In Ben Elton's book "Blast from the Past," the narrative opens with the unsettling implication of receiving a phone call at an unearthly hour, specifically at 2:15 am. The timing of such a call suggests that it is not expected to bring good news. The assumption is that calls made during the early morning hours are likely to convey distressing information or concerns, as the occasion for such a disturbance is rarely benign.

This moment sets a tone of foreboding, hinting that disruptions during the night are often associated with negative or alarming circumstances. The author insinuates that if someone is calling in the early hours, it is usually due to troubling news or emergencies, reinforcing a sense of unease and anticipation of unfavorable outcomes.