Iron Man disables the smuggling ship that brought in the Titanium Man and calls the navy. After visiting Janice's grave he decides to take a vacation, but is tailed by the Mercenary. As Stark sets off, Cheryl Porter reveals her presence in his car's backseat and asks for his help. She tells Stark that she's being pursued by the Mercenary. Stark takes Cheryl to his mountain lodge. The Mercenary follows, and seeing a vengeance-seeking Vincent Sandhurst about to blow the car up, shoots him. The Mercenary attacks the lodge, battling and eventually overpowering Iron Man. Intending to trick Cheryl into letting him into the lodge's bunker, he disguises himself as Stark, only to be mistakenly slain by Sandhurst, who dies in turn seconds later.

---