Boiling Point

The film opens with Mercer and his partner Brady conducting undercover work. Mercer's fellow agent is shot and killed by Ronnie, a man pulled out of jail by Red Diamond. Fueled by anger and a thirst for revenge, Mercer vows to track down the killer before his transfer to Newark.

Mercer confronts his own limits as he resolves to take down Ronnie. He resists doing it by the book, declaring that once he's done with this motherfucker, he will put him in a box. A close colleague urges him to follow procedure, but Mercer rejects the idea.

The Palace, a closing big-band dance emporium, is introduced as a backdrop for Red's world. He takes his date Vikki there for dancing, while Mercer’s complicated feelings toward Vikki and Mona linger in the background.

Red continues to pursue his old girlfriend Mona, a waitress, attempting to rebuild the relationship he has often manipulated in the past. Her presence hints at a softer, more vulnerable side to a man defined by betrayal and scheming.

Red is under pressure to repay mob debts to Tony Dio, the boss. He manipulates Ronnie into a crime spree that culminates in Dio's murder and the ransacking of his apartment.

Red tells Ronnie to meet him at the Palace at 9 PM to split the money, signaling a decisive exchange. He also asks Mona to meet him there, intertwining personal and criminal plans.

Mercer builds his case and arrives at the murder scene seconds too late. The scene confirms Red's involvement and tightens the net around the criminals.

Red is arrested, and a net is laid for Ronnie at the club, tightening the police dragnet. The move marks a turning point as investigators close in on the remaining players.

At the club, Red manipulates Ronnie in an attempt to escape. Ronnie yells gun and ducks, and Mercer shoots him, killing him, but not before Ronnie manages to seriously wound Brady.

Red almost escapes but is blocked by police outside the club and is hauled away in a police car. The criminal chapter nears its end as law enforcement closes in.

Mona arrives and sees Red pass by in the police car, underscoring the personal cost of Red's world to those around Mercer.

In the epilogue, Jimmy and Vikki move to Newark, New Jersey, starting a life together away from the case. Red is sentenced to life without parole for his crimes, ensuring he cannot threaten them again.