Joel Gresser, recently released from jail, confides in his friend Kar about the challenges he faces as an ex-con trying to find a job. Kar offers to help him find work at his construction company, but Joel is skeptical. Meanwhile, Joel's half-brother, Rages, works for the mayor and struggles with the conflicting demands of his position. While a woman and her five children face eviction, Rages prioritizes the mayor's image over helping those in need. His frustration mounts when a disabled man washes his car windshield for money, and he lashes out, dismissing the man and insisting that people like him are dishonest. When Rages confronts the man, he only ends up feeling more embarrassed, highlighting the disconnect between his ambitions and the realities around him.