Episode 2 of American Rust kicks off with an eerie dawn, as Del Harris arrives at his workplace, prematurely consumed by the aftermath of Pete's discovery at the forsaken mill. The weight of his concealed secrets hangs heavily, casting shadows over his every move. The seasoned detective soon finds himself in the crosshairs of Herlitz's scrutiny, grilled for his role in Pete Novick's dismissal. Del stands his ground, yet the spotlight shifts inexorably to the hushed mill, now a veritable fortress under investigation.
Amidst this turmoil, Del spies Billy prowling the periphery, and his protective instincts ignite. He orchestrates a subterfuge, whispering instructions for Billy to alter his shoe size for a semblance of normality, all while his own conscience battles with a cocktail of pills and guilt. Billy, oblivious to the depths of Del's turmoil, obediently follows suit.
With Isaac's absence leaving a void in Buell, and Henry grappling with his own demons, Lee English reenters the fray, now a married woman returning from afar. Henry, struggling to cope with Isaac's disappearance, expediently enlists Lee as his chauffeur for a wedding jaunt later in the day.
At Jimbo and Katie's nuptial celebration, Billy's nerves fray visibly, a telltale sign not lost on the observant Virgil. The festivities take on a somber tone as guests pause in silent tribute to Pete, followed by a blend of heartfelt speeches and lighthearted jokes that barely register on Billy's radar. His attention is hijacked by Lee's belated arrival, his eyes devouring her beauty as he spills compliments, feigning ignorance about Isaac's whereabouts.
As Billy's flirtations verge on the romantic, Virgil's advances to Grace are met with a swift and sassy rebuke, accompanied by a stern reminder to get tested. With Virgil's awkward exit stage left, Grace seamlessly steps into Billy's charm offensive, offering a cautious warning amidst his smooth talk. The dance floor becomes a stage for Billy's unrestrained feelings, as Lee's lingering touches and slow embrace suggest a mutual longing that transcends mere flirtation.
As Billy ventures outdoors to attend to his private necessities, his path unexpectedly crosses with Isaac's, who appears distressed and visibly trembling, confessing that he can't seem to quell his shivering. Desperate for a solution, Isaac even proposes involving Del in their predicament, but Billy, uninterested in such entanglements, urges the boy to flee westward, starting anew. To sweeten the deal, Billy mentions Henry's considerable sum of $4000, which he possesses, as a motivation for Isaac to embark on a fresh journey.
Meanwhile, far from the festive wedding scene, Del and his team delve into the mystery surrounding the anonymous phone call to the station. They trace the call's origin to a gas station and attempt to unravel the timeline through CCTV footage, only to encounter a setback—the camera's angle isn't quite cooperative. However, upon scrutinizing alternative perspectives, they spot Pete Novick in conversation with an enigmatic figure, whose identity remains shrouded in mystery, though one detective quips that he resembles the divine Jesus.
As the evening wears on, Billy and Lee find solace in each other's embrace on their porch, engaging in a passionate encounter. Little do they know, this intimate moment is unwittingly observed by Isaac from a distance, casting a shadow over their bliss. The following morning, Billy has vanished, and Lee, awakening to an empty bed, attempts to reach Isaac, only to be met with hostility and a stern warning not to call again. Frustrated, Isaac discards his phone into the river and sets off.
Isaac, meanwhile, finds himself amidst the woods, symbolically burning his old shoes, as if bidding farewell to his past. With renewed determination, he embarks on a journey along the railroad tracks, ultimately deciding to follow Billy's advice and head west, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
