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, mirroring my own realization. The pieces were falling into place - the bandits' pattern, their targets, their cruel efficiency. All we needed now was confirmation, whether through interrogation or evidence.
"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 black hair with green highlights, 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."