Was that a joke? Had he actually played back? In full honesty, she couldn't be sure. On the one hand, the idea was absurd; on the other, he maintained such deadpan composure, even in this, that it was challenging to tell without seeing the tell-tale quirks of the mouth. She very nearly laughed outright. As it was, the wisps of humor emerged in her voice.

"9:00, then, Mr. Banes. Safe flight."