Young journalist Lawrence Rich leaves his country home for the bright lights of Brisbane, meeting corrupt cop Squinter and the woman who is about to turn his life upside down: Frankie.
Lawrence celebrates his first big story in print by partying with Frankie and Squinter, but there's something about the article that doesn't square with his conscience.
After taking Lawrence on a ride-along where he confronts a small-time criminal on his payroll, Squinter propositions Lawrence to join his life of graft and corruption.
After Squinter and Lawrence bond on a hunting trip, Lawrence's fiancé arrives asking him to come home with her. He turns her down - there's no going back now.
In love with Frankie, and loyal to Squinter, Lawrence has made his bed and plans to sleep in it. But Frankie discovers that Lawrence has been lying about who he really is and forces a confrontation.
Frankie insists Lawrence flee before he gets them both killed; Lawrence agrees to leave after helping Squinter with an arson plot. But the arson is foiled, and all bets are off.
A clearing in the bush, far from prying eyes and ears. Lawrence begs for his life while Squinter forces him to dig his own grave. One of them will end up dead, or in handcuffs, before the night is over.
