In order to protect his family from the attentions of a crooked and violent bookmaker he is reluctantly drawn back to his old profession. During the novel the possibility of a hand transplant is mooted and the book ends with Halley being told that donor hand has become available.
To shield his family from a dishonest and violent bookmaker, he is reluctantly drawn back to his former profession. During the novel, the possibility of a hand transplant is discussed, and the story concludes with Halley being informed that a donor hand has become available.