As the door of the police cruiser closed behind him, Randall watched the work crew hoist the Mrs. Paul’s delivery truck from the harbor. It had been a memorable 24 hours: the daring theft, the high-speed chase, the news helicopters shadowing him… He had come so close, and in the end only a padlocked latch stood between him and glory. As the cruiser prepared to leave, Randall heard a clap — just one at first, then more, until he saw his people, lined by the dozens on the side of the road, applauding him. Randall smiled to himself. He would leave them as a felon, but return to them a hero.

Thanks to sender-inner John B. (via Mashable.)