12:42 am

"You had a bad day," Elizabeth said as Frank joined her in bed. "I can tell."

"Straight-A it was bad. Two girls, maybe three and six years older than our twins . . . raped and strangled. The older won't be getting any older, and the other is still critical. If she lives, it'll be thanks to a bunch who toiled to keep her alive, starting with a bystander who broke her ribs doing CPR. Then came that Atlanta Galindez, detective and trained EMT. Damn good."

A look of heightened concern appeared in Liz's eyes, and Frank could guess why. When he named a fellow cop as "damn good" it meant that person had been a big help in a very bad jam.

"Which hospital is that kid in?"

"Mount Morris."

"We should chip in. Most definitely, given how run down that place is."

Frank wasn't surprised Liz had said that. She was a Block Parent and a good one.

"We still don't have an ID for either. An orthopaedic plate in the dead one is from Switzerland and that should help," Frank said. "Soon as word crosses the pond."

"Doesn't prove they are Swiss."

"I know, but if the media get wind they'll be on it like pitbulls."

"A name can't help but do more good than harm."

"True, but my gut says it'll take some time to prove you right."

"Then sleep while you can."

If I can. Big if.

By 1:30 Frank felt no closer to sleep. He dressed for the day, padded to the kitchen and made himself a light breakfast with coffee. He was through the leftover sausages and one bagel when his phone buzzed.

Kate's text read To 16 Pct ASAP. Chief wants all hands.

OMW. Frank drained his coffee, put the other bagel in the fridge, killed the kitchen light, and marched to the door.

He looked at his house before driving away. Every window was dark, but two held a vague shape. Jord and Liz were watching him leave.