'Something personal,' said Gene. 'Fits with the anti-Semite thing.' Silence. 'Maybe that island med-school roster will speed things along.'
'Yes. I'd better go now, see if the wire's arrived. Thanks for everything, Gene. When I hear more I'll let you know. When are you moving?'
'Right now. I was just out the door. You sure this is necessary?'
'I'm sure. Your phone bill's already enormous. If you won't let me compensate you, at least use my phone.'
'Who compensates you?'
'I'll put in a requisition form; eventually they'll reimburse me. Explaining you would be harder.'
'All right, but I already gave my hotel room as the mailing address to half the departments I spoke to. Someone's going to have to be checking all the time to see if something comes in.'
'I'll do the checking-you do the phoning. Laura's expecting you. She's cleared the desk in her studio. There'll be sandwiches and-'
'Drinks in the refrigerator. I know. Lu and I were over for Shabbat lunch. Shoshi made the stuff herself, showed me how she wrapped it all in plastic. They're all planning on going out for ice cream tonight. Call soon-you might still catch them.'
'Thank you for the tip. Shalom.'
'Shalom,' said Gene. 'And Shavua tov.' The traditional post-Shabbat wish for a good week.
'Where'd you learn that?'
'Your kids have been educating me.'
Daniel laughed, fought back the loneliness. Said, 'Shavua tov.' Wishful thinking.
Talking to Gene made him want to call home. Laura answered the phone with tension in her voice.
He said, 'Shavua tov. Sorry I haven't called sooner-'
'Daniel, the dog's gone.'
'What?'
'Dayan's gone, run away. He didn't get out this afternoon, so Shoshi took him for a walk in the park. She met a girlfriend, started talking, and let go of the leash. When she turned around, he'd disappeared. The two of them looked all over for him. She didn't want to come home, is locked in her room at this moment, hysterical.'
'Let me speak to her.'
'Hold on.'
He waited for a moment. Laura came back on, said, 'She's too upset or ashamed to talk to anyone right now, Daniel.'
'How long ago did it happen?'
'Right after Shabbat.'
Over an hour ago. No one had called him.
'He's never done this before,' said Laura. 'He's always been such a coward', clinging to your pants leg.'
No pants leg to cling to for a while, thought Daniel.
'How are the boys?'
'Uncharacteristically quiet. Mikey even tried to kiss Shoshi, so you can imagine what it's been like.'
'He'll come back, Laura.'
'That's what I think too. I left the lobby door unlocked in case he does. We were planning to go out for ice cream, but I don't want the poor little guy trotting up and finding us gone.'
'Gene will be over soon. As soon as he arrives, go out-it will be good for all of you. In the meantime, I'd check with the Berkowitzes on the second floor-Dayan likes their cat. And Lieberman's grocery-Shoshi takes him by there regularly. Lieberman gives him chicken scraps.'
'The Berkowitzes haven't seen him and he wasn't hanging around near the grocery. I just got off the phone with Lieberman-he's home, not opening until tomorrow at ten. I asked him to check for Dayan when he comes in. How'm I doing, Detective?'
'Aleph-plus. I miss you.'
'I miss you too. Anything new?'
'Some progress, actually. Far from solved, but the net is tightening, bit by bit.'
She knew better than to ask for details, said, 'You'll get him. It's just a matter of time.' Then: 'Will you be home tonight?'
'I'm planning on it. I'm waiting for a wire from overseas, will head home as soon as I get it. Where will you be going for ice cream? I can pick up Gene-maybe we can catch you.'
Laura laughed. 'What are the chances of that?'
'Just in case,' said Daniel.
'Just in case, I thought Cafe Max. The boys took long naps-they might be able to handle the late hour. If not,
