My head pounded like a snare drum being beaten by a psychotic three-year-old, and I tasted blood in my mouth. I used my tongue and carefully searched my gums, trying to feel if I was missing a tooth. Goddamn it, dentists were expensive as well as annoying. Still, maybe I could get some decent painkillers out of the deal. My bottom lip felt like it was swollen to the size of the average bratwurst. I kept playing dead, chin on my chest, trying hard to listen and judge my surroundings that way. Wasn’t working too well. I knew I was still in the hotel from the repetitive thud of music, but it was far above me. I was back on the lower floors, a long way from people, which didn’t seem good. When they put you in a room where people can’t be disturbed by your screams, you’re looking at a rough night. “You know, I saw your jaw move,” a man’s voice said. “I know you’re awake, Jake.” Didn’t he sound familiar? As soon as I placed the voice, shock made me raise my head and open my eyes.
