Ah... I see. In any case, I hope he comes back to you one way or another! It seems like one would have an easier time of things with someone from home along...

In a way I can understand that mentality-- keeping true to the past that's already in place, I mean. From an investigative standpoint, it usually makes things easier.

...Pardon my prying, but how exactly? You needn't answer if you don't want to, of course.