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. 

Frankie draws Lawrence deeper into her world, while Squinter does likewise, but neither of them know the innocent young man answers to another master.

After Squinter and Lawrence bond on a hunting trip, Lawrence’s fiancée 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.

Squinter goes on a rampage to sniff out whoever snitched on the arson. Lawrence grows fearful for his safety – and Frankie’s.