Crossword Genius

Mercenary beginning to bleed fleeing Edinburgh shot (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hired gun

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'mercenary' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for hired gun that I've seen before include "Hit man" , "Professional killer" , "Professional hitman" , "Expert employed to solve problems (US colloq.)" , "can be mercenary" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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