“The shooter was down that lane, Captain Sinclair,” Nathan said, holding Beth down as she attempted to ease out from under him.
“I will check he has gone.”
“Let me up, Nathan.” Beth pushed against him as Captain Sinclair galloped away.
“When I know it’s safe. Stay down also, Miss Blake.”
“Oh, very well, but when I stand, I am going back into that shop,” Mary muttered.
“Are you sure you are unharmed, Beth?” His face was close to hers now. Jaw clenched, eyes hard and dark.
“I am well.” She touched his cheek because she wanted to comfort him.
“He has gone.” Captain Sinclair returned. Dismounting, he went to help Mary to her feet.
Nathan rose and lifted Beth. Her knees felt wobbly and unsteady. She hurried to her friend.
“Why would someone be shooting here at this time of day? It makes no sense,” Captain Sinclair said. “Oh dear,” he added softly.
“What?” Beth followed his gaze and saw his horse standing over the still form of Walter.
“He has been shot in the side,” Captain Sinclair said, running.
Nathan and Beth were there in seconds, as was Mary. All dropped down beside the prone dog. Blood was coming from the wound in his side.
“His name is Walter,” Nathan told Captain Sinclair. The hand that brushed the large head was steady and soothing. “And he will not die.”
“Walter!” Ella shrieked. Seconds later she and her father arrived.
“He will be all right, Atticus,” Captain Sinclair said to his horse, whose head was lowered, mouth resting on Walter’s nose. “Move back now and let us help him.”
Beth watched Atticus snort, then ease back a few steps.
“It’s almost like he understands you,” Forrest said.
“He is a smart fellow.”
“We need to bind the injury to stem the blood, then get him home,” Nathan said, face tight with worry.
“Knife,” Beth said, regaining her feet.
Nathan took one from his left boot and handed it to her. His hands were covered in the dog’s blood. Beth swallowed down the fear. She knew this animal was special to many people.
“It’s all right now, Ella.” Forrest hugged his daughter.
Beth sliced the hem from her chemise and handed it to Nathan. Captain Sinclair and Forrest lifted Walter, and Nathan bound him. Walter gave a pathetic whine.
“Poor baby.” Beth dropped to his side once more. Leaning over him, she kissed his cheek.
Walter sighed.
“He will be all right,” Captain Sinclair said. “I will have my cousin send you a paste and some medicine for him.”
“My thanks,” Nathan said. “I will run home and collect the carriage for him.”
“No need. I will carry him on Atticus.”
“I doubt we’ll be able to lift him,” Forrest said.
