‘It’s legally within my rights not to disclose a reason for my request.’

‘All right, all right, I wasn’t asking you legally. Just trying to make conversation.’ Booker breaks my gaze, wiggles his mouse, bored. ‘And unfortunately, I’m afraid it’s likely that this station will have to uphold its legal right to deny such a request.’

My stomach drops. ‘What? Why? What do you mean?’

‘Those files have been exempt from disclosure for years.’

Well, that wasn’t on the website, I think dumbly. Without that information – probably without that damn note – I might as well just go home. I should have known. I was so distracted by the newness of the island, the excitement, I assumed this would work simply; I should have double-checked.

‘That’s just a hunch, though,’ Booker says in a laboured sort of way while leaning back in his chair and lifting his hands to support his head. ‘You’re more than welcome to put forward your request anyways.’ He nods to the notepad on the counter, runs his thumb and forefinger over his beard. ‘Written, please.’

There’s a beat and then I’m reaching for the notepad and pen, my insides deflated. I feel vaguely like I’m falling for something. ‘All right.’

While I’m writing, Booker says, ‘You do realize that – I don’t know why you know about this, or why you’re really asking – this situation was never investigated for foul play? Meaning, I don’t know what you’re looking to find, but there’s not much. I don’t even think the paperwork we have amounts to files, as such – more like a file, and even then –’

‘That’s fine. Whatever there is,’ I say and slap the pen on to the counter, then rip off the top sheet and slide it to him. Mona Perry formally requests all documentation related to the disappearance of Roxy Raines. Signed. Dated. ‘How long does it normally take for requests to be processed?’

‘Depends. In this case, could probably have a response with you in – eh, three weeks? Early July, at the latest.’

July? ‘Why would it take so long?’

He nods to the wall of cabinets. ‘It’s not as easy as just cracking one of those open. Gets sent to the mainland office, appropriate bodies need to sign off. A month is actually not that long a wait, all things considered – might be a speedier process considering someone else logged the same request recently.’

‘Someone else? Who? Was it denied or accepted?’

‘It wasn’t denied, but –’

‘Then why would you … People’s requests are public record too. Who?’

Booker takes the paper I slipped him, scrutinizes it, and sets it to the side. ‘To find that out, I’m afraid you’ll have to file a request,’ he says with a wry smile that implies nothing will come of the request.