An insurance fraud artist, Rex Black, engineers his own death, hoping his wife Stella will collect the hefty life insurance payout. Rex resents the monotonous life their aviation business has given them and views the scheme as an escape to a more exciting future. After his supposed death in a plane crash, Rex moves to Spain to lay low while Stella attempts to collect the insurance money back in England. Despite his calculated strategy, Rex's impatience and overconfidence begin to show as he awaits the payout.

Stella, now playing the grieving widow, faces scrutiny and pressure from the insurance company, particularly from their investigator, Stephen Maddox. Maddox is diligent and suspicious, a character who meticulously tracks down every lead. As Maddox's investigation intensifies, the tension builds between Rex and Stella, testing their resolve and loyalty. The story explores themes of deception and trust while delving into the psychological and emotional strain of their elaborate ruse.