Kaley Sullivan is disintegrating. Estranged from her lapsed Catholic husband David and separated from her unhappy 12-year-old son Gulley, she is a denizen of the dark and violent world of illegal gambling (a little poker and a lot of pool). She hustles lesser players with a little help from her friend Quinnette, a cantankerous pool hall manager with a soft spot for the desperate mother and son, who have been corresponding by leaving letters for each other in the old man's care. On rare occasions, and in utmost secrecy, Kiley meets Gulley in the park and they share stolen moments. Kaley is working towards the one big score that could enable her to escape and take her son--who is being abused at home and at school--with her.