Tessa and Nicole walked into the apartment's great room. If I'd been attentive of the twin sisters, I'd have noticed just how worried Tessa looked. Though normally perky and cheerful, something had sapped her of her energy.

Unfortunately, I had other things on my mind, like the pre-pubescent brat screeching in my ear.

"Dave? Hey, Dave?" Tessa asked.

"Would you stop singing into your microphone!" I shouted.

"What?"

"Not you! Them!" I said, pointing to my Xbox 360 headset. "Yes, I know they're coming up the left side! You can stop— Oh fuck, they just—! ... I'm dead again."

"Dave, could you—"

"What was that? Well, excuse me if you're...