In order to set up an elaborate scheme to ensnare the government agent sent to handle his case, Michael accepts a job protecting a convenience-store owner from the extortion of a local crime boss.

When Michael (Jeffrey Donovan) alerts agent, Jason Bly (Alex Carter), that he has stolen his wallet and knows exactly who he is and who he works for, Jason coolly responds that he not only knows all about Michael but is aware of his friend Fiona's activities as well. Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar) has been dabbling in arms dealing and Jason knows that she is meeting Michael any minute and will be driving a stolen car with semi-automatic weapons in the boot. Michael takes off, jumping in the car seconds before the police arrive enabling them to dump the car and escape just in time. He realises the set up is meant as a warning to him to back-off and accept his burn notice, or his friends and family will suffer the consequences.

Michael decides to go to war. In order to stock the war chest he takes a job helping a small onvenience- store owner, Ernie Paseo (Esai Morales). Ernie offers $20,000 if Michael can get rid of a group of thugs who are demanding protection money from all of the local businesses in Little Havana. The thugs work for a Cuban crime boss named Concha Ramirez (Idalis Deleon).

Michael, Fiona, and Sam (Bruce Campbell) do a little reconnaissance. They decide that the best course of action is to convince Concha that a new group is taking over the neighbourhood. Michael busts up Ernie’s store with a bat, and then attacks two of Concha’s thugs to send a message. He also meets with a money launderer to set up a shell company, complete with offshore bank accounts, in Jason Bly’s name.

Michael meets with Jason, and shows him the offshore bank accounts in his name with what looks like $100,000 in deposits from Michael; photos of him at Michael’s place without a warrant; and photos him driving around in an upgraded rental car (unknowingly provided by Michael). He tells Jason that he wants the dossier on his burn notice, and walks away.

In the meantime, Fiona shows up at Michael’s place demanding to know the status of their relationship. When she doesn’t receive the answer she was looking for, she decides to kick his butt. The two commence throwing punches, which previously in their relationship acted as foreplay. After their tryst Jason shows up with Michael’s dossier. Michael has what he wants ... sometimes though you have to be careful what you wish for.

9.30PM TUESDAY / MARCH 4 on Ten