“Yes, ma’am.” Decker pocketed his billfold. “Your eema is worried about your uncle and his family. We’re trying to locate them. Would you have any idea where they might be?”

The girl shook her head, eyes fixed on the notebook she was clutching. She had black, straight hair that hung down to her waist. A pelt just like Rina’s. Except Rina was very fair. This one was dark-complexioned like her mama. She had expressive eyes topped by thick, inky lashes and brows.

Decker said, “Frankly, I’m a little concerned about them, too. It’s unusual to go off without letting someone know where you’re going.”

Sharona just shrugged.

“Did Dov say anything to you about a vacation?”

“No. I already told my mother that I don’t know where he is.” She grew agitated. “I don’t know where anyone is, I swear.”

Decker stood motionless, then raised his eyes. “You swear, huh?”

“What do you want from me?” The girl burst into tears.

Decker blew out air. “Can we talk somewhere a little more private?”

Sharona took two steps backward. “Who are you?”

She was clearly spooked. Decker said, “Sharona, we can talk right here. Or if you’d prefer, I’ll come to your home tonight and talk to you with your parents around—”

“No!”

Decker was surprised by the vehemence in her voice. “No? Why not?”

“Just…” Sharona’s voice had become tiny. “Just because. Please don’t make me talk in front of my parents. Please! I don’t want anyone mad at me. I didn’t know what…”

The girl appeared to be swaying. Decker gently took her arm and led the frail teen to an empty room. He placed her in a chair, then sat across from her, making sure the door was kept open. He took out his pad and a pencil. “Sharona, it’s important for you to tell me everything you know.”

Sharona’s eyes went from her lap, to the door, to Decker, back to the door, then to the ceiling.

Decker said, “You care about your cousins?”

The girl nodded.

“Talk to me.”

“He told me not to tell anyone.”

“Who? Dov or Gil?”

“Dov. Told me not to tell anyone he called.”

“When did he call?”

“Two days ago. Before Eema called the police.” She glanced at Decker, then looked away. “He said he was going away. He didn’t say where. He sounded nervous. He told me not to tell anyone, especially Eema and Abba. I asked him if he was in trouble…”

Decker nodded encouragingly.

Sharona met his eyes. “He hung up. That was it.”

“And you haven’t heard from him since?”

“I swear I haven’t.”

“Why didn’t you tell your eema about the call after she called the police?”