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Daryl's Irish Destiny

First Proposition

It didn’t take long for Merle, Daryl and Niamh to fall into a happy routine living together in Merle’s house.As it happened, the one garage in town that had been owned and run by the same man for donkey’s years was looking for a new owner.Dale Horvath, the owner of Dale’s Garage was looking to retire and hit the open road with his wife in their Winnebago.

Daryl went along with Merle to speak to the man about it.While Merle was looking at the equipment included in the sale, Daryl mentioned to Dale Merle’s plan about helping ex-cons like himself to learn a trade and go legit.Dale was a kind man who knew personally of the benefit of taking care of others and lending a helping hand wherever possible so he approved of the plan.When it came time for Merle to enquire about his asking price, Merle found it was about $25k lower than he expected.

Dale didn’t let on that Daryl had told him about Merle’s plans but he got the story from Merle directly when he started to ask him what direction he wanted to take the business.They agreed the sale and shook on it right there and then.So that’s how Merle found himself just about two weeks after he was released from prison, the owner of the only working garage and tow service in a 50-mile radius.There were two full time mechanics, Earl and Jerry and a part time receptionist named Carol employed by Dale.Once the papers were signed and the business was officially his, Merle and Daryl invited the 3 employees inherited with the business purchase to the office to discuss Merle’s plans.

“I’m gonna be up front with all y’all.” Merle began.“I’m an ex-con, just 2 weeks outta the State Penn for runnin’ drugs.I’m clean now an’ will be stayin’ that way.This is gonna be a legit shop.I’m gonna run a program here to help train and rehabilitate ex-cons so if any a you gonna have a problem with that, you let me know an’ I’ll send ya on yer way with a recommendation an’ two week’s pay.”Nobody said anything while Merle paused and looked at each of them.

“Good.” He began.“Earl.What do ya do here, mostly?”Earl was a thin and reedy balding man in his early 50s, who moved slowly, spoke slowly but seemed to consider his words before speaking.A rare trait.“Well, I uh.” He paused and cleared his throat.“I mostly do the easy stuff.I usually do the tow jobs an’ oil changes, tire changes an’ stuff like tha’.Jerry here, he do the hard stuff, breakin’ down motors an’ carburators an’ transmissions.I help him when he’s got heavy liftin’ an’ stuff.”

Merle nodded and looked at Jerry.“What else ya do, Jerry?”Jerry was about the same age as Earl but was quick and sure where Earl was slow and steady.“Like Earl said, I do the more complex mechanical fixin’, I been trying to teach Earl as an’ when I can but we both busy here, hard ta fin’ the time.”Daryl spoke up.“If ya owned the business yerself, what would be the first thing ya’d fix or improve?”Merle looked at Daryl in surprise.Earl and Jerry looked at each other in surprise, never been asked for their opinion like this.

Jerry spoke first.“I guess I’d wanna get an apprentice or two to pass on my knowledge an’ share the work load.I’d also like ta sign up fer some courses to learn how to work on the newer cars with computers in ‘em.An’ upgrade the equipment ta work on them.”Earl nodded his agreement.“I think it would be a big help and draw to customers to offer reliable loaners to them while we fix their cars, that way we ain’t rushed to finish the job and the customer service improves.”

Merle was impressed with the feedback and with Daryl for knowing to ask for it.“Excellent ideas, both ya.I like ‘em all.Tell ya what.I’m gonna start a book where ya can write down yer suggestions for improvement an’ put yer name ta the idea.If I end up using yer idea, I’m gonna give ya $100.$100 per idea that gets used.How’s that sound?”Both Earl and Jerry looked pleased with the news.

Merle turned to Carol who had been quiet this whole time.“Wha’ abou’ you, sweetheart?Carol was in her mid-40s, her short grey curls forming a silver halo in the morning light.Her blues eyes were sharp and considering.“I like what you’re trying to accomplish, I think that has a lot of merit.My first suggestion to you though, Merle, is that you don’t call me sweetheart.Not honey, sugar, sweetiepie.Nothin’ but Carol...or ma’am.That’s ok too.”Merle’s eyebrows shot up into his hairline.Daryl choked on a laugh but swallowed it as Carol’s bright gaze bore down on him.“Is that okay with you?” Carol looked at all the men present and smiled sweetly as they answered in unison.“Yes, ma’am.”

Merle cleared his throat and politely asked Carol what she did for the business.“I mostly answer the phone, talk to people calling for a tow, calling to book some work on their cars, asking for directions.I take the money, do the accounts payable and receivable, make the coffee and make sure the men take their breaks.”Carol paused.“Oh and I make cookies every Friday and bring them in.”Earl and Jerry nodded enthusiastically.“And they good, too.Real good.” Jerry agreed as Earl continued to nod.

Merle had more questions for Carol and wanted her to show him the office paperwork so followed her into the office while Daryl went to the garage with Earl and Jerry to look at a particularly difficult problem Jerry was having with a battery that wouldn’t hold its charge.

Notes

Comments

Sweet Jesus carol is amazing!

Loul461 Loul461
12/6/16

So happy when I saw the update at work I just had to read it! And four chapters...bless your heart!! I've been thinking about you of late and when we might hear from you again. Wonderful update as usual, just love Merle, Daryl and Niamh together. And Carol! What an unexpected surprise. Just love her! Can't wait to read more. ;-)

Grimesgirl63 Grimesgirl63
12/6/16

@Tripper
What can I say? I love badass Carol.

Darylfan1969 Darylfan1969
12/6/16

I love the interaction between Merle. Daryl and Niamh, such a good thing got Merle to see what family does for one another.

And wow, this is a new Carol. I look forward to watching her tame the wild beast that is Merle!

Thanks for the awesome update!

Tripper Tripper
12/5/16

4 chapters added.

Darylfan1969 Darylfan1969
12/5/16