[Ace's POV]
Chief Gareth's face went slack, his weathered skin paling beneath his beard as Philip's words sank in. Across the table, Ray's lips quirked upward—the same grim satisfaction I felt settling in my own chest. The bandits' pattern, their targets, their cruel efficiency: the shape of it was becoming clear. All we needed now was confirmation.
"Philip," Chief Gareth said slowly, his voice carefully controlled but the tendons in his neck standing taut. "You're certain this was the same woman who helped us during the attack?"
Philip scratched his cheek, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Positive, Chief. She's got green hair, mole right here—" He tapped his forehead. "—and, well..." His hands gestured vaguely toward his chest before he caught himself. "Apologies. That last bit was unnecessary."
I couldn't help but snort. "Was the bust measurement really vital to your investigation?"
