“What’s going on? Why were you so desperate to get ahold of Em?” Emily asked. She was worried, did something happen?

“It’s about my contract,” Bertha explained, her words tumbling over each other rapidly. “I had a meeting with the game company yesterday and…!”

Emily felt a wave of joy. “Bertha, that’s great news! I’m so happy to hear that.”

“Yes, of course I’m absolutely overjoyed about that part,” Bertha insisted. “But that’s not the issue here! I had a meeting with a friend, so Emerald said she would pick me up later. She never did.”

“Have you called?…” Emily asked

Bertha continued breathlessly. “But she never showed up, Emily!...