Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered professor at the University of New Orleans, secretly works with the New Orleans Police Department on undercover sting operations. When Jasper, a cop known for portraying fake hitmen in murder-for-hire cases, is suspended for brutality, Gary is reluctantly thrust into the role. Surprisingly, Gary excels at soliciting confessions by creating unique hitman personas for each suspect.

Gary adopts the persona of “Ron,” a confident and charismatic hitman, to deal with Madison, a married woman who wants her abusive husband killed. Feeling sympathetic and attracted to her, Gary refuses Madison’s money, suggesting she use it to restart her life instead. Ignoring the disapproval of his colleagues, Jasper, Claudette, and Phil, Gary begins a sexual relationship with Madison without revealing his true identity. To maintain his cover, he even teaches Madison how to use a gun, advising her to aim for the heart.

The situation escalates when Madison’s ex-husband, Ray, tries to kill her and unknowingly contacts Gary for the job. During a confrontation, Gary recognizes Ray, who then flees, vowing to kill Madison himself. Gary warns Madison and attempts to move her to safety, but she dismisses his fears, believing Ray wouldn’t follow through. However, Ray is later found dead, shot in the heart with bullets matching Madison’s gun.

Panicking, Gary confronts Madison, who confesses to the murder. Gary reveals his true identity, leading to a fallout between them. The police, having discovered evidence against Madison, including Ray’s increased life insurance policy, pressure Gary to solicit a confession using his “Ron” persona. Gary stages an interrogation with Madison, directing her with acting cues to convince the police of her innocence.

Jasper, aware of Gary and Madison’s relationship and jealous of Gary’s new role, blackmails them for Ray’s life insurance money. In response, Madison drugs Jasper, and Gary stages his death as a suicide by tying a plastic bag over his head.

Several years later, the story jumps forward to reveal that Gary and Madison are now happily married with two children, having successfully moved on from their dark past.