Forrester was beside herself with grief. She held Muriel close to her chest as she bled, struggling to breathe. She couldn’t believe all that she had been through. She couldn’t believe Muriel was dying, that she sacrificed herself so that Forrester would have the window she needed to send Moloch back to the pit. Moloch was gone, but Forrester’s world was still in chaos. Daisy ran up to them as the Acolytes all fell over, lifeless.

“No, no, no, no, no!” She cried, “Muriel! You come back right now, y'hear?” Muriel coughed.

“It’s...gonna be ok…” She said in between breaths. “I’ve lived a long time, Sug.”

“Don’t talk like that!” Forrester cried. “You’re still here, maybe you missed your heart?” She began checking the wound.

“Trust me, Sug, I hit it.” She said. “Wounds don’t slow a vampire down this much. I’m dying.” Daisy and Forrester started to cry.

“Oh, don’t cry.” Muriel said, “I’ve lived a good life.” She turned her head to Forrester, “Doc… Natalie. You are the most kind and caring person I have ever met. That is your strongest attribute, and that’s what makes you a truly great doctor.” She coughed up some blood, Natalie wiped it away with her sleeve. Muriel turned her head to Daisy.

“Daisy, the Saloon is yours now. You take care of my girls, you hear?” They talked for a few more moments, and then Muriel passed. It wasn’t how Forrester would have imagined a vampire’s death. All in all it was rather like that of a human’s. Forrester returned with the women in the covered wagon and they each went their own ways, the girls back to the saloon and Dr. Forrester back to her office. She began to write a letter to Uncle Chet, the rich oligarch who owned the mine.

Dear Uncle Chet,

First let me start by thanking you again for this delightful appointment here in Helmuth. My, what an eventful few weeks it has been. There have been much goings on between here and the mine that I thought I should fill you in. Given that the town is so small it lends itself to being a waylay for a few disreputable gentlemen, that being said, once you get used to the odd coming and going of a few hoodlums the town is perfectly lovely. There was a small Cholera outbreak in town that took the lives of the station master, the bartender, the preacher, and the madam of the saloon, among others. I’m sure you’ve also heard by now about the terrible mining accident that claimed the lives of so many of your employees. The Saloon, now renamed “Muriel’s Boudoir” in honour of it’s fallen Matriarch is looking forward to the new crop of miners to come into town and spend some money. Do send them by my office when they come so I can give them a physical and declare them fit for duty. Also, please remind them that it is there responsibility to come for a physical at least once a year. I would also like to do an annual inspection of the mine so I can ensure that the conditions in the mine are not too hazardous for human labour. Yes, other than a few initial setbacks and some tragic losses this has been a very productive new beginning for me. I think, having given it much thought, I will stay in Helmuth for the foreseeable future. Please have a drink to the prosperity of our little town, and do keep providing such generous labour incentives for people to come live here so our little community can grow. Thank you again for the opportunity.

-Sincerely,

Dr. Nathan Forrester.