Luther Whitney (Clint Eastwood) is a career criminal and likes nothing more than a safe room in a house because he knows it will be full of goodies. When a woman and a man enter the house before he can get out, he hides in the room only to become an unwilling witness to their sexual games. Things quickly get out of hand when things turn rough and the woman grabs a letter opener to defend herself. The man yells out and the Secret Service burst through the doors and shoot her. Luther then recognized President Allen Richmond (Gene Hackman) and watches as his staff attempts to make the murder look like a burger committed the crime. They accidentally leave behind the letter opener and Luther grabs it. The Secret Service return for the letter opener just in time to catch Luther leaving with it and give chase. They know Luther has damaging evidence against the President and they must get it back! Who will win this battle of wits and firepower?