How would she collect the money? She had no idea how to set up an online fundraising page

“Tammy? Is that you?”

As she heard Devoiry’s voice on the other end, Tammy sank back onto her couch in relief. This was the first time her friend had answered her phone in days.

“Yes, it’s me. How are you? You had me really worried.”

There was a short pause. “I’m okay.”

Tammy waited, but nothing else was forthcoming. Exasperated, she said, “Hello? You’re being threatened by a murderous mobster and all you can say is ‘I’m okay’? Some updates, please?”

Devoiry let out a heavy breath. “My husband managed to borrow 30,000 from gemachim.”

“That’s great!”

Devoiry gave a short laugh. “Yeah, they’re satisfied for now. At least for the next week or so. But due dates come fast, and Avi’s already maxed out his gemach loans.”

Tammy rubbed her finger along her worn couch arm. “I wish…” she began, but Devoiry continued speaking.

“I’ve sent my kids away.”

“Huh?” Tammy sat up. “Where?”

“I don’t want to say. In case…”

In case someone was listening in. Tammy shuddered, picturing the level of fear Devoiry was experiencing if she’d felt it necessary to take this drastic step.

“We’re going to get you out of this,” she said firmly. “We’ll raise the money, somehow.”