Chapter Four

Back in Radiator Springs at Doc's clinic, Doc, Sally, Flo and Guido prepared for the arrival of the medic and the badly injured Boost.

"Okay, everyone," Doc said. "We've got a critical patient on the way, so we need to act fast."

"I've never done anything like this before," Sally said nervously. "I mean, I've represented accident victims, but never worked on them."

"Don't you worry, honey," reassured Flo. "I studied nursing before I went into show business."

"That's nice to know," Sally sighed, relieved.

"Guido, I need you to be ready with those instruments. Time is essential," Doc said as the sirens approached. "Okay, let's do this!"

The four cars rushed out to meet the ambulance and the flatbed truck. The medic assisted them in getting Boost into the exam room.

"Oh, NO!" Sally exclaimed. "That's one of those tuner kids that Sheriff arrested last week! Oh, dear…he looks terrible!"

"Guido! Flo!" Doc ordered. "Help me get him onto the lift."

As Doc and the others frantically worked on Boost, Sheriff and the other racers drove up. The four tuners were quite emotional, especially Boost's closest friend, DJ, who was almost inconsolable. The commotion stirred up the residents of Radiator Springs, who began to gather around Doc's clinic.

"What's all the hoopla?" Lizzie asked, confused.

"Bad accident," replied Mater. "Someone got hurt real bad."

McQueen joined Lizzie and Mater. "Hey, aren't those the tuners who were here all week?" He motioned toward the four upset delinquents.

"Maybe they was in the wreck," Mater commented and watched the action in front of the clinic.

Ramone, Mack, Luigi and Red rolled up and joined the group. Red wore a very concerned look but was silent.

"Oh, it's-a bad!" Luigi cried, very emotional.

"Yeah, man," Ramone added. "One of those punk racers got hit real bad!"

"Whoa!! Which one?" McQueen queried, shocked.

"Ehhhh…it was the leader," Mack replied. "The one with all the boost canisters. He's really banged up."

"Whut happened?" Mater asked, concerned.

"Some loco dude slammed into him," Ramone answered. "They're saying it was probably suicide."

Sarge and Fillmore drove up, having just heard the news from Sheriff.

"Man, this is totally bummer," Fillmore lamented. Sarge shook his head sadly.

The concerned cars drove over to the group of street racers and tried to offer words of comfort and find out what had happened. The racers were tightly huddled together but were quite appreciative of the townsfolk's well-wishes.

Doc and his staff continued to work on Boost. His injuries were so severe that, at times, it appeared he wouldn't pull through. But because of Doc's quick thinking and exemplary medical skills, things began to look up for the injured Viper. Several hours later, Boost had stabilized, but was still unconscious and hooked up to life support.

"Whew, that was close," Doc sighed with relief. "Flo, can you monitor him tonight? He's not out of the woods yet."

"No problem, Doc," Flo responded confidently. "Flo will take good care of him!"

"Thank you, Sally and Guido, for your help as well," Doc said. "I'd better go tell his friends he will be alright."

Outside the clinic, a very anxious crowd awaited the news. Doc drove up to the wide-eyed street racers, and the rest of the cars pulled in closer to hear the news.

"It was touch-and-go for a while," Doc told them. "But he's going to make it."

The crowd cheered and gathered around the delinquents, who sighed and clung to each other in relief.

"Looks like you kids are gonna be staying in Radiator Springs for a while," Sheriff said to them. "And, no, we won't make you do community service."

"Should I take 'em to the impound lot?" Mater asked.

"No, Mater," Sheriff answered. "They've been through enough already. We'll find them somewhere else to stay."

"What about that old garage out behind Lizzie's shop?" McQueen suggested. "You know, the one I was looking at for my racing headquarters."

Sheriff's face lit up. "Perfect, McQueen. Good thinking, kid. It's certainly roomy enough for them." He turned to the tuners. "Come on, kids. You need to rest. Doc's taking good care of your friend."

The exhausted racers thanked Sheriff, and followed him to the garage, where they collapsed and fell asleep.

Sheriff quietly closed the door. "Goodnight, kids," he whispered.

"You're not worried they'll take off?" McQueen asked.

"Naw," Sheriff replied. "They won't leave their friend. They'll stay put."

"Goodnight, Sheriff," said McQueen.

"Goodnight, McQueen."

Radiator Springs once again became quiet as everyone retired for the night.