His added afterthought makes the breath hitch in my throat, and I turn and blink at him.

"What?" It's a raspy, hoarse question borne of disbelief and desperation. Shocked and not sure I heard him clearly.

"He arrived early this morning, and they were still there when I left a few moments ago."

My teeth and even my lips chatter and tremble in response. My whole body violently shakes as I'm blinded by the moisture of my eyes welling up, and I crunch the envelope in my fist and yank the car door open. Instinct is taking over as I hear him clearly inside my head telling me he would...