Manhattan

Half an hour later, the doorbell rang and Michiko admitted Lori. Her friend looked around the marble foyer appreciatively and commented.

"Nice place."

Michiko took her in to meet her aunt.

Noriko rose and bowed formally to Lori.

"Thank you for coming. I am sorry to cause you trouble."

Noriko's English was halting.

"No problem, Mrs. Kamatsu. I'm glad to help. I can imagine how worried you must be."

Knowing Lori preferred coffee to tea, Michiko sent her aunt off to the kitchen to make a pot, while she tried the bank once more.

"Hi, Mrs. DeMaria. It's Michiko again. Has my uncle come in yet?"

"No, he hasn't, Michiko. It's very unusual. Have you talked to your aunt?"

Realizing that if her uncle failed to show up at the meeting, his disappearance would soon become known anyway, Michiko decided to confide in her.

"Hai, yes. Actually, it's her I'm calling for. She is very worried because my uncle did not come home last night. If he has not come in to work, then he is missing."

"Oh dear, oh dear. Do you want me to call the police?"

"No, thank you. Lori Lublin from Accounting is here. She is going to help us. Could you tell Wunsch, her boss, that she's doing some work for my uncle for the day?"

"Of course. You're sure there's nothing else I can do?"