While awaiting trial for a federal crime, Meehan, a career thief, is approached by a representative from the president's re-election campaign, who offers to have all charges against him dropped if he will steal a compromising video tape.

While awaiting sentencing at the Manhattan Correctional Center, Meehan, a career thief, is approached by a man, posing as his lawyer, who represents the presidential re-election campaign and offers to have all criminal charges against Meehan dropped if he does them one favor--steal a compromising video tape before it wreaks havoc on the president's life. Reprint.