Percy slid him out of the fridge. Johnny immediately sat up, the sheet falling off him, and wiped his mouth vigorously. Blast! His fingers were smeared with make-up. “It’s only water,” said Hughes, trying not to laugh. “Opening the door always causes a bit of a thaw.” “But what was thawing? That’s the question. You bastard.” It had always felt chilly in the mortuary but now it had the warmth of an open fire. “What did you tell PC Turner?” “He wanted to know what I’d told you. I just said that Harry Gogg and PC Vinson brought in a body early Sunday morning and that it was sent on to the medical school.” Perhaps Matt would believe him now. “That’s good,” said Johnny. “You did the right thing.” “He also asked me when I’d last seen yer. That’s when I wheeled yer over to the freezer. I was afraid he’d see I was telling porkies. I was trying to do what was best.” “You did,” Johnny said, handing him a half-crown that was immediately pocketed. Percy swallowed hard.
