On a rainy day, Robert walks home. By his door, a group of old women stand in a circle, talking. As he starts to walk up his stairs, his landlord tells him that she received a letter to his address, to "Robert Thomas." He was walking away as she said this, but he runs back and snatches it out of her hand without saying anything. He then turns to go back to his apartment. After he enters, the women begin discussing him. They say he's creepy and that it's difficult to tell if he's alive or dead.
In his barren room, Robert throws his wet clothes on the back of a chair and sits down on his bed surrounded by are empty cans in the room, one filled with cigarette butts. He pulls a wallet out of his pocket and takes some money out. Afterwards, he throws it under his bed in a pile of other wallets. After this, he pulls the envelope out and looks at it. He takes out a pocket knife and opens it. It contains a picture of his younger brother, Gerald and a letter this takes him back to the night of the tragedy.
At the Thomas Household, two bikes are parked outside. The same photo from the letter sits on the mantle. Gerald is about to snuff out the flame on a candle, but stops himself and asks Steven if it really isn't hot. Steven explains that it isn't, because it's actually the paraffin burning. Excited, Gerald tells him to do it to show him. Steven is taken back, and looks uncomfortable. He bends down and goes to touch it. Robert watches, smiling, as he taps cards against the table.
As Steven is about to touch it, he pulls his hand back, scared. He is about to again but hesitates. Robert puts it out instead. Gerald is excited and asks if it really wasn't hot and he replies saying that it's true and shows him to look at his hand, Steven stares and is amazed at his bravery.
In the kitchen, Patricia Thomas cuts something up. Steven says that he better get going. Gerald says that they should have cake together first. Steven says maybe next time. As steven puts on his coat, Gerald says that cake is tasty. Robert says that there's nothing Steven can do about it and Gerald accepts this.
Patricia comes out of the kitchen with a container. She puts it into steven's bag and tells him to share it with his mother. Steven looks embarrassed and thanks her for everything. Patricia asks how his mother's doing. Steven hesitates but then smiles awkwardly and says that she's been doing a lot better lately. Patricia says she's happy to hear that. Across the room, gerald has begun playing with the candle as Robert stares at them talking.
Outside, Gerald and Steven say goodbye to each other. Gerald then closes the door while steven and Robert walk down the steps. Steven asks Robert if he'd ever put out a candle with his fingers before. Robert shakes his head no. Snow begins to fall lightly and the two look up. Steven is surprised, since it's already middle April.
In a parked car, someone ashes a cigarette as a car drives by them. On his bike, Steven smiles and says goodbye and happy birthday to Robert. They do their special handshake to each other and Steven rides away. Robert hears his fathers car and, runs into the house.
On the road, Norman Thomas slows down and he and Steven wave at each other. After the two depart, the second car full of men starts up their car and goes in the same direction as Norman.
At the Thomas house Gerald and Robert hide together, smiling in a closet facing their front door. Gerald tells his brother not to make a sound. Their father walks in and takes off his hat and Patricia meets him there. He asks where they are and Patricia says that he should call them and see. Smiling, he calls them and then begins looking as the two quietly laugh from their closet. Suddenly, Vincenzo Vincenno loudly knocks on the door and tells him to open up. Gerald is disappointed but Robert tells him not to worry, because he'll leave soon.
Norman lets Vincenzo, Matthew, and Benjamin inside and asks if they want a drink, noting that he doesn't usually come there. Vincenzo refuses this, and tells him to listen calmly. He says that their Don has been taken out. Norman asks if it was Orca's men. Benjamin and Matthew look at each other. Vincenzo pulls out his gun and points it at Norman. He says that it was himself.
Gerald is about to cry out in the closet, but Robert puts his hand over his mouth and tells him to be quiet because they'll leave soon. With tears in his eyes, Gerald pulls his brother's hand from his mouth and watches on. Vincenzo says that it's to protect the family. Norman is furious, saying after everything the don has done for you. Vincenzo says that he's wrong and that he doesn't understand anything. Norman says that if he'd investigated, he'd know how much got back to the Vermilions. Vincenzo says that that's enough and tells Norman to give him the ledger. Norman tells him that it isn't there, it's at the bank. Vincenzo gets mad and demands the ledger immediately. Dropping to her knees, Patricia begs him to stop. He turns around and hits her with his gun. Robert and Gerald both witness this, Robert is unable to stop Gerald from running from the closet.
