“We need the 2012 land roll ledgers, Clara,” Daniel said.

“The ones from before the system went digital.”

“Those are kept in vault locker four,” Clara said.

“Only the chief clerk and three staff members have keys.”

“Is the chief clerk in today?” I asked.

Clara took a ring of heavy brass keys from her apron pocket and stood up without another word.

She led us down a quiet basement hallway to a narrow steel door fitted with a brass combination dial.

The vault room inside smelled of cold basement stone and damp cardboard.