Kansas

Wade's car breaks down in Utah while he's on his way to a friend's wedding in New York City. With no other options, he hops onto a moving freight train. Doyle Kennedy pulls him onto the boxcar and introduces himself, setting the stage for an uneasy alliance.

Doyle tells Wade about himself and convinces him to accompany him to a small town in Kansas under the pretense of getting help and attending a local festival. Wade agrees, hoping for safety and a way to reach his destination. The unlikely duo heads off toward the festival and the promise of opportunity.

Doyle robs the local bank during the festival, forcing Wade to participate. Wade helps by piling money into a bag while Doyle incapacitates a police watchman and ties up the bank attendant. They manage to escape with the cash, but the duo gets separated in the ensuing chaos.

When police close in, the governor's daughter is put in danger as a car crashes near an old steel bridge. Wade, driven by adrenaline, dives into the river and carries her to shore, saving her from drowning. Nordquist, a local reporter, captures the moment, but the image doesn't clearly show Wade's face, allowing him to vanish into the woods.

To lay low, Wade takes a job on a local ranch and grows close to Lori, the ranch owner's daughter. Lori, however, has a boyfriend, adding tension to their budding romance. Wade's desire for safety clashes with his guilt over the bank robbery.

Doyle continues his scams to stay under the radar but stays focused on finding Wade and the stolen money. He signs on as a ride operator with a traveling carnival that passes through town and eventually spots Wade.

The two agree to meet the next night to reclaim the stolen money, though Wade lies about the exact location. Wade then misses the meeting because his time with Lori runs long. Doyle continues to hunt for the money in the meantime.

Doyle steals Wade's chance to settle by starting a barn fire to force a confrontation. The fire draws local news and Nordquist, who has photographed Wade previously as the 'Unknown Hero.' Wade is identified by the townspeople but the danger remains.

Wade confesses to Lori about his involvement in the bank robbery; she believes him and supports him, hoping others will too. The town's mood shifts toward Wade as a hero, while Doyle's threat remains looming.

Doyle breaks into Nordquist's house and, pressuring him with the truth, reveals Wade's involvement. Nordquist distrusts Doyle but, through photos, discovers a record of Wade and Doyle together at the festival, and begins a story that could ruin Wade's reputation.

Wade and Doyle meet at the bridge to retrieve the money. Wade lies about where the money is, prompting a confrontation. They fight; Wade gains the upper hand, and when Doyle dares him to shoot, Wade throws the gun into the river and Doyle leaves with the money, while Wade returns to the ranch.

Doyle is recognized by police as the bank robber at a gas station and tries to outrun the authorities. A blockade closes in and he turns toward the cops, driving through the road; he is shot repeatedly and dies in a wreck, ending his pursuit of Wade and the money.

As the town prepares a medal ceremony for Wade, Lori's father cancels it, saying Wade won't be leaving with the town. Nordquist attends and learns that Doyle was caught and killed, and then shreds a draft that would reveal Wade's involvement, choosing to protect Wade's reputation.

Lori drives Wade to the train tracks and they discuss their future. A train passes and Wade briefly boards, but he realizes he can't leave Lori and jumps back off. Lori rushes to him, they share a kiss, and they commit to staying together.