The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 letter word CRY
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
C
R
Y
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "call/ (3)" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case call/ (3) = cry.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CRY mean?
CRY noun- A shedding of tears; the act of crying.
- A shout or scream.
- Words shouted or screamed.
- A clamour or outcry.
- A group of hounds.
- (by extension) A pack or company of people.
- (of an animal) A typical sound made by the species in question.
- A desperate or urgent request.
- Common report; gossip.
- To shed tears; to weep.
- To utter loudly; to call out; to declare publicly.
- To shout, scream, yell.
- To utter inarticulate sounds, as animals do.
- To cause to do something, or bring to some state, by crying or weeping.
- To make oral and public proclamation of; to notify or advertise by outcry, especially things lost or found, goods to be sold, etc.
- Hence, to publish the banns of, as for marriage.