Finding Steve McQueen

As the tumultuous year of 1980 unfolds, Harry James Barber (character) embarks on a candid confession to his girlfriend Molly Murphy, whose relationship with him has been strained since she discovered the truth about his clandestine past. The weight of secrecy had taken its toll, and it becomes evident that their love is now entwined with the gravity of Harry's actions.

Flash back to 1972, when Harry, an ardent admirer of the charismatic Steve McQueen (character), lived adjacent to a refurbished theater house in Pennsylvania. It was then that he agreed to join forces with Enzo Rotella, the mastermind behind a daring plan to burglarize a California bank rumored to harbor the illicit slush fund of none other than President Richard Nixon. The team, comprising Paul Callahan, Raymond Darrow, and Harry's own brother Tommy Barber - a battle-hardened Vietnam War veteran - set out on their ill-fated adventure.

As they arrived in California, the gang settled into a rented vacation house mere miles away from the targeted bank. It was there that Harry crossed paths with Molly Murphy, a widow who had lost her husband to a tragic vehicular accident. Despite the passing of time, Harry and Molly's relationship blossomed, but he chose to keep his true intentions hidden, even as they shared tender moments beneath the warm glow of evening lights.

Under the cover of darkness, the gang disabled the bank's alarm system and breached the vault by blowing a hole in the roof using dynamite. Over the course of three fateful nights, they made off with approximately $9 million - a staggering haul that would ultimately seal their fate. However, Harry received a meager $10,000 share, while his cohorts went their separate ways, leaving him to ponder the consequences of their actions.

As the dust settled on the botched heist, FBI agents Howard Lambert and Sharon Price took up the case, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. A meticulous investigation ensued, culminating in the discovery of a crucial link between the crime scene and the vacation house where the gang had lain low. Fingerprints left behind on unwashed dishes and utensils proved to be the key to identifying each member of the group. One by one, they were apprehended by authorities, with Harry being the lone exception - he managed to evade capture and went into hiding.

Fast-forward to 1980, when Harry decided it was time to surrender to his pursuers. With a heavy heart, he revealed his plan to Molly, confessing that he had reached out to her father, a sheriff, to have himself arrested. As they exited the diner, Howard Lambert and the local sheriffs arrived, bringing an end to Harry's flight from justice. With one final glance at Molly, he was taken into custody.

In the epilogue, we learn that Harry was ultimately sentenced to seven years in prison but had his term reduced to three years after a heartfelt letter penned by the townspeople attesting to his character was signed off on by the Sheriff.