Steve Collins, an unapologetic sociopath, is tired of scraping by and craves a "big score" that will set him up for life. He concocts what he believes to be a flawless scheme to kidnap the four-year-old daughter of a wealthy banker for a $200,000 ransom. 

To pull it off, he enlists two accomplices: Shirley Mae's nanny Mary, who is also Steve's besotted lover, and his co-worker Leo (Specs) as the getaway driver. The abduction goes off without a hitch, and the group celebrates their impending wealth. However, the triumph is short-lived. Due to Steve's quick temper and a tragic accident, the child dies.