[ Jin Ling's heart sank a little, a frown pulling at the edges of his face, though he didn't turn his head to look at the man behind him. He just kept his eyes on where he was going. ]

I wasn't trying to be rude. [ A little defensively. But then, a little quieter: ]

I never met him, alive. We found his body. He was - he didn't have his eyes then, either. Hadn't had them in years. So I don't-- I don't really know what's going on, there. But I know that's it's definitely him.

[ A pause, and then a little miserably: ]

I wish we'd gotten there sooner.