“There’s two in the back room for ya, Lorn.” Nichols said, leading Piper into the hall. The hallway was lined with two caskets on each side, bodies placed neatly inside them with their hands folded over their chests. Up close, they truly did look like they were sleeping. 

“So do you guys get pretty busy then? With the bodies?” Piper asked.

“Ah, not really. It’s been an unusually busy week. This isn’t the norm. We’ve had an influx of bodies being shipped out to other parts of the country. Gang deaths, you know how it goes.” Nichols said casually. 

“Uh, yeah.” Piper agreed, not understanding a single thing Nichols had just expressed. “So, the big boss.” She changed the subject. Is that Mr.Vause? Does he come here often? Should we be extra careful when he’s around? What’s that dynamic like?” 

“Well Mrs.Vause is here damn near everyday. She’s just gone the next two days for a business trip.” Nichols answered, turning the corner into an office. 

“Oh. Mrs.Vause.” Piper corrected herself. 

“Yeah, she’s ‘bout as cool as they come. Real laid back, as long as you get your job done. One of those, don’t start no shit and there won’t be no shit types. She’s a hard worker.” 

Nichols pointed at a desk in the corner. “That’s the removal tech computer. All the info about decedents is in there so if you ever need anything that’s the place.” 

The sound of a garage door opening interrupted Nichols. 

“Ah, the girls are back. Come on.” Nichols ushered Piper back down the hallway, past the prep room to a doorway at the end of the hallway. The door swung open and in came two women pushing a cot with a body wrapped in white sheets riding atop it. The smaller of the two women was in the front. She smiled widely and gave a wave.

“Hey. You’re the new tech?” She asked. 

“Yes. Hello. I’m Piper.” She extended a hand. 

“Ah, you don’t want that. Not until I wash them at least. We ran outta gloves in the van cause somebody,” She shot a look towards the prep room where Lorna was humming away as she applied lipstick to a woman’s lips. “didn’t replace them like I asked.”