Some stories don’t need to be sensationalised. They are huge of their own accord. I could outline nothing but the facts of this case and it would be hard-hitting enough. I mean, of course, I will have to write it to have the most impact it can, but I don’t intend to make life more difficult for anyone by overplaying things. I need Lorcan to understand that.

‘Look,’ I tell him. ‘Today, it’s me approaching you – but I’m willing to bet I’ll not be the only one. Everyone will want to do an anniversary piece, especially with Jamesy Harte making renewed claims about his innocence. The difference is that I know the Doherty family. I knew Kelly. We went to the same school. I can make this as painless for them as possible. If they tell me the story, give it to me as an exclusive maybe, it might just stop everyone else rattling at their door.’

There’s an audible intake of breath on the other end of the line. ‘Oh, they wouldn’t like that. Everyone coming to talk to them. Mr Doherty isn’t all that keen in the first place. He doesn’t want to talk at all. He says he doesn’t want to draw attention to them and have everyone poking into their lives.’

‘This is how he can take control of the situation,’ I tell him, pulling all of my persuasive tactics out of the box. ‘As you know, the media can be unscrupulous at times. And persistent. If he tells their story to one reporter – a local reporter who they know – that could put an end to it all.’

‘That really will be an end to it?’ Councillor Duffy asks.

‘Any further queries can be directed to me and I’ll fend them off,’ I say.

‘Well, if that’s the case, I think I can persuade them to talk to you. I’ll have a word with them. I assume you want to get this in the bag sooner rather than later. When suits and I’ll run it past them?’

‘Wednesday is best,’ I say, knowing my diary is usually quiet on that day. I can take my time. Do it properly. Ask questions I can use outside The Chronicle and Ryan’s retrospective and unambitious colour piece. ‘But look, I’ll work around them if Wednesday doesn’t suit. The only request I have is that they don’t talk to anyone else.’

‘I’ll make sure of it,’ he says.

This is perfect. An exclusive, and after I’ve spoken to Jamesy, too. ‘Great,’ I say. ‘I owe you a pint, Lorcan.’

‘I’ll have to take you up on that offer sometime,’ he says, and I know he means it. This is not my first encounter with Lorcan Duffy and he has made his intentions quite clear in the past.