Norman calls out to his wife. Gerald runs out to his mother and they hug on the floor. Matthew and Benjamin are now pulling their guns on the two as well. Gerald asks if she's okay. As the three men are now distracted, Norman pulls out a pointed metal hat rack and stabs Vincenzo through his right hand. He tries to stab him again, but merely slashes the left side of his face as Vincenzo falls to the ground. The two other men have their guns pointed at him and he looks at Benjamin before three shots are fired.
In the closet, Robert begins to cry and Patricia tells Gerald not to look. Patricia tells Vincenzo to spare her son. She swears that he won't tell anyone. He tells her to listen carefully, and says that he would never forget about them as long as he lives. Four shots are fired and blood is spattered on their mantle.
The three men stand over the pair's bodies. Vincenzo asks if they have anything to wipe up with. Benjamin pulls a handkerchief and hands it to him. Matthew starts to walk away and Vincenzo says that they'll look upstairs and Matthew downstairs. Matthew walks into the room with the closet and cocks his gun, nervous. He opens the other door to it and is relieved to find nothing there. He enters a room to the side of a closet. Under the couch, Robert covers his mouth as he hides, scared. Once he's in the other room, Robert leaves the room. His father lays in a pool of blood and his mother and brother lie dead in each other's arms. Robert begins to tear-up but a door behind him closes and he begins running out the door.
Robert leaps off his step. A man sits in front of the car and Matthew runs after Robert, but trips. Standing up, Matthew aims at Robert and fires. He doesn't hit and there are now two men outside with Matthew, who seem to be looking at him.
Steven sits at his table, reading when someone knocks on the door. He goes to the window to see Robert. He runs to answer the door. Crying, Steven mixes a drink for him as he wipes his eyes. He brings it to wooden chair where Robert sits, crying. He offers the cocoa to him, but he doesn't look up. His mother coughs from the other room. Robert apologizes and says that he shouldn't have come there. Steven says it's okay, because they wouldn't have chased him that far. Steven tells him that he should get some rest. Steven is about to blow out the candle lighting the room, but instead puts it out with his finger.
The next morning, Robert wakes up early and Steven sleeps on the couch. Robert looks at him sleeping and does his special wave at him. He returns to the his house to find it burnt down and a group a people watching. Police investigate as his family is in body bags on the ground. He walks away down the path from his house.
Seven years later, in Distopia, Robert gets off his train. He stops at Peter's Bar where Mark and Peter can be seen at the counter. Mark is disappointed when peter shows that there is no more of MorningFlare alcohol made my Steven
At Steven's apartment, peter downs a glass of alcohol and says that it has an awesome kick and that he should sell to the Orca family and make three times as much money. Steven says that he can't stands the mafia. Peter says that his older brother works with Malez, who's a new guy working with the family, but that he's a psycho. Steven asks him to leave. Annoyed, peter asks how long he's going to stay in "this dump." Steven opens the door and orders him to leave. Peter poured in his drink and tells him not to blame him for whatever happens.
As peter opens the second door, his brother stands on the other side holding a bat. The two are both surprised and his brother asks if he got the sale. Peter nervously says that he hadn't because he hates the mafia. His brother head-butts him and he falls to the ground. His brother walks past him and puts his arm behind steven's neck. He tells him to sell to the family. He doesn't answer, so he hits him in the stomach and Steven falls to the ground. He asks again and Steven refuses. The brother walks into the kitchen, whistling, and starts smashing alcohol supplies with his bat. Steven tells him to stop, but he continues anyway. About to swing again, he says that they have to outshine the competition. Suddenly, Robert rushes in and hits the brother in the head with a bottle which knocks him out cold. He turns and looks at Peter and Steven who are both staring at him.
Sitting down at the table, Steven pours him a drink and tells him that it's good and that he should try it. Robert says that he knows it's good as he lights a cigarette and begins to smoke it. Steven says that he doesn't actually want to make MorningFlare, and just does it so he can go to school. He asks where Robert had been for the last seven years.
