Holding out his hand, he wiggled his fingers. “Can I have your keys? I’ll need to move your car.”

Kayti, back fussing over Mark who’d begun to revive, reached into his pocket, found them and handed them to Murphy.

That seemed to bring Mark fully awake. “Kayti, you okay?”

“Only because you stole the bullet meant for me. Now you’re my hero.”

Tears flowed from his beautiful eyes as he tried valiantly not to scream from the pain. “Hero’s aren’t terrified all the time like me. I’m a sissy like my dad says.” His voice broke from an overabundance of emotion.

“I’m a sissy too then, my friend. I get scared a lot.”

“Probably when you’re driving.” A grin almost made it.

“Hey, not fair. I can’t retaliate when you’re injured.”

This time, the grin appeared before it became a grimace. He saw Murphy step back inside the cabin and nodded toward him. “He scares the hell outta me.”

“Who, Murphy? Why he’s a pussy cat.”

“Good thing I like dogs.”

“What’s so funny you two?” The pussy cat reached out to hold Mark’s head gently. His gruff male voice purred. “Kid, you have my deepest appreciation for what you just did. Anything you want that I can give you, it’s yours.”

Looking shocked but crafty, biting his lip, Mark answered, “I want Kayti.”