Rather then seek what could not be found I suggested he book on the same flight I was on, and stay the night at my place in LA, which at $0 was sure to give the bean-counter minions at the home office a happy face. Booking the flights was easy, as I had the priority number programmed in my cell. The seat next to mine was available. Then I called my partner to tell her we were having Jace as a guest overnight. The message brought very interesting thoughts to the fore. A flurry of code words and mischievous happiness flew from my phone. All unrepeatable.

Meanwhile Jace called his...