Love, Money, Bombs

In an alternate future, the government controls everything. There are exceptions for the rich and the elite. But that is a dream held up to make the poor comply. Newton is arrogant and living below the poverty line, but he believes he is too smart for everyone else. He believes it is just a matter of time before he hits it big. His wife Holly is suffering. Her health is slipping due to hunger and crushing depression. She loves Newton and believes unblinkingly in him and his dreams. Holly's sister dies and Newton and Holly do not have money enough for a train fare to the funeral. Newton gets money from a local loan shark, that Newton has previously had a run-in with. Newton talks down to everyone, this has made him a bit of an outcast in a very poor neighbourhood. Newton is approached by a well-dressed man. It appears to be the solution to Newton's problems. But it is just the beginning. Newton turns up to a location thinking he could make some money. But he is faced with a barrel that could contain a huge amount of cash or a bomb (triggered if the barrel is opened). He also encounters a young man (Gabriel) that has been sent to open the barrel by his gang boss. There is a standoff of wills as they try to find a solution to both their problems. Do they open the barrel? The boss sends an enforcer to see what is taking so long. Newton is forced to kill him as the enforcer is beating Gabriel to death in front of Newton. Dawn is coming. The boss will send more men. The Police (aka Public Order Office - POO, corrupt and violent) will soon discover them, the barrel and the body. As time runs out. Both Gabriel and Newton resign themselves to their fate. But if it goes to shit, they are making sure it is good for the people left behind.