I woke up with a start. Pain like I’d never known shot through my temples. I’d had migraines before, including one that laid me out for three days. But nothing like this!

“Oh, god,” I whispered, trying not to wake my girlfriend. “Tell the guy with the jackhammer to lay off, please!”

I’m sorry. Really, I am.

What. The. Hell?!

“Who said that?!” I shouted.

Jenny stirred beside me. “Didn’t say anything,” she said, sleepily.

Quick! the voice said. Pick up the phone, make like you’re on a call, then go into the other room. We have a lot to discuss.

I did what she said (I know, I know. I’m doing what the voices in my head say.), told Jenny to go back to sleep, and slipped into the living room. I was about to strike up the conversation again, when I decided to go into my rehearsal room. I’d had it soundproofed so as not to annoy the neighbours. This way, I could yell if needed to without waking anyone.

Before I could say anything, she said, I’d sit down. This is a long story. A very, very long story.