So when he learned that elderly veterans in Bellhaven were struggling to reach medical appointments, he began volunteering as a driver.
At first, he helped only two people.
Then four.
Then nearly a dozen.
Before long, he was coordinating rides with other volunteers through a small nonprofit called the Veterans Neighbor Network.
He didn't consider himself extraordinary.
He was simply a man with a reliable truck, flexible working hours, and an understanding of how difficult life could become when someone lost access to transportation.
But that work brought him into contact with the first victim of Sergeant Hale's towing arrangements.
The man's name was Walter Bennett.
He was seventy-four, a retired Army mechanic who lived alone in a small house near the edge of Bellhaven.
Walter had worked for decades after leaving the military.
He married.
Raised two sons.
And spent most of his retirement repairing bicycles for children in his neighborhood.
But his health had declined.
He needed regular medical treatment and could no longer drive long distances comfortably.
One Tuesday morning, Marcus arrived to take him to an appointment.
Walter wasn't outside.
That was unusual.
The older man was normally waiting on the porch before Marcus even turned onto the street.
Marcus parked.
Walked to the door.
And knocked.
Walter answered after nearly a minute.
He looked exhausted.
His hands trembled.
And he was holding a crumpled envelope.
Marcus immediately became concerned.
"Mr. Bennett, are you all right?"
The older man shook his head.
"They took my truck."
Marcus frowned.
"Who?"
"The towing company."
Walter explained that his pickup had been removed from a public parking area near the pharmacy three days earlier.
A police officer claimed the vehicle was obstructing traffic.
Walter insisted that it had been legally parked when he left it.
He'd only gone inside to collect medication.
When he returned, the truck was gone.
The towing company demanded payment for removal, storage, and several additional charges.
Walter couldn't afford the full amount.
He had tried to retrieve personal belongings from the vehicle.
The company told him to return with identification and paperwork.
By then, additional storage fees had accumulated.
The older man looked toward Marcus.
His voice cracked.
"I don't know what to do."
Marcus took the envelope.