The Bribe

Rigby is briefed in Washington, D.C. about a racketeering ring that retrofits war-surplus aircraft motors for profit and ships them off the Central American coast. The government suspects Tugwell Hintten and his wife Elizabeth are involved. He is tasked with recovering the motors and raiding their headquarters before they can move the operation.

Rigby travels to Los Trancos on the island of Carlotta, posing as a sportsman to infiltrate the operation. He arrives on the island to observe and locate the headquarters. The mission begins in earnest as he blends in with locals to gather clues.

At a nightclub, Elizabeth sings for the crowd. After the show, Rigby enters her dressing room and shares drinks with Elizabeth and Tugwell, who passes out from the alcohol. The encounter marks the start of a dangerous attraction that tests Rigby's resolve.

Over a few days, Rigby and Elizabeth develop a flirtatious relationship as he continues his undercover investigation. The growing attraction complicates his mission and makes him reluctant to confront any involvement Elizabeth might have. He remains cautious while watching for clues about Carwood and Bealer.

In a bar, J.J. Bealer offers Rigby ten thousand dollars to quit the island, but Rigby refuses the bribe. Rigby also starts to suspect Carwood is Bealer's ally and may be the insider on the island. The offer and suspicion raise the stakes for Rigby's mission.

The next day, Rigby and Carwood go on a fishing expedition. Rigby reels in a large fish, but the trip ends in tragedy when Emilio is killed by a shark. Rigby reports the death to Emilio's father Pablo, who confirms Carwood's involvement and urges that the killers be brought to justice.

That same night, Elizabeth meets with Rigby and confesses her intent to divorce Tugwell, but learns Tugwell has fallen ill. Rigby grapples with his professional duties and his growing feelings for Elizabeth, trying to protect her while staying true to the investigation. The romantic tension deepens the danger surrounding the case.

Bealer shows Rigby X-ray photos confirming Elizabeth's involvement with the racket. The evidence heightens Rigby's danger and forces him to reassess how far he will go to protect Elizabeth while pursuing the case. The revelation sharpens the divide between loyalty and duty.

Bealer tells Elizabeth that Rigby is a federal agent and schemes to drug him so they can leave with the money. Elizabeth drugs Rigby's cocktail, causing him to lose consciousness, but she immediately feels remorse for her actions. Rigby regains consciousness and continues to press the investigation.

Carwood suffocates Tugwell for talking too much, removing a dangerous obstacle from the racketeering plan. The murder raises the stakes for everyone on the island and intensifies Rigby's resolve. The crime further muddies the path to a clean arrest.

Back at the nightclub, Rigby reunites with Elizabeth and defuses a confrontation with Bealer. Bealer confirms Carwood had murdered Tugwell, and Rigby arranges with Bealer to have Carwood arrested. The plan sets the stage for the climactic showdown.

A gunfight erupts between Rigby and Carwood; Carwood escapes but is fatally shot in a carnival parade. Rigby then returns to the hotel and shares a kiss with Elizabeth, signaling a fragile personal closure alongside the mission’s outcome. The island's danger finally gives way to a bittersweet ending.