Justice For Eric Kleemeyer

Eric’s Story

Part Three

The Dodge

     Even though the celebrating this year was subdued Eric has splurged a little and bought himself a sort of combination birthday/Christmas present. It was something he had always really wanted, just like about every other young American male, his very own car.

     Eric had worked at the Costco gas station and with his friendly outgoing personality it was only natural that he stated getting to know the regular customers. One customer in particular, a Mr. Joseph V., would come in to fill up his vintage Dodge Dart. Eric couldn’t help but notice the remarkable pristine condition of the automobile. Mr. V. obviously had a love and knowledge of cars and over time, as Eric assisted the steady customer with various things the two of them would often discuss their common interest in all things automotive cars.

     On one of these visits Mr. V. mentioned that he was thinking about maybe selling the car. Eric had seen the care and time that had been invested in maintenance and upkeep on that car. Even though it was about to be forty years old,  almost twice Eric’s age, the car had never been abused or even driven aggressively so he knew the car was in really good condition. There were probably more miles left on this old work horse that was built when they really made cars to last than one of the newer disposable models that probably had been driven into the ground.

     Eric told Mr. V. that if he did decide to sell the car that he would be interested in buying it. Mr. V. thought about it and decided that the likeable young man would take good care of the car because it was going to a good home and to someone who would appreciate it. The two men discussed the situation and they agreed on a price cash price of thirteen hundred dollars.

     Luckily for Eric Mr. V. was not in any big hurry finalize this transaction because Eric was having a hard time doing coming up with the complete amount. He would save everything he could but it seemed like as soon as he was getting close to his goal some unexpected emergency, usually of a medical or dental nature, would suddenly pop up devastating the acquired funds. Normally Eric could turn to his parents for help with something like this and normally they would be there for him but not this time. Eric had gotten himself in trouble in the past and the young driver already had not one but two Driving under the Influence convictions on his record.

      The resulting suspension of his driver’s license meant he had to complete a series of alcohol education classes before he would be legal behind the wheel of a car again. He had one class to go and until he was straight with the court the idea of either of his parents helping him buy a car that he was not allowed to drive was out of the question. It didn’t matter that it was the deal of the decade and that he would never have an opportunity of getting a car like this again. Eric’s parents knew all about their son and his good intentions. They also knew about his susceptibility to temptation. There would be no compromise this time…no license equals no car.

     Eric however was an adult so his parents couldn’t stop him from getting a car on his own, they just wouldn’t help. Mr. V., unaware of this situation, saw Eric struggling to come up with his money. Perhaps it was pity, perhaps he was just tired of waiting to get the car off his hands but in either case Mr. V. relented and agreed to let Eric have the car for $700.00 down and he would receive the remaining $600.00 as soon as Eric could come up with the. It was now late November, just in time for his birthday that Eric took possession of his very own car. The busy Christmas shopping season was almost upon them so earning the balance due should be no problem at all.

    Now the Dodge sat there waiting, serving no purpose, a wasted resource. Eric knew he was running behind and taking the car to work wouldn’t really hurt anything. He just needed to remember to drive carefully and not draw any unwanted attention to himself. Eric unlocked the door and slid in behind the wheel. That simple motion still felt great. He turned the key and listened to that old Dodge engine roar to life. Oh how he loved this car.

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