Tammy fell silent. She had no idea where Devoiry could find 500,000 shekels

Tammy pushed Shimmy’s stroller into Devoiry’s store. Her friend hadn’t responded to her phone calls the past few days; the only thing left to do was confront her in person to find out what was going on.

Ilana was helping a customer, and brightened when she saw Tammy. “Hey, welcome. You came to buy a new tichel?”

Tammy was pleased to register the change from Ilana’s usually sarcastic tone. “Actually, I came to speak to Devoiry. Is she here?”

“No, she’s not.” Ilana glanced at the customer, then took a step closer to Tammy. “Do you know Devoiry?”

“Yeah, we’re friends. Do you know when she’s expected back?”

Ilana bit her lip. Lowering her voice, she said, “She hasn’t been here in a few days. She’s been calling and giving me instructions by phone.”

Tammy’s eyes widened. “Is she sick?”

“She said she’s not feeling well, but…” Ilana rubbed her nose. “It’s not like her.”

“No, it’s not.” Tammy glanced at her. “You’re worried?”

Ilana hesitated. “Um… see, we got this wacko phone call the other day.”

Tammy nodded. “ZeeZee told me about it.”

Ilana’s face cleared. “Oh. Good.” She ran a hand through her hair. “So, ever since then, Devoiry’s stayed away from the store. It looks like that call really freaked her out.”

Tammy frowned. This situation was getting increasingly concerning. “I’m going over to her house,” she said. “Can you check her address in the Newcomers Guide?”

Ilana pressed some buttons on her phone and a few minutes later Tammy and Shimmy were in a cab.

Devoiry didn’t answer her knock, nor the first two times she rang the bell. But after the third ring, she heard footsteps approaching the door. After a short pause, it opened.

“Tammy! What are you doing here?”

“I came to visit. I heard you’re not feeling well. Okay if I come in?”

Devoiry stuck her head out for a brief glance at the hallway behind Tammy. Seeing it was empty, she ushered Tammy inside and quickly closed and locked the door. Then she sat down on the couch, gesturing for Tammy to do the same. Tammy noticed that all the window shades were closed tightly.

“To what do I owe this pleasure?” Devoiry asked, with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Tammy peered at her. In the light of the room, she saw just how wan her friend looked.