"Must be all those uppers I've been sneaking into his cereal," Brian said flatly, walking across the room to help Gus unzip the little backpack he wore. Inside, he'd stuffed a few cars, a coloring book, crayons, a snack. It would keep him entertained for no more than five minutes, but like she'd said, it was better than nothing.

"What am I interrupting? No offense, but you look like hell."