The skiff rocks hard in the storm as Arus and Elizabeth scramble aboard, the quay lanterns smearing gold across black water. From the dockside gloom, the Sergeant steps into view, calm as a tally mark.
The Sergeant
There you are. I knew your trail would lead here.
He lifts one gloved hand toward the papers in Elizabeth's grip, then the other toward the men behind him. The helpful mask is gone, replaced by a hard, measured stare.
The Sergeant
The investigation was a leash, not a kindness. I meant to keep you in sight, then take the documents for the Baron.
Arus Gandon
He was watching me all along.
The redcoats gather at the dock edge, but the skiff is already half free of the posts. Elizabeth tightens her hold on the satchel as the rain lashes between them and the shore.
John Carter's hidden route lies ahead in the dark water, and the Sergeant's trap breaks open too late.
“I will draw my sword with a flourish of skill and declare, "Miller, you are no more a public servant than I am a loyal subject, but you will have to be more clever than tonight's demonstration of your skills as an investigator if you ever expect to catch this free trader! Farewell, lapdogs!" And then I will slash the remaining mooring ropes and push off from the dock before the redcoats can reach us.”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled -2)