The shuttle bus to Denver International Airport’s satellite parking was full, a dozen or so travelers nearing the end of various journeys, their thoughts focused on where they had been or where they were going. Travel weariness had dulled the senses, the ride becoming yet one more step to endure. Conversation in these situations is often confined to nicety or necessity, but little else. On this occasion, however, something different was about to happen. The shuttle van passed the in-your-face blue stallion sculpture with the blood-red lighted eyes which greets visitors to DIA.

Some...