The sudden icy atmosphere was almost too violent after the outside heat.
Franklin said, “Jeeze! There’s hoar frost formin’ on my chest hairs.”
On one side of the room were four long wooden benches. Round the other three walls were rows of black metal cabinets.
Phillips said, “If you don’t think about it you’d never know there were a lotta stiffs in those cabinets. I like comin’ here. I jest sit around an’ cool off, an’ it don’t worry me at all.”
The driver took off his greasy cap and began twisting it in his hands. “That where they keep the corpses?” he said, his voice sinking to a whisper.
Phillips nodded. He went over to one of the benches and laid down. “That’s right,” he said. “You don’t have to think about that. Just settle down an’ go to sleep.”
With his eyes on the cabinets the driver sat down gingerly. Franklin stood hesitating.
“I wonder if Joe would stand for me phonin’ my girl friend to come on down,” Phillips said sleepily. He shook his head. “No, I guess he wouldn’t stand for it.” He sighed a little and settled himself more comfortably.
“Franky, put that light out, will you? It’s tryin’ my eyes.”
Franklin said, “If you think I’m goin’ to stay here in the dark, you’re crazy. This place gives me the heebies.