasisiw. We’re just snuggling to warm you up.”
“I’m so cold.”
Cree wrapped his arms around Kennedy, tucking her tight to him. “Give it a minute, you’ll warm up.” In his head, Cree sang tribal songs to distract him from the feeling of Kennedy’s lush body pressed against his.
“Are you Native American?” Kennedy asked, trying to relax against the handsome man currently wrapped around her. Her teeth chattered as her body continued to shiver.
“Yeah. I’m Cree.”
“I know your name.”
“No. Yes, it’s my name, but I’m called that because I’m of the Cree tribe. I’m part of the First People’s.”
“I’d love to hear about it.” Her voice cracked.
