Marland gave an understanding nod. ‘Makes sense.’
‘Fleeing to the taxi, the gunman noted that the admiral was still on his feet, selected his more powerful weapon and shot again. Unnecessary, as Dr Spilsbury is of the opinion that the two Webley bullets would have done for him in minutes anyway. But, in the heat of the moment, the villain must have seen it as a wise precaution. We haven’t recovered the gun. We assume it was thrown out of the window somewhere between here and the police station where they were arrested.’ He noted that Lily looked aside as he told his fluent lies.
‘Mmm … probably picked up and kept or sold on. There’s a market for such things,’ Marland said. ‘I see. Sounds reasonable to me.’ He looked questioningly at each boy in turn, silently gathering their views before continuing. ‘As you say then, all done and dusted. Case closed. And now that your chaps have finally released the old bird, we’ll be able to move on and finalize our plans for the funeral. Cassandra didn’t want the State ceremony that was on offer. I have that right? Do correct me if I assume too much.’
‘Oh, yes. I couldn’t bear it. And I don’t believe Oliver would have expected it. He was, at heart, a plain sailor, a modest man, you know.’
Sandilands and Marland exchanged astonished looks and indulgent grins over her head.
‘All the same, it was so kind of the prime minister and Their Majesties to offer. But, in the end, we’ve decided on a small service for family and friends to be held in the church at his family seat in the country, next Saturday. We’re so hoping you’ll be able to come, Joe.’
‘You won’t be the grandest guest there, sir,’ said William. ‘Not by a long chalk! Tell him, Mama!’
‘Shh! Don’t brag, William. Anyway, it was a charming gesture. The king and queen have made it understood that if we were to send them an invitation they would be pleased to attend the ceremony.’
‘The king and queen?’
‘Yes. And such of their offspring as are staying with them. It’s only just down the road from them after all … a mile or two.’