Max was a pretty deep sleeper, but one thing could always rouse him; the barking of his dogs. They were well behaved canines, but they always announced visitors and that was what caused Max to stumble out of the chair he had fallen asleep in, and towards the front door.

He pulled it open blearily and then blinked when he saw Val there, looking incredibly upset. "Come in," he said, pulling her inside so he could close the door behind them. "What happened?"