Faye (played by Joanne Whalley-Kilmer) is a stunning but deeply unhappy woman who is stuck in a dead-end relationship with the brutal Vince (played by Michael Madsen). When Vince coerces her into helping him rob a courier carrying a briefcase of cash belonging to a powerful mobster, Faye sees an opportunity to escape both her abusive partner and her dreary life.
With the stolen money in her possession, Faye heads to Reno, where she plans to fake her death and start anew with a new identity. However, she needs help to pull off the scheme and hires Jack (played by Val Kilmer), a private investigator who is down on his luck and deeply in debt.
Jack is skeptical of Faye's plan, but he's also attracted to her and sees an opportunity to earn some quick cash. He helps her stage a tragic accident, complete with a burnt-out car and charred remains, and provides her with a new identity that will allow her to disappear and start over. Faye promises to pay Jack handsomely for his help, but she disappears without a trace as soon as she's set up with her new life.
Jack is left high and dry, but he's not a quitter. He sets out to find Faye and get the money that she owes him. His search takes him to Las Vegas, where he learns that Faye is not only alive and well but also in deep trouble. Vince has tracked her down, and he's determined to get his hands on the stolen cash. Jack finds himself caught in the middle of a dangerous game, and he must use all his skills and instincts to stay alive and protect Faye from harm.