The story begins with a phone ringing in a dark hotel room, creating an atmosphere of unease despite its soft sound. The unsettling quality of the ring at night amplifies the tension, evoking a sense of foreboding typical in mysterious narratives. The protagonist's perception of the call sets the tone for what lies ahead, hinting at something significant about to unfold.

This moment encapsulates the eerie ambiance found throughout Jim Thompson's "The Nothing Man." It illustrates how seemingly mundane actions can take on meanings filled with dread and anticipation. The ringing phone symbolizes disruption in the quiet, suggesting that events are about to alter the course of the character's life dramatically.