Hm, let's table this for now and when he's back, continue.

[There's the sizzle of batter hitting lightly greased pan, and Alucard's careful not to let the pancakes burn as he uses Vampire Senses to smell for just the right moment.]

Precisely so. That trail is our lifeline. If we can find it. Supposing that whoever responsible is up there in years, they are probably very good at covering their tracks.