Sophomore Boutique Internship Process Questions

Hi. I just wanted to clear up a few things regarding the search for sophomore summer boutique internships. I already have created a list of random, no-name banks in my hometown and a few other places I could stay. I was just unclear on the following things: 1) Is it better to literally call or email to set up a call 2) Is it better to be more direct about an internship or to try to just have an informational with someone then ask at the end if their firm has ever taken on interns? I just worry because it seems like the whole conversation might seem sortof underhanded if I ask about internships at the end and they realize why I called in the first place. 3) If I dont hear back, should I follow up once then try other people at the firm? 4) any other advice you may have

Thanks. You all have been super helpful and I hope to pay it forward one day.