The day they saw the island it was the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, according to the Church calendar, and the Portuguese crew named it Ilha da Ascensão. But they didn’t stop.

The island remained unclaimed for three hundred years. Black rats got ashore from passing ships and infested it. Some goats were set down in case any wrecked sailors needed to survive. Neither softened its desolation. In 1656 a Cornish adventurer and travel writer returning from his third voyage to India confirmed the views of his Portuguese predecessors: A more bleak and barren landscape cannot be imagined. Truly, it struck my eyes as Hell with all the fires put out.

How bad could it be, Kane wondered? He opened a browser, searched “Ascension” on images. The first result was a girl’s face.

He didn’t pay too much attention to it initially. She was smiling, pretty, with a light-brown complexion. Every other image showed variations of volcanic slopes and empty beaches. Then he saw the text beneath the thumbnail.

Search continues for missing Ascension Island teenager.

It was from the Times, two hours ago. Kane clicked.

Residents of Ascension Island, a British Overseas territory in the South Atlantic, continue their search for 15-year-old Petra Wade, last seen six days ago. The island, owned by the British since 1815, is considered a temporary home by 800 people. Its 35 square miles of terrain are rugged with cliffs and sea, and concerns are mounting that the teenager may have fallen while out walking, or been washed out to sea by exceptionally high tides. In a statement, her parents said: “There is no indication Petra had any reason to disappear, and we beg every individual on the island to help look for her. We believe she may be injured somewhere.” Ascension itself has its own small police detachment, plus military who are assisting in the search.

Last seen six days ago. Kane checked a calendar online. It was the day Rory Bannatyne killed himself. His phone screen lit up: Kat Taylor calling. Kane answered, stepping out of the reading room.

“The situation’s got a bit more complex,” Taylor said.

“I’ve just seen. Anything to suggest it connects?”

“Apart from everything?” She sounded breathless, agitated. “The girl went missing a few hours before he died.”

“Did you have any idea about this?”

“No.

“Still want me to go?”

“Do you think you can?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“Okay. I’ve just got into Vauxhall. It’s going to be a long night, and there’s police involvement on the horizon. I’ll let you know what I can find out. If I don’t speak to you later, let’s speak in the morning. Thank you, Elliot. This is . . .”

“We’ll see what it is.”

“Yes.”