Episode 4 of American Rust kicks off with Isaac on the lam, his every move shadowed by the looming presence of the police. Their sudden arrival uncovers a hive of squatters, prompting Isaac to hastily gather his belongings and sprint towards safety, his heart pounding in his chest. Fortunately, he encounters Jojo, a street-smart young woman who swiftly takes him under her wing, navigating the treacherous terrain with ease.
Isaac, wary of trust, adopts the alias of Billy, keeping his true identity guarded like a precious secret. Jojo, however, is no stranger to the intricacies of the underworld, her keen eye instantly noting Isaac's outsider status through his shoes. Together, they embark on a tour of survival tactics, from hustling for quick cash to hitchhiking with cunning finesse. As the episode progresses, Isaac's defenses gradually crumble, and he confides in Jojo his real name, a testament to the bond they've forged amidst adversity.
Meanwhile, at another front, the police descend upon Grace Poe, their warrant in hand, determined to unearth William's whereabouts. They ransack Billy's belongings, meticulously bagging evidence, while Grace frantically calls upon Del to intervene. Del rushes to the scene, his brow furrowed in concern, and pulls Frank aside for a private confrontation. Frank, caught between loyalty to Herlitz's agenda and his personal ties to Grace, divulges little, except for a cryptic mention of an "eyewitness" that triggers a realization in Del's mind – Bobby's involvement.
Prompted by this revelation, Del seeks out Billy, leading him to a secluded spot where he conducts a thorough search, finding no hidden weapons and anticipating a clean urine test. Yet, the puzzle remains incomplete. Billy's denial of knowing Bobby rings hollow, the fleeting memories of him with Novick at the Mill haunting Del's suspicions. Harris accepts Billy's word at face value, but Del's conviction wavers, questioning the truth beneath the boy's facade.
Upon returning home, Grace attempts to bridge the gap with her son, her maternal instincts sensing a deeper story beneath the surface. She offers her unwavering support, but Billy, tight-lipped and guarded, resists the urge to unravel his troubles, leaving Grace to ponder the enigmatic nature of her son's struggles.
The atmosphere is thick with unspoken tensions as Henry resolutely declines Lee's offer of assistance, his rejection tinged with the revelation of his so-called "safety net" – an amassed fortune meant to cushion Lee should her marriage crumble. Lee's dismay is palpable; the funds, had they been redirected, could have alleviated Isaac's plight or Henry's predicament. With hearts heavy, she departs, leaving a trail of hurt behind.
As twilight descends, William's unexpected visit to Del's porch paints a somber backdrop. Amidst idle chatter, Del's dire news pierces the air: the police are weaving a web around his son. William's counsel, though well-meaning, rings hollow – urging Del to "try harder" to clear his son's name, a feat fraught with insurmountable challenges.
Inside the station, Herlitz stands resolute, a shield against the mounting pressure surrounding the case. "I am forged in the fire of adversity," she declares with unwavering conviction, gearing up for a legal battle that promises to rage in the courtrooms.
Meanwhile, Billy's conversation with Lee serves as a portal to the tumultuous events at the Mill. Flashbacks unravel, revealing Pete and Bobby's clandestine deal, interrupted by Billy's arrival, his jacket flung aside as he confronts them. Violence erupts, with Billy's fists raining down on Novick, only to be halted by Bobby's intervention. In the chaos, Isaac appears to deliver the fatal blow, Novick's life spilling out in a crimson pool. Did Isaac's hand truly wield the dagger? The truth seems shrouded in shadows, yet Billy vows silence, his loyalty to Isaac unwavering.
Lee's world shatters upon hearing the tale, her anger unleashed as she banishes Billy from her life, his presence now cursed. Yet, in the stillness of night, a message from Lee – a plea for legal aid – lingers unanswered, Billy finding solace beneath the stars, huddled in a makeshift tent outside his home.
The dawn brings forth Frank's ultimatum to Del: Billy Poe must be brought in within twelve hours, charges looming over his head. The stage is set for a confrontation that threatens to upend lives and unravel the fragile threads binding these characters together.
