“Yes, sir,” Polly said. “All the windows and doors are covered and locked. No one is getting in or out until you say so.”

“Good, then there’s no reason for you two to remain by my side. The sun is up, and the house is closed. Go gather up the others, find a guardian or someone in the staff to feed on, and then get some sleep. I’m not sure exactly what’s going to happen tonight, but whatever it is, we need to be at our best.”

“Are you sure?” Angelique said.

“You two look like I feel,” Max mumbled as he walked past. “Now, go do as I say. That’s an order.”

Max made his way to the kitchen, his footsteps echoing as he did. He pushed open the swinging door and stuttered to a stop when he saw Gus and Fallon sitting at the table. “After the night we all had, I thought everyone would be asleep until at least noon.”

Gus instantly got to his feet. “I’m sorry. We didn’t mean to intrude. I’ve always been an early riser, and Fallon takes after me. We just came down so we wouldn’t wake up the others. Fallon figured out your coffee maker, so once it’s done brewing, we’ll grab a couple of cups and then get out of your hair.”

“Nonsense,” Max said with a wave of his hand. “You’ve saved me the trouble of making it myself, so please sit down and relax. You’re my guests.”

“We don’t want to intrude.”

“You’re not intruding.” Max opened a cupboard and took out three mugs. “You’re giving me a respite from a conundrum I’m finding impossible to solve.”

“Oh yeah? Anything I can help with?”

“Have you ever heard of the Great Vampire War?” Max said as he filled the mugs.

Gus traded looks with his daughter. “Um…no.

“That’s because there’s never been one,” Max said, handing Gus some coffee. “We’ve had our disagreements, of course; squabbles about this, that, and the other, but nothing even close to what Napoleon has done. He’s put us all at risk, and the council agrees I can take whatever steps necessary to stop him.”

“That’s good. Isn’t it?”

Max gave Fallon her coffee and sat down. “Yes, except the first part of any siege is to become familiar with the lay of the land, and that’s what I’ve been struggling with for the past several hours.”

Gus sat up a little straighter. “If you’re talking about where the bastard lives, that’s easy. I took Bennett there. I know exactly where he lives.”