Another two or three shots hit the area around them. The horse bolted, turning and running off towards Milton. Vance fired in the direction of one of the shots, but whether it found its target, it was hard to tell. He hauled Bella up roughly and pulled her behind a large rock. “What’s happening?” she whispered, suppressing the urge to cry out. “We’re being shot at.” “Yes, I worked that out, but why?” “I think it’s likely that I’m being shot at. Obviously Milton is already tired of its new marshal.” The reality of their situation hit Bella like one of the rocks on the ground. She began to shiver, and this time it was not a result of Vance’s proximity. “The vineyard is less than half a mile away,” he said. “I want you to run there…” “I’m not leaving you.” “Bella, they don’t want you, they want me. So I think you’ll be safe. Just keep to this side of the canyon, using the rocks for cover. Then fetch help.” “Help? Who? There’s only May.”
