In reading over and over my "What ifs," I started seeing one protagonist begin to stand out more in my head. Yes they meet up, I was going to have him want the same thing as she, the killer of her daughter, but if he engages with her in the "Qualla Boundary," then he has to protect "The Secret" of the tribe even from her.

I hope I haven't lost you.
He is not against her; he is on her side.
Would that type of character be a strong support character or still could he be a protagonist, and have his own goal intersecting with hers?

So, I think I could write just one premise.

One worrywart. I also think I am making things harder than they are.

Kristina