Broken City

NYPD detective Billy Taggart's life spirals into turmoil when his friend, Yesenia Barea, is violently assaulted and murdered. This tragedy leaves Taggart emotionally scarred and desperate for justice against her killer, Mikey Tavarez.

Following the violent crime, Taggart finds himself apprehended for the murder of Mikey Tavarez. His superior, Captain Carl Fairbanks, seeks intervention from Mayor Nicholas Hostetler to shield Taggart from prosecution.

In a callous display of political maneuvering, Mayor Hostetler alters evidence in Taggart's favor, allowing him to escape prosecution. A judge rules it self-defense, and Taggart is released but forced to leave the police department.

Fast forward seven years, Taggart struggles as a private investigator, drowning in a $42,000 debt. Despite his circumstances, he continues taking cases without upfront payments, resulting in financial instability.

As Taggart navigates his financial woes, he grows increasingly worried about his girlfriend, Natalie Barrow. He becomes suspicious of her co-star Ryan, fearing he may have ulterior motives for getting close to her.

Taggart is approached by Mayor Hostetler, who insists on hiring him to investigate rumors of infidelity concerning his wife. With a re-election campaign looming, this investigation takes on monumental importance.

As Taggart delves deeper, he uncovers the political rivalry between Hostetler and Jack Valliant, who accuses the mayor of corruption linked to a $4 billion real estate deal. The stakes are raised as Hostetler battles to clear his name.

During his investigation, Taggart discovers that Cathleen Hostetler is involved with Paul Andrews, Valliant’s campaign manager. This revelation complicates Taggart's mission as he is torn between loyalty and his findings.

At a fundraiser, Cathleen hints she knows she is being followed and pressures Taggart to end his investigation. She offers him a large sum of money, but Taggart refuses, determined to stay loyal to the mayor despite misgivings.

Struggling with alcoholism, Taggart faces the painful truth that Natalie's film premiere reveals her as Yesenia's sister, deepening his remorse over the past. This emotional turmoil leads him to confront his own morality.

The plot intensifies when Taggart learns of Paul Andrews' murder, forcing him to confront both Captain Fairbanks and Jack Valliant. This pivotal moment unveils the intricate corruption surrounding Mayor Hostetler.

Taggart uncovers a conspiracy involving Hostetler's benefactor, Sam Lancaster, who plans to demolish Bolton Village. The revelation that impoverished residents will lose their homes drives Taggart to seek justice.

After a tense chase with Hostetler's henchmen, Taggart speaks to Todd Lancaster. He discovers Todd's desire to expose the corruption tied to his father's dealings, aligning their interests in aiding Valliant's campaign.

Armed with critical evidence, Taggart faces off against Hostetler, who counters with secret footage of Taggart's past crime. This moral dilemma forces Taggart to choose between his safety and exposing the mayor's corruption.

In the aftermath, Fairbanks arrests Hostetler while revealing his own affair with Cathleen. As Taggart finds solace at a bar, he shares a toast with Fairbanks to Valliant's victory, holding onto hope for a possible future with Katy.