It all began one chill autumn evening. It could be said it began long before, or far in the future. But for me it was straightforward enough. It was the point of rude awakening from the mundane daydream of my life into the extraordinary roller coaster that was to engulf me.

Darkness was falling over London. Towering thunderclouds filled the sky. Majestic, sullen, they glowed dully in the dying sunlight. Angry raindrops and fitful gusts of wind rattled the windows of my flat. I shivered, sensing perhaps a portent of things to come, and shut out the vision of such elemental forces with a swiftly drawn curtain. Lighting a cigrette, I turned instead to the more comfortable certainties of Jazz F.M. and an early evening drink.

My mobile rang and I picked it ip, groaning inawardly as Charles' enthusistic tones assailed my ear. Charles was a nice enough guy in an oddball sort of way. But he expected everyone to tackle life with his own limitless brand of energy.