An illegal gambling house is where Ivory 'Bones' Arcineaux and Julian Bynote become best friends. But both are in the wrong place at the wrong time. When FBI agents swarm the plantation-style house, Bones dives into the back of the convertible that Julian has just stolen. The two end up in New Orleans where the women are sweet, the food is good, and 'Big Easy' Nights are where black folks can dance, party, and let loose. Julian begins to make a life for himself, especially after meeting Magnolia Garbo at a social while visiting his sister and sickly mother Rayletta. But all good things come to an end when a simple robbery goes wrong and Julian witnesses Bones murdering a man in cold blood. To make matters worse, the two later find out the victim was a white city councilman. With an investigation brewing, Julian questions the fast life and the circumstances that may cost him his freedom or his life.