‘Exactly, sir,’ Greenhaisen said. ‘And if I might suggest, in view of Bruno’s age, some of his own favourite music – are there any singers or bands he particularly loved?’

‘Yes, good point,’ Grace said. ‘We’ll have a think about that.’

The funeral director nodded. ‘I’m sure that would go down well, especially as there are bound to be many of his young friends attending.’

Roy and Cleo shot each other a glance. But neither commented.

‘As I told you over the phone, we would like the service and committal to take place in the same church where his mother and I were married, and where she is buried, All Saints, Patcham,’ Grace said.

‘Well, we are very fortunate in that choice, the current vicar is quite an enlightened man – unlike some,’ he said. ‘If you know what I mean?’

Cleo smiled. ‘He’s not a Bible thumper?’

‘Precisely. Now, are there any pressing questions you have?’

‘I guess,’ Grace said, ‘because Bruno’s organs have been donated, will that cause any problems or delays in his funeral?’

‘Well, that will depend on the Coroner. As I understand – and please correct me if I am wrong – the driver of the car in the collision with your son has been interviewed in relation to his driving?’

‘That’s correct,’ Grace said.

‘In which case, there is the possibility of a prosecution and criminal trial.’

Roy interrupted. ‘I understand the postmortem was carried out yesterday afternoon with the defence pathologist, Mr Ashley Brown, present as agreed with the Coroner. The cause of death has been ascertained and Bruno’s body will be released straight away for burial.’

‘That’s good news then, we can fix a date. If it is any small consolation,’ Greenhaisen said, ‘on the subject of costs for a child of this age, we would make no charge for the basic funeral arrangements.’

‘Really?’ Cleo said, astonished.

‘I assure you, we understand a little of the grief that parents like you must be going through. We would not make any charge for the basic funeral, which would include bringing your son into care, providing the hearse, a standard coffin, the bearers and the funeral director. Most churches also waive their fees, although I’m afraid not the gravediggers. Music is provided free of charge. It’s only the extras you would be required to pay for.’

‘This is very generous of you,’ Roy Grace said.

‘It is the very least we can do,’ Greenhaisen said, almost simpering.

‘But I want Bruno to have the best funeral we can give him,’ Grace continued.

‘And the extras would be?’ Cleo asked.

‘That would be the flowers, newspaper announcements and printed order-of-service sheets. The monumental masons would also charge for any headstone, and perhaps, if you so wished, for altering the inscription on your late wife’s headstone to include your son. Then there are special requests, such as releasing doves, a horse-drawn hearse – or anything of that nature.’

The couple were silent for some moments. Then Grace asked, ‘When you say “standard coffin”, what is that, exactly?’