Molly Hooper had worked and studied hard to obtain her qualifications to become a pathologist. That work ethic had continued once she started working, and had ultimately led her to becoming the youngest Specialist Registrar at London's famed St. Barts Hospital.
It was a position she took great pride in, regarding it as a privilege assisting the police and the families of the deceased in ascertaining the cause of their untimely, or unexpected demise. She regarded it as her duty to give answers that would ease the grief, giving the families some comfort that would help them find closure.
ST BARTS, LONDON – 6 WEEKS EARLIER
Being a pathologist was her dream job, and she could never imagine ever wanting to do anything else.
That was until the vast majority of bodies that ended up on the slab showed signs of identical fatal injuries that would normally suggest the work of a serial killer.
But there was nothing normal about these particular deaths. Each exhibited the same unmistakably unique feature. All the victims had been completely drained of their blood. The entry wound was clearly marked by two puncture marks, usually at the jugular, made by pin-point, razor-sharp fangs.
Desperate to understand why vampires were intent on killing so many innocent people, and wishing to find a way of bringing these senseless killings to an end, Molly resigned her position at St. Barts and joined The Slayers Network, to become a Vampire Hunter.
THE SLAYERS NETWORK HQ, LONDON – 6 DAYS EARLIER
Molly had been summoned by The Slayer Network's leader, who was referred to only as M., to be given her first assignment.
When she entered M's chambers all was in darkness, save for a handful of lit candles to guide the way.
As Molly approached the large ornate desk at the far end of the room, she could only just make out M's silhouette, as he always preferred to remain in shadow.
"I have a very particular assignment for you, Molly Hooper. One that I am certain you will be fully invested in."
"Yes sir," Molly responded, eager to learn what exactly it was he had in mind for her.
"It has been brought to my attention," M continued. "That you are infatuated with one Sherlock Holmes."
Molly was thankful for the darkness as she felt her cheeks flush what she was certain was a very bright shade of red.
Sherlock Holmes was the reason she had worked so hard to become a pathologist, and why she had ensured that she was good enough to be employed at St. Barts Hospital. She hoped to one day get the opportunity to assist him in some small way.
He was the world's only Consulting Detective, the one man Scotland Yard relied upon to help them solve the tricky, seemingly unsolvable cases...
Her musings were rudely interrupted with the most devastating news.
"It may interest you to learn that he has gone missing, which in of itself is not that unusual. But it has been reported by a reliable source that a vampire has been seen taking up residence in the detectives flat. This has led to the inescapable conclusion that he has become one of their latest victims.
The news left Molly in shock, so much so that she failed to note not only the complete lack of regret at this terrible development, but also the barest hint of glee as the pronouncement was made. But all she could focus on was that the famed detective was gone.
"I need you to go to 221B Baker Street, and deal with this particular creature with extreme prejudice. Go there, kill it, and report back. Understood?"
"Yes sir," Molly replied soberly. "You can count on me."
221B BAKER STREET
Things had not gone quite to plan. When she had arrived, it was to find the apparently premises deserted.
In the end Molly had little option but to stakeout the address from within, and wait to see if the vampire would return.
221B BAKER STREET – LATE EVENING – PRESENT
Molly's newly acquired slayers instincts warned her of another's presence. Knowing she didn't have a lot of time she quickly moved into position by the doorway to the flat.
She could only pray that the vampire wouldn't be expecting visitors, and would mistake her scent for one of the detective's former clients.
Although her orders were to kill the vampire immediately, Molly still wanted to understand why they were so intent on killing people. They might be cold hearted killers, but despite all her training she still wasn't.
And so as soon as the vampire passed through the doorway Molly clobbered him hard on the back of the head with her crossbow, knocking him unconscious.
