After three, nerve-wracking minutes, he finally summoned the courage to press the 'accept' button. He lifted it tentatively to his ear.

'I assume you have been waiting for this call, so I shall keep it brief. We have found a way for you to repay you debt. However, we would like to discuss this with you in person. Please present yourself at 8.00pm this evening.'

The line went dead. He stared at the phone. What was this miracle cure to all his problems? How were they suddenly going to let him off the hook? And more importantly - why?