Steven asks if it's okay for him to be back in town. Robert takes a drink and then a drag of his cigarette without answering him. Looking uncomfortable, Steven stands up and says that he must be tired and says that he can use the room they're in. Robert asks about his mother. Steven says that she died last summer. Robert drops his cigarette on the ground and stomps it out with his foot. He says that he doesn't have anyone holding him down, then.
Robert asks if he wants to make money with him because he wants to sell his alcohol to the mafia. He says that he doesn't want to get involved with the family. Robert says please as the letter falls on the floor. He says that a reason to live gives people power and that friendship is a more reliable tool than a knife, stating that they're brothers, after all.
Overlooking the highland, Steven says that that's where it will probably fetch the highest price. Ever since Prohibition, it's become a haven for dangerous types. But the speakeasies cater to a higher breed of clients, and probably won't let them in. As they enter the highland, Robert sees Toran sitting in his car, reading a newspaper before spitting out his window. Steven tells him that the church on the highland was converted into a bar.
Inside the church, Cid tries some alcohol. Benjamin asks how it is and asks if it's brand-name. Benjamin says that it is, it's the best from over the border, and that he'd never had better. Cid says that he thought Benjamin wasn't a drinker, he smiles and says that you can tell good booze purely from smell. Cid tells him to take a smell of his own asshole. Cid says that he thought the Orca family controlled all the routes over the border. Benjamin smiles, embarrassed, and avoids his gaze. Cid asks if they're flinching off the Orcas. Matthew doesn't seem to be paying attention and instead looks ahead smoking. Benjamin asks how he knew. Playing with his mustache, Cid says that he had that look to him. Ryan can be seen sitting on the couch.
Robert suddenly interrupts their conversation, addressing Cid. Benjamin and he both turn to look at Robert and Steven as Robert puts his briefcase on the desk.
Outside, Malez approaches Toran's car and greets him. Malez says that someone swiped a little of their booze. And he's out looking for it. Toran says that he doesn't know anything and asks who he is and if he's with the Orca family. Toran opens his door and spits tobacco on Malez's boot. He says he is and introduces himself as Malez. Victor stands quietly behind. Malez again asks where he got it and Toran says that he brought it in from "that way" as he points behind him. Malez looks unimpressed before laughing and saying that he's honest. He then steps to the side as Victor begins punching Toran. Malez lights up a cigarette and begins smoking it as he takes off his boot. Still smiling, he rubs the boot on Toran's face and asks him again.
Robert says that he wants him to buy their booze. Cid says to get lost because he doesn't want any of their "low quality alcohol." Ignoring this, Robert pours him a glass and slides it over to him. Instead of drinking it, he pours it on the ground. Steven is surprised by this but Robert looks unfazed. Cid grabs Robert's collar and calls him a brat. As he does this, Robert pours him another glass. Cid is about to punch him when Matthew grabs his arm. Cid steps to the side and Matthew lights a match and sets the alcohol on fire. It maintains a blue flame and the three are taken back. Matthew puts the flame out with his hand and then takes a sip. He seems to enjoy it and hands it to Cid as he says that they'll buy it. After drinking it, Cid says that they could probably stock it after all as he hands the glass to Benjamin. Matthew slams his fist on the counter and says that he already dumped it out. Benjamin sniffs it a few times, then takes a sip. Cid tells Matthew not to get so mad. Benjamin then makes a disgusted face and asks Cid for a coffee. Cid agrees and leaves with the glass.
Matthew asks Robert for how much a bottle, suggesting 4.5dollars Robert holds his hand up, 5, and says that 4.5 is not going to cut it. Matthew laughs and asks how much they can sell them per week. Before he can answer, a man at the front door yells and falls to the ground. A man beside him opens a latch at the bottom of the door and is about to shoot Malez's legs when Ryan appears behind him and puts a knife to the side of his neck, ordering to him to open the door. Benjamin says that it seems the old man's getting the works. Cid tells him to shut-up. While watching.
