Another reason I think he stayed on the line was for the same reason that he compulsively returned to the Bay. He is a control freak, plagued by anxiety, and has to make sure everything is under control and nothing is happening that he can't keep the lid on.
"He is a control freak, plagued by anxiety..."
Agree, and his controlling/obsessive nature gets him in trouble. I'd sure like to know if he experiences anxiety. Is there no anxiety or is it repressed to such an extent that he appears cool as a cucumber?