‘Ladies, I wasn’t expecting you just yet,’ Williams said testily, as if frustrated by the interruption.

They stood there looking a little embarrassed.

Williams turned back to Roy and Cleo. ‘I’m afraid there has been no improvement in your son’s condition – in fact, it’s got quite a lot worse.’

‘Jesus, what? Does that mean he has any chance at all of pulling through?’ Cleo asked desperately.

Williams looked as though his shoulders had suddenly become heavy. ‘I’m so sorry.’

‘What do you mean worse? I didn’t think it could get any worse.’ Roy choked out the words and looked at the two women. ‘I’m sorry, who are you again? What are you doing here?’

‘Can we go back to Bruno now?’ Cleo pleaded.

‘Just a moment, please. I need you both to focus on what I’m saying. I’m afraid we are not going to see any improvement in your son’s condition. He is stable at this moment, but he is, sadly, brain dead and is not going to get better – there is no chance of recovery. I’ve had his diagnosis verified independently by one of my colleagues – a neurosurgeon – who has not been involved with your son’s care. He has examined Bruno and has confirmed that your son is brain dead. We have run the tests and studied his CT and MRI. He has rising intracranial pressure and a Glasgow Coma Score of three, with no sedation.’

‘Oh God, will you just let us see him?’ Cleo asked, crying.

‘Of course. But I just need to take a couple of minutes to explain who these two people are and what they can do for you.’

‘Are there any other possible outcomes, Dr Williams?’ Cleo asked through her tears.

‘I’m afraid not. I can always get a third opinion, and arrange for further tests to be carried out as soon as possible, so you can have another professional diagnosis. I’d be quite happy to do that. But I don’t feel it will give you the answers you are hoping for. I am sorry but I am certain that your son will not recover.’ He smiled apologetically, gesturing helplessly with his arms. ‘I wish so much that I could give you more positive news.’

‘We do appreciate your honesty, it’s just so hard to take this all in,’ Roy said, his voice trembling. ‘I can’t believe that’s it. Nothing anyone can do. Yesterday morning I dropped him at school alive and well, and now, nothing at all anyone can do.’ He paused and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, then looked at Cleo before turning back to the consultant. ‘But I do trust your advice, we don’t need another opinion and more tests. We know we’re in a hopeless situation.’

Williams gestured to the two women still waiting near the door, and stood.

‘I thought it would be helpful for you to meet Imelda and Charlotte at this stage, because we may have to move quite quickly.’