“Finn, we both know your sister’s annoying habit of muting the stupid thing and forgetting about it, so we need to hold on to that.” Bennett looked at Ruby and whispered, “How much further?”

“Two minutes.”

“Finn, I’ve got to gather up Gus and Cathleen from a restaurant and then head over to their house.”

“Shit, I forgot about them,” Finn said, raking his fingers through his hair. “Are they okay? Are the kids all right?”

“Yes. They’re locked in the safe room…which reminds me, I need to call Fallon back. Stay safe, and we’ll talk later.”

Ruby pulled into a parking space at the crowded Italian restaurant, and before she could say a word, Bennett was shoving her mobile at Ruby. “Keep calling Lisa. I’ll be right back.”

Bennett knew she couldn’t charge through the eatery, looking like the world had ended. So, she took a few slow breaths to compose herself and then walked inside, confident and calm. The smell of garlic and tomatoes washed over her, and when the hostess approached, Bennett waved her off and took another step. She looked out across the room, and seeing Gus and Cathleen in a distant booth, Bennett casually made her way to their table.

Gus saw Bennett first, his smile instant as was Cathleen’s, and then Bennett squatted at the end of the table, and the blood slowly drained from their faces.

Bennett placed her hands over Gus’s and Cathleen’s. “Everyone is fine,” she whispered. “There’s been an issue, though, so I need you both to come with me, quietly and calmly.”

Bennett stood, and pulling some cash from her wallet, she tossed it on the table and then led the Rooneys out of the restaurant to Ruby’s car. It wasn’t until they were all inside when Bennett spoke.

“Again, everything is fine,” Bennett said, turning to look at her ashen back seat passengers. “Fallon has everyone in the safe room.”

“The safe room?” Gus said, sliding to the edge of the seat. “What’s going on? What’s happening?”

Bennett momentarily switched her focus to Ruby. “Did you get ahold of Lisa?”

“No, not yet.”

“All right. Go to my contact list. You’ll find Gus’s home address—”

“I know where they live,” Ruby said, backing out of the parking space.

It only took a split-second for Bennett to remember that Ruby had been researching her for years. “Of course you do.”

Bennett turned back to Gus and Cathleen. “I believe that a man…that a vampire named Napoleon is attempting to exact revenge on me, and he’s doing so by hunting down those who I hold dear.”

“Napoleon? Is that the one you said was the worst of the worst?” Gus said, taking his wife’s hand.