I find a quiet corner in the station, away from prying eyes. Closing my eyes, I reluctantly summon the voice I've both relied on and feared for years.
"Bundy," I think, "I need your help with this case."
There's an unusual pause before the familiar voice responds, its typical smugness noticeably absent. "I'm not sure I can be of much assistance this time, detective."
Surprised by this uncharacteristic reluctance, I press further. "What's wrong? You've never hesitated to offer your... unique perspective before."
Bundy's voice in my mind sounds oddly distant, almost confused. "I'm not entirely certain. It's strange, but I feel as if there's some kind of... force, for lack of a better word, telling me not to interfere."
This catches me off guard. In all the years I've grappled with this internal demon, I've never encountered anything like this. "A force? What do you mean? Since when do you listen to anyone or anything?"