Professional killer Frankie Bono returns after an apparent absence to Manhattan during the Christmas season to assassinate the gangster Troiano. Bono is a loner and intends to avoid any unnecessary human contact while planning the murder of his victim. Bono is recognized by an acquaintance from the orphanage he was raised in who invites him to a Christmas party. There he meets up with an old semi-girlfriend, Lorrie. His friend's happy marriage contrasts with Bono's solitary and haunted existence and Bono's hard exterior softens. Bono is emotionally conflicted with both his personal contacts and his professional duties and his choices have heavy consequences.