A processor (500) issues a read request for data. A processor interface (24) initiates a local search for the requested data and also forwards the read request to a memory directory (24) for processing. While the read request is processing, the processor interface (24) can determine if the data is available locally. If so, the data is transferred to the processor (500) for its use. The memory directory (24) processes the read request and generates a read response therefrom. The processor interface (24) receives the read response and determines whether the data was available locally. If so, the read response is discarded. If the data was not available locally, the processor interface (24) provides the read response to the processor (500).