When New York journalist Jake Bridges (William Petersen) catches his girlfriend cheating on him, he travels to Atlantic City to drink away his troubles. Jake is saved from a bar brawl by small-time mobster Frankie (Michael Wincott). Jake befriends Frankie and eventually falls in love with his girlfriend Melissa (Diane Lane). Jake then joins Frankie in his money-collecting duties, beginning a path leading to violence, betrayal, and restitution.