Sheriff Crow and the bounty hunter ran easily along the sentry walk, sending water splashing. A few steps ahead of her, Ross was breathing hard; he’d only been out of the infirmary for one day, after spending the last four flat on his back. The sheriff called over her shoulder, “Come on!” Now Mia wished she hadn’t found so many excuses when Jennie wanted to practice. The crossbow seemed to get heavier with every step. If she had a chance to redesign it, she’d figure out some way to use less metal. Ross slowed down until she could catch up. “Want me to carry that thing for you?” “I’m thinking . . . toss it in the bushes,” Mia panted. She hadn’t even had a chance to explain that she couldn’t use it herself. Once the bells had rung, they’d headed for the front wall. Sheriff Crow had told Ross, who had no Battle Station position, to come as her aide, and had waved Mia along.
