Part I
"Nice going, DeSoto."
"Thanks." Paramedic Roy DeSoto stepped out of the ambulance and walked over to Dick Carter, the man in charge of all crash courses. "Does this mean I pass?"
"Get out of here!" With a hearty laugh and a pat on the back, Dick handed Roy his evaluation sheet. "As good as ever, Roy ol' boy. You've always had a knack for this kind of thing."
"Thanks, Dick. I try."
Roy's work partner, Johnny Gage watched from off to the side, scowling. When would he be as good as Roy? Probably never. He lacked the experience. Johnny knew he hadn't been on the squad long, but he couldn't help but to be jealous of Roy. He was one darn good driver. It was still a puzzle to Johnny how a guy like Roy DeSoto could ever be so good at maneuvering an ambulance at high speeds. He wished he had that talent. It sounded pretty fun.
Roy approached Johnny, keys in hand. "Ready to get going John?"
"Ready as ever, Roy. I've been waiting to leave ever since your test started." He followed Roy to their medic unit and got in the passenger's side. Roy got in the driver's seat and started the car.
"You're getting better, Johnny," Roy said. "It's just a matter of time before you'll be better than me."
"Yeah, yeah. Just keep talking, DeSoto."
"Why the doubtful tone?" Roy replied with a grin.
"Well, just look at you! You're--"
"I'm…?"
"I have to say, Roy, I'm curious! How'd a guy like you get such keen driving skills?"
Roy's grin widened. He glanced over to Johnny and almost burst into laughter at his sour expression. "Practice, just like anybody else."
"Practice? Since when have you ever practiced?"
"I was a teen-aged boy once."
Johnny looked to Roy. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, I'll tell you if you promise not to go spreading it around."
Johnny breathed a deep sigh. He hated it when Roy suckered him into these kinds of agreements. "Okay.I swear."