SVU HQ, 16th Precinct

2:21 am

Task Force Daughters of Lauterbrunnen, consisting of SVU detectives Amanda Rollins, Atlanta Galindez, Kat Tamin and Sergeant Fin Tutuola plus Frank Cosgrove, Kevin Bernard and Dani Vertiz from the 2-7, assembled in Conference Room 1 under watch by Captain Olivia Benson and Chief Tommy McGrath. The storm-battered Swiss had finally sent a reply with information from their medical database, and the dead girl had been identified as Lilli Meidenger, 18. Her parents, Erwin and Andrea, lived in a private residence — Dani had verified that on Google Maps. She had first thought, given Lauterbrunnen was in a popular winter sports area, that the address was a hotel and the Meidengers might not be Swiss.

Switzerland was recovering from some of its worst storms ever. Many of its mountainous areas, including Lauterbrunnen, were still isolated. However, communications in most of its cities were back to normal. Word of Lilli's murder had spread like wildfire, as the task force saw when Chief McGrath tuned in CNN.

Marching crowds were chanting, shouting, and waving signs — many of which were written in English — in Basel, Bern, and Zurich. In one Bern crowd numerous signs read JUSTICE FOR LILLI in fluorescent orange letters. The same slogan had been lit as an LED display on the curtain wall of Zurich's newest tower, alternating with PRAY FOR JANE (because the survivor was still unidentified).

"Does anyone have an update about the other girl?" Chief McGrath asked.

"Yes sir," Atlanta said, "she was transferred to the neurological unit at Cedars-Sinai an hour ago, though she was improving at Morris. Her brain swelling is down. She's still having seizures, much milder, and doctors now think she has pre-existing epilepsy. Sedation may be discontinued later today, and they're hopeful she can be a good witness."

People, including the Chief, clapped hands. Frank glanced sideways at Kevin (who wasn't clapping) and could guess what he was thinking. The City was making a show of providing the best possible care to its young white visitor and victim.