Kate, a talented singer/songwriter, who has performed the bar circuit for years and whose career is going nowhere, is on the verge of quitting, when her agent convinces her to do a gig in the far-northern city of Red Pine at a Tavern owned by Mick. Kate eventually meets Johnny the enforcer and bill collector for Mick’s illegal operation of gambling, illicit drugs, loansharking, and prostitution. Johnny warns Kate not to go asking too many questions about the tavern but after a drunken violent encounter with Mick, Kate is on the run hoping to find refuge at Johnny’s place. Meanwhile Mick’s Tavern is robbed by two masked men, Mick, suspecting these events are connected, and orders Johnny to find and kill not only the two thieves but Kate as well. Faced with a life altering decision Johnny must decide if his love for Kate outweighs the loyalty he feels towards the ruthless Mick.