Cavalier thought of Leni, knowing he had been to Hobart a couple of months earlier, about the time of Mac’s demise. He pointed to the glass panel beside the front door entrance and said, ‘This will make it easy to defend from inside. You’d get in a shot or two before they could do their job.’

‘Any idea when they’ll come?’

‘I’d put money on tonight.’

‘Why?’

‘They were given ten million each. That’s a lot to play with. They’d enjoy living it up in luxury as soon as the job’s done.’

‘They wouldn’t leave town fast?’

‘No. Airport passenger lists would be scanned after the murder was discovered. They’d wait and have a good time at the casino, and depart separately later.’

Haut gave him a tour of the modern three-level home. He showed Cavalier a bedroom on the ground floor and then upstairs to the tower bedroom. The roof was a skylight.

‘I lie here and look at the stars,’ Haut said. ‘I feel closer to God.’

Cavalier examined the winding staircase that separated from the wall and left a small alcove at the top of the stairs. The steps up were covered in a light plastic that squeaked when trodden on.

‘I put it there so I could hear anyone coming up,’ Haut said.

‘Smart move.’

There was a view from the bedroom down the staircase.

‘What do you think?’ Haut asked.

‘They’ll come up the stairs,’ Cavalier replied, positioning himself in the tiny alcove.

‘Do you think we should defend from here?’ Haut asked, sitting on his bed and pointing down the stairs.

‘No. It’ll be dark.’ Cavalier pointed to the alcove. ‘That’s the best spot. Where’s the Uzi?’

‘In that cupboard behind you.’

Cavalier leant down and retrieved it.

‘It’s loaded,’ he said, fingering the clip, ‘good.’

Cavalier tried to swing the weapon in an arc.

‘Perhaps you’d have more freedom from here,’ Haut said.

Cavalier shook his head.

‘When they come up, this position allows me to be above and to the side of them.’

‘What will I do?’

‘It’d be better if you left for the night.’

‘No, no,’ Haut said, ‘I want to be here, in case …’

‘What?’

‘You need help.’

Cavalier stared for a moment and then smiled.

‘You’re a gutsy bastard, aren’t you?’

‘What happens if they wound you … or …?’

‘Okay, but you must let me do my thing, okay? You must stay as calm as you can. It’ll be dark. I don’t want you jumping in trying to be a hero. I was caught in some friendly fire once. I don’t want to be laid up in hospital for several months again, or worse. Can you stay cool, no matter what?’

‘I think so. Where do you want me to be?’

‘Hidden beside the bed, looking at the stars and praying.’

Haut managed a nervous smile, and nodded.