And...we're done.
Somebody must have finally used the secret code, since I got three calls the other day from supervisors apologizing profusely and telling me that the bill is in the process of being paid by my former employer. A guy from executive escalation also called and gave me the full story (which is pretty much what I wrote above). He also gave me 10,000 MR points.
1. Nobody knows how that last charge to my card occurred. It may remain a cosmic mystery.
2. They want to listen to all the calls that I received and will no doubt be amused by my transition from a rational human being to a maniac over a dozen calls.
3. More importantly than the MR points is the fact that I now have a great story to tell.
Thanks, all, for the support.
Mike