Frank and Sunny's arrival a few nights later meant I was forced out from hiding by the stubborn young vampire who carried me physically to the living room to face the music.

Harry came through, called by Miriam, thrilled to meet her brother and his vampire girlfriend. I crouched between the happy couples in a dejected ball of fluff, keeping my head down, trying on occasion to slink away only to have Miriam or Frank reach for me and bring me back.

It was nice of them to ...