The man steps back and Malez takes his gun. Ryan continues to hold a knife against his throat. Malez asks if he minds if he takes the gun. The man calls him a son of a bitch before Malez clocks him with it and the man falls to the ground. Malez apologizes for interrupting and says that he's looking for Matthew Vincceno. Robert quietly asks Matthew who that is, and Matthew says that he's Don Vincceno's son. Cid says not to bring his arguments to the highland, that's the rule. Malez agrees that rules are important and says that that's why he's there. He found some booze stolen from them in their parking lot. Cid says, good for you Malez shoots the ceiling and asks if he said something. Cid says he hadn't so Malez again asks about Matthew. He calls Steven and tells him to come over. Steven looks very uncomfortable and looks over nervously at Robert as he walks over. Matthew watches Robert discreetly takes his pocketknife out of the briefcase he set there.
Steven walks over with his hands up and Malez asks if he's Matthew. Steven says that he isn't, so Malez asks loudly if there are any other matthews there. No one answers so he says that it must be him. Matthew looks over to see Robert rummage through a box behind him and pull out a pocket knife. Malez points his gun at Steven and says that thieves deserve to die as he cocks his gun.
Robert calmly says that he's Matthew. Malez asks who Steven is then, and Robert says he doesn't know. Malez says he should speak up sooner as he pushes Steven towards Ryan.. Benjamin smiles and looks over to Matthew who's watching intently. Malez tells the "New Matthew" to come over then. Robert walks over with his hands behind his head. When he stands in front of Malez, he pushes up Robert's hat with his gun. Robert suddenly grabs his gun and shoves it to the side as he pushes a knife into Malez's throat.
Malez is impressed and Robert tells him to let steven go. Malez tells Ryan to slit Steven's throat because he doesn't think Robert can kill him. Ryan inches the knife closer as steven's neck as he tries to push his hand away. Robert slowly pushes the knife into malez throat and blood begins to trickle out. Malez urges him to do it. Suddenly, Matthew throws a bottle at Ryan and they all manage to break apart. Steven quickly runs behind the counter and Matthew calls him over as well. Malez runs over and pick up his gun.
Malez shoots wildly around the room. Luckily, the counter is iron-plated. As this is happening, Cid manages to escape. Benjamin tries to stand up and is almost shot. Crouching, he tells Matthew that if Malez spots him, he's dead.
Steven brews something and tells Robert to throw alcohol at him. He does, and Malez begins shooting the bottles out of the air. Benjamin says that Malez is playing around. Matthew says that he must be the crazy guy that joined Orca. Steven tells them to throw something and then run for the exit. Matthew begins to question him, but Steven tells him to just do it.
As steven and Robert both throw bottles, Malez aims at one of them as Ryan looks for bullets. Benjamin and Matthew sneak to the edge of the counter. Fire suddenly erupts around him and Malez exclaims that it's hot, as the four men (Benjamin, Matthew, Robert and Steven) manage to escape.
They run to the parking lot with Robert holding the briefcase and don't stop until they make it to where Toran is parked. Matthew notices that Toran is slumped over in his seat with a handkerchief tied in front of his mouth. He yells his name and runs over and opens the door. He tells Toran to wake up, but Victor is secretly hidden in the backseat. He tries to stab Matthew from the back, but he dodges this and grabs Victor's arm. Benjamin winds up and punches Victor in the face.
The four men drive along the road, with Matthew driving, Benjamin in the passenger seat, robert behind Matthew and Steven to the right of him. Matthew notes that it was something and Benjamin says that it was pretty fun, though. Steven thanks Robert for before. Robert asks if the candles were made out of paraffin. Steven says that if you liquefy paraffin, then mix it with water, it'll blow.
Benjamin smokes a cigarette and says that they can't go back there for a while. He passes his cigarette to Matthew and he says the the booze was good after taking a drag and that it'll make them lots of money.
Across the river, they drive past the stagehouse. Benjamin points it out and starts to pull off his fake face mustache as he says that he can't wait to show it to the don when it's finished. Matthew says that it looks out of place in Distopia. Robert asks if Matthew was at the bar. Matthew says that he was at the bar as he pulls off his beard and smooths back his hair. Robert is taken back. He turns around and says that he is Matthew Vincceno.