March 2001

She shook her head, her face a mixture of incredulous humor and revulsion. "Just when you think you must have seen everything…"

"That's Vegas," he replied as he gathered his things.

"Nah, Vegas is just concentrated insanity," she countered. "That's the entire human race."

He smiled faintly. "Before I started this job I might have disagreed with you. What happened exactly?"

"We have reusable coffins now, since it's such a cutthroat business. When I die, I want to be cremated."

The sudden turn of conversation threw him off balance for a moment. He looked at her, hoping for a clue, but her face and manner remained unchanged. "Is that a serious request?" he finally asked quietly.

She turned to face him full on and seemed to appraise him carefully. "Yeah it is. I mean, you never think it's going to happen to you, but you never know, do you? Especially with this job." The bang of her locker slamming shut startled him. "Goodnight Griss." She gave him a last smile and walked out the door.