“This is Alice. I own Ann’s. Your sister is scared, hurt, and needs someone to come get her.”
“Is there anywhere you can stash her until help arrives?”
“At the moment, all I have is the storeroom until checkout at one p.m. this afternoon, when one of the cabins becomes available.”
“I don’t care if it’s a closet, just put her somewhere out of sight.”
“I can do that.”
“I’ll make it worth your while. There’ll be a man . . . a biker. His name is Cree, and he’s with the Royal Bastards. He’s the only one that will be coming for her.”
“My ol’ man’s a lifer. I know the drill.”
“Good deal. Can you put my sister on the phone again?’
“Hello?”
“Kennedy, I’m sending a man named Cree. When he gets there, ask him his real name. If he says anything other than Joseph Running Wolf, you run. Understand me? You fucking run.”
“Joseph Running Wolf. Cree. I got it.” Kennedy swallowed some of her fear. “Thank you, Stephen. I know this isn’t what you ever wanted.”
“What do you mean?”
“Me contacting you.”
“Kennedy, this isn’t the time to talk about that, but I’ve always wanted you to contact me. Now, listen to Alice.”
“Okay.”
“Cree will be there soon.” Player hung up, praying he could catch Cree while he was still in South Dakota.
When he turned around, he faced Teller, who was coming up the hallway looking just as dishevelled as he was. When he went to speak, Player cut him off. “Whatever you need will have to wait. I have to call Cree.”
Teller stared at Player, realizing the man was frantically searching his phone for the nomad’s number. “Player, stop and tell me what’s happening.”
Joker appeared in the hallway wearing only jeans and took up residence against the wall as Player looked at Teller, annoyed that the man was even speaking to him. “My little sister’s in trouble. She’s a few hours away from Cree. I need her picked up and protected.”
Teller pulled out his cell phone and handed it to Player. Cree wouldn’t answer for anyone except for him while with his family. “Cree will answer if it’s me calling.”
Taking the phone, Player saw Teller had already pulled up the brother’s number. Hitting the button, he waited for Cree to answer.
When the man answered, Player was relieved. “Teller.” He heard the annoyance in Cree’s voice.
“Cree, this is Player. I’m sorry to intrude on your time, but my sisters in trouble, and you’re the closest to her.” Player didn’t have time for pleasantries—the situation was too dire.
“Where is she?”
“Hill City.”
“It’s a few hours from me. Where can I find her?”
“Find a place called Ann’s Diner, ask for Alice. Tell her your real name when she asks you for it.”
“Really?”
“I couldn’t think of anything else fast enough.”
“I’ll call you back when I have her.”
