Escape or Perish: Dale confronted these dire options before embarking on a frenzied odyssey that saw him incarcerated across three disparate continents. In the year 1982, Dale found himself imprisoned within the confines of Pentridge Prison, Australia, his heart heavy with fear of Barnes, a fellow convict whose path he had crossed before, narrowly escaping with Barnes's life.
His so-called "cellmates," convinced of his treachery, hatched a sinister plot to silence him. Sensing the urgency, Dale resolved to break free, taking his friend along for the perilous journey. Time was their enemy, a meager span of under forty minutes ticking away until the next headcount at 1 o'clock.
Their escape unfolded with precision, slipping past the vigilant guards through the labyrinthine air vents like shadows in the night. Yet, at the final hurdle, a crude hammer and makeshift tool failed them, and the clock ticked perilously close to doom. Refusing to succumb to failure, Dale improvised, exploiting the cacophony of the afternoon shift's return to work. With the chainsaw's roar drowning out all else, he severed through the iron bars, freeing them from their metal cage.
But their journey was far from over; a sea of guards still stood between them and freedom. Utilizing a strategic blind spot, Dale ingeniously tethered a cable to the rooftop, navigating the vertiginous height with a steely resolve that even his companion struggled to match. Together, they scaled the formidable walls, emerging victorious from the prison's front gate.
Dale's next destination: the office of a college professor, where he revealed his true aspirations—to become a paramedic, his dreams shattered by a life of guns, armed robberies, and heroin addiction. The professor, seeing potential in the reformed soul, offered him financial aid and a stern warning: to steer clear of those destructive paths.
Transformed into Lindsey Ford, a fictitious Kiwi citizen, Dale set foot in the vibrant metropolis of Bombay, India, in the bustling 1980s. Unlike the cynical Stewie from Family Guy, Dale was greeted by the enticing scent of hope, a breath of fresh air amidst his tumultuous past.
Amidst the towering posters of Bollywood legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Dale encountered Prabhu, a kind-hearted guide who offered him shelter in the heart of the city. As night fell, memories of police brutality, both mental and physical, haunted him, fueling his determination to uncover the truth behind Officer Flores's murder, a crime he knew he was falsely accused of.
Prabhu enthusiastically guides Dale through the labyrinthine city, weaving through its vibrant mohallas and bustling redi walas. The metropolis, a tapestry of hues, captivates Dale with its allure. Just as he's lost in its charm, a ghostly figure in white darts in, rescuing him from the jaws of an oncoming vehicle. She disappears into the crowd, leaving Dale with the eerie sense that their paths will cross again, and soon.
Haunted by this encounter, Dale makes his way to Reynaldo's Cafe, a den of intrigue where she had hinted she'd be found. Karla and her confidant, Didier, warmly embrace him into their fold, a realm where clandestine deals flourish under the watchful yet indifferent eye of the law. Didier, a master of the underworld's undertable, warns Dale to steer clear of Rafiq, a shadowy figure dealing in forbidden tomes.
Among Karla's colorful cadre are Lisa, a seductive prostitute; Vikram, a daredevil Bollywood stuntman; and Kavita, a fearless journalist. Dale captivates them all with his charm, except for Lisa's unwelcome companions. Seeking a clean slate, Dale keeps his distance, mindful of his new surroundings.
A chance stroll with Karla turns into a revelatory journey, revealing depths that transcend her outward appearance. Their flirtatious banter hints at a love story destined to shatter hearts. However, fate has other plans as Dale finds himself at the center of a police chase, mistaken for a curfew violator.
The following dawn, Dale informs Prabhu of his intention to depart Bombay. Prabhu, ever the hospitable soul, suggests a detour to his village, promising a glimpse of the "real India." Before they can embark, Karla's plea for assistance disrupts their plans. Lisa has fallen into a perilous trap, forced to work at The Palace, a notorious brothel. Madam Sue, its ruthless proprietor, now holds her captive.
Karla hatches a daring plan, tasking Dale with posing as an American attorney to secure Lisa's freedom. Initially hesitant, Dale is swayed by Karla's plight and the fear of losing himself in the mirror of his own identity. As they race against time, Dale slips into the role with consummate ease, but Sue's words cut deep, warning him that Karla's affections are but a fleeting illusion. She speaks of Ahmed and Christina, suggesting a past that will never be revisited.
Dale's resolve hardens, threatening violence if Sue refuses to cooperate. She relents, and Lisa is freed. In exchange for her liberty, Lisa whispers "Rujul," a name that Karla rewards with a dose of narcotics, sealing a bitter farewell between the two women.
Dale's triumph is short-lived as he's ambushed in an alley by thugs, their leader seemingly Zhou. The police's timely arrival scatters the assailants, leaving Dale shaken but alive. In a somber reflection, Zhou acknowledges the unforeseen ripples his actions that night set in motion, altering the fates of all entwined in Bombay's web of intrigue.
