The Yiddish Policemen's Union

Landsman and Berko visit the Einstein Chess Club. They show Emanuel Lasker’s photo to a Russian club member, but he claims not to know Lasker. As the detectives offer more details, the Russian recalls a man named Frank. The Russian liked Frank, who was serious and good at chess but never rude to anyone.

Berko calls Landsman’s attention to two other club members who are listening in on their conversation with the Russian. Berko involves them in the discussion, asking what they knew about Frank. One of the men, Fishkin, admits to knowing Frank. Landsman observes that although the club is secular, Fishkin and his friend, Lapidus, are devout Jews from different religious sects. The Russian, Shitnovitzer, reminds Landsman that they know each other as well, as he is a former heroin dealer whom Landsman arrested. This is why he knows about Frank’s heroin addiction. He looks distressed after talking about Frank. Lapidus insists that they know nothing else and asks to excuse him and Fishkin. They agree to give their contact details, though Fishkin begs the detectives not to visit their homes.

Landsman is about to follow Fishkin and Lapidus when he notices the presence of an old man from his youth,