A naive young man named Chester taking a long distance Amtrak from NYC to his home in rural New Mexico. He carries with him his life savings of $250k. The naive yet good natured young Chester loudly tells his friend how much money he has on him and talks about how people are good and refuses to believe in a world of thieves.
As such, he attracts the attention of Mitch and Paula, lovers who are also 2 expert thieves. Paula, newly pregnant, wants to leave the criminal world behind, but Mitch convinces her that they should take this last score off an easy mark before retiring. The pair sit with Chester and make small talk, but Chester foolishly takes his cash out & shows them. Something changes in Paula as she listens & changes her mind, convincing Mitch that he is too good hearted & they instead vow to protect him from becoming disillusioned in the world.
Complications arise as Warren “Smiley” Johnson, and his band of pro thieves board the train. Smiley’s crew steals the money, only to have their pockets picked by Mitch & the money returned. This exposes Mitch as a master thief to Smiley, who tries to recruit him.
When Mitch declines, the contest between the couple and Smiley’s gang quickly escalates, with Chester still completely unaware of the danger surrounding him.
