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Tough guy, Raven, played by Alan Ladd, pays off a blackmail debt once and for all with a few blasts from his pistol. He was just doing a job for an unknown, rich client, but has he just been set up as a payroll thief? Ellen, played by Joan Blondelle, has taken a job with a senator who is cracking down on risks to national security. Her undercover work means she can’t even let her cop boyfriend know what she’ll be up to.
Paths cross on a night train to Los Angeles, and to avoid cops, Raven forces Ellen to help him. After releasing his kidnap victim, they part ways, but little do each of them know, they are heading for the same corrupt tycoon, to seek their own brand of justice on him. There won’t be any traps laid for Ellen, will there? Raven may be more difficult to stop. Things get complicated though when Raven is spotted, and the dragnet of cops is alerted to his presence. The tough guy has a soft spot for kittens, if not for the charms of Ellen.
Raven finds himself holding Ellen hostage again, as searchlights hunt for him. This time she’s more willing. Raven opens up about his tough life, and what launched him into his life of crime. Ellen wants Raven to pressure their mutual enemy, Senator Burnette, , but without resorting to murder. To do it, he needs to first turn himself over the cops. When word comes that Ellen has helped Raven escape, the senator squirms. Secrets about the blackmail letter pour forth, with a secretary to take detailed notes as a confession. Gun shots blaze… has Raven kept his promise to not kill again? Has Ellen set him up, or is she a woman of her word to help him?
