Al Pereira is hired by Lina, the wife of a wealthy man, to recover some compromising photos. She has sex with him by way of a retainer. In the course of his investigation, Al is obliged to commit a couple of murders... and he's left holding the bag when Lina turns out not to be what she seems to be.

Dean, a failed American writer, receives some unexpected news: his wife, who belongs to a wealthy family, has filed for divorce. Stunned, he decides to commit suicide. His initial attempt fails when he has second thought. But during a drunken blackout spent gambling he wins big and promises all the winnings to the man who can kill him...but they must possess a special playing card.