Carl reached over and took Dave’s hand. “Thanks for standing up for me, Dave,” he said. “Actually, we’ve met before. You probably don’t remember, but I was the guy who set up your Cadillac endorsement about three years ago. I’m the account exec from JPT Worldwide.”

“Oh, sure!” The big man smiled. “I remember you, Carl. It’s a small world. But, hey, come on—let’s get out of this crowd.” Dave led the way, and Carl and Lori followed him to an open space near a check-in counter.

Carl looked down instinctively for his luggage, then realized he had nothing but the flight bag in his hand. Lori had a shoulder bag and her carry-on suitcase. Dave wasn’t carrying any luggage at all, but he held a large black book in his hand.

“Dave,” Carl said, “do you have a suitcase or bags or anything to pick up?”

“No, man,” the athlete responded. “I got out with this—my Bible. That’s it.”

“A Bible?” Carl asked. “That’s all?”

“That’s right,” Dave answered. “I always use my travel time to read it. Looks like that’s going to be the most important thing right now, anyway.” Dave smiled and looked into Carl’s eyes. “Are you folks believers?”

“No,” Carl replied, “I guess I’m what you would call an agnostic. But a day like this can sure make a guy stop and think. You know, on the flight from L.A. Lori was telling me about a book of prophecies in the Bible called Revelation. It tells about how a meteor is going to strike the earth someday. At least, that’s what Lori’s aunt said. Have you ever heard of that?”

“Oh, yeah,” Dave said, “I’ve heard of it. But, listen, we’ve got to get out of this mob and find a place to stay. If you don’t already have other plans, I know this guy who has a big house near here. He’s an old basketball coach and a good friend. I think he’ll put us up for a couple of days until we can find out what’s going on. If you’re up for it, I think we can go over there and camp out, and then we can talk about Revelation if you want.”

Lori and Carl nodded agreement, and Dave looked around quickly for a phone.

There were long waiting lines at all the pay phones in the terminal, and just when it looked as if they might have to give up on calling Dave’s friend, the tall player walked over to the ticket counter, looked down at the agent, and boomed out, “Hi, I’m Dave Busby of the Lakers. Would you please call this number for me so I can get a place to stay tonight?”

Taken completely by surprise, the agent immediately forgot all his usual excuses and meekly punched up the number, then handed the phone to Dave.

Dave put the phone to his ear and waited until there was an answer on the other end. “Charley,” he yelled, “this is Dave. What do you know, man? I just got out of L.A., and I’m at the airport with a couple of new friends. Do you have any room at your place for three refugees?” He paused briefly. “Really? That’s great, man, but just one more thing. Would you be able to pick us up at the airport?”