I set the leather briefcase down on the curb beside my boots and stepped half a pace forward, standing straight with my shoulders back.

A calm smile tugged at the corners of my mouth as the lead vehicle slowed at our driveway.

Three dark utility trucks swung off Elmwood Lane in tight formation, their heavy tires grinding over the frost on the asphalt.

The lead truck pulled straight across the driveway, boxing in Julian’s Audi, while the other two backed into exact positions along the curb.

Julian froze with his fingers on the handle of his driver’s door.