"So, still planning to see Dahlia?" Cyrus swirled the mug a bit and dipped his pinkie in to pull out a still-congealed clot. "You could have left this on a bit longer."

I made a face and took my cup back. "We already know she has information we can use. Probably more than you've already gotten from her."

"Good luck getting it." He sounded weary, as though if he never heard her name again it would be too soon. "You'd almost have to learn to read minds. Or get her very drunk. She does ramble on when she's had too much to drink."

"The flaw in that plan is she's hardly going to go out bar hopping with me. Or you." I chewed my thumbnail as I thought.

"No," Cyrus agreed. "Our last rendezvous didn't go very well at all."

I drummed my fingers on the tabtetop. "Do you think Clarence will help me if I asked?"

Cyrus blew out a long breath. "If you can find him, he might."

"Well, where did he go when he worked for you? What were his habits?" I vaguely remembered he was allowed to come and go from the mansion, but where exactly he went or came from I had no idea. "Did he buy groceries or something?"

"No. Food for the guards and pets was delivered by vendors." Cyrus's brow creased in thought. "I did send him to shop for my favorites and to get my chocolates. And all the little extras I might find myself in need of."

"I'd hate to ask." I took a sip of blood.

Cyrus shrugged. "Coercion items. Alcohol for the girls, indecent magazines for the boys."

"I didn't ask. I just said I would hate to." Pinching the bridge of my nose, I closed my eyes. "What would Dahlia have him do?"

"Dig up corpses for spare parts," Cyrus snorted.

"If that's all the help you're going to be—"

"Here's a thought," he interrupted. "Why not wait a discreet distance from the mansion and find out where he goes?"

It made sense. Cyrus didn't have to use such a smart-assed tone, but it made sense. "Fine." I glanced at the clock. "Well, there's no time like the present."

He followed me when I stood and took the mug to the sink. "Why don't you let me come with you?"

"Do you think that's wise?" I arched an eyebrow. "I mean, what with Clarence thinking you're dead and all?"

"Why wouldn't it be?" Cyrus looked as though he truly didn't understand the effect such a shock could have on a mortal human being. "Believe me, Carrie, he's familiar with the paranormal."

I considered. It probably did make more sense to take him with me than leave him behind with Nathan. God knew what could happen.

"Fine. But you're staying in the car."