CHAPTER 109: FINAL CONFRONTATION

Marcus arrived at work with a sense of inevitability. After discovering Irene's drug use yesterday and Tyler's intervention about his deteriorating condition, everything felt like it was moving toward some kind of conclusion. He no longer feared the consequences of workplace drama because larger concerns dominated his thoughts.

The morning started normally enough. Marcus went through his security routines, checked equipment, and tried to maintain professional appearances. But he found himself watching Irene more carefully, looking for signs of what he'd witnessed the day before.

By mid morning, it was becoming obvious that something was wrong with Irene's behavior. She moved with the erratic energy of someone under the influence, alternating between periods of intense focus and confused distraction.

Other employees began noticing too. Whispered conversations followed Irene's movements around the shop, and Marcus could see Alex positioning himself to observe her more closely.

During lunch break, Irene's condition deteriorated noticeably. She dropped tools, struggled to complete simple tasks, and her speech became slurred when she tried to explain her difficulties.

Marcus knew he was witnessing the aftermath of whatever substances she'd purchased yesterday. The drugs were affecting her motor skills, judgment, and basic functionality.

When Irene nearly knocked over a display of ammunition while stumbling through the shop, Marcus made a decision.

"Give us a minute, please," he said firmly to the other employees who were staring.

Marcus approached Irene carefully, speaking in low tones so their conversation wouldn't be overheard.

"Irene, you need to go home. You're not in any condition to be here."

"I'm fine," she insisted, but her words came out thick and unsteady.

"No, you're not. And if your father sees you like this, it won't be good."

Marcus tried to help her toward the employee exit, hoping to get her away before Mr. Pressley returned from his lunch meeting.

But Irene pushed him away with surprising force. "Don't touch me. I don't need your help."

The commotion had attracted more attention. Other employees gathered around, some trying to help, others simply watching the drama unfold.

Alex appeared at Marcus's shoulder with obvious satisfaction. "Looks like Irene's having another one of her episodes. Someone should probably call her father."

"No," Marcus said quickly. "I'll call her a cab and make sure she gets home safely."

"I don't think that's your decision to make," Alex replied with a smirk.

Marcus ignored Alex and focused on Irene, who was swaying slightly as she tried to maintain her balance.

"Irene, please. Let me help you get home before this gets worse."

Reluctantly, Irene let Marcus guide her outside. He flagged down a cab, helped her inside, and quietly paid the driver up front. "Take her to her apartment. Make sure she gets inside safely," Marcus instructed.

By the time Marcus returned to the shop, Mr. Pressley was stepping through the front door. His eyes swept the room, already sharp with suspicion. "Where’s Irene? What’s going on here?"

Alex seized the moment. "Your daughter had another episode, sir. Marcus sent her off in a cab without even consulting you. And there’s something else you need to see."

He pulled out his phone and brought up an YouTube video. Grainy dorm room footage of Marcus year ago, fumbling with bomb making accusations before being arrested. Alex handed the phone over with a smirk. "This is your golden employee. The guy who’s been getting cozy with your daughter. He was expelled for trying to make bombs. He even dragged her into target practice to test out that monstrosity he built. I’d bet money he’s the reason she’s hooked on whatever she’s using."

Mr. Pressley’s face hardened with every word. Marcus tried to defend himself, but the damage was already done the video, Irene’s absence, and Alex’s venom painted a damning picture.

Marcus tried to defend himself. "That's not true. I never gave Irene any drugs, and the college situation was completely different from what Alex is implying."

But Mr. Pressley's expression showed he'd already made up his mind. The combination of the bomb making video, Irene's obvious impairment, and Alex's accusations created a narrative that was too damaging to overcome.

"You're done here," Mr. Pressley said with finality.

Marcus felt a strange sense of relief mixed with anger. The job that had been so important to his dual world preparations was ending, but at least he no longer had to pretend that workplace politics mattered.

Before leaving, Marcus turned to Alex one final time.

"I don't know why you are such a spiteful person. I pity you. Me and Irene will be okay. The best part is you won't even see it."

Marcus gathered his few personal belongings and walked out of Pressley Guns for the last time. But instead of driving away immediately, he sat in his car and thought about what came next.

"I need to find Irene," he said to himself. "Valdris Marcus, I am sorry, but I can't deal with your problems right now."

His cosmic responsibilities would have to wait. Irene needed help, and despite everything that had happened, Marcus couldn't abandon someone who was struggling with addiction and recovery.

He run to the convenience store where he'd seen Irene making her drug purchase. Marcus positioned himself where he could observe without being obvious, hoping to either intercept her next transaction or identify her dealer.

Hours passed without any sign of Irene. Marcus tried calling her phone, but there was no answer.

"Sally, give me Irene's house address please." he forced a answer from his now a former collegue.

Finally, he took the bus to her apartment complex and found a place to wait where he could see the entrance. He sat near a trash can in the parking area, watching for any sign of movement.

The sun set while Marcus maintained his vigil. Other residents came and went, but there was no sign of Irene returning home.

As exhaustion took over, Marcus found himself falling asleep in his uncomfortable position. But he stayed there, determined to help Irene despite the cost to his other responsibilities.

The irony wasn't lost on him. He was preparing to save his world from dark wizard conquest, but he couldn't walk away from one person who needed immediate help.

Maybe that's what made the cosmic mission worth fighting for: the willingness to help individuals even when larger concerns demanded attention.

Marcus woke periodically throughout the night, checking for any signs of Irene's return. Each time he dozed off again, hoping that when he woke she would be there and ready to accept the help she needed.

The approaching siege in Valdris felt distant compared to the immediate crisis of someone he cared about destroying themselves with drugs.

But tonight, sitting in a parking lot waiting for someone who might not come home, Marcus held onto the hope that human decency could still matter in a universe threatened by cosmic evil.

The mind protection device remained unfinished, the Defenders were preparing for guerrilla warfare, and Malachar's army was marching toward Drakmoor.

But Irene needed help right now, and that made the choice simple.

Everything else would have to wait.