The headache started minutes after I had freshened up. My plan was to go to the studio and get myself busy but my body seemed to have other plans.

That persistant dull pressure behind my eyes that made the quiet of the house feel louder than it was.

Wonderful.

I pulled on a sweater and went downstairs for coffee, moving carefully so the pain would not sharpen. The kitchen was set, workers preparing something or just standing. I had just reached for a mug when Sam's voice came from the doorway.

"You're up early."

I turned. He was dressed for the office, cufflinks already in place. For a moment he...