"Welcome race fans! We are here in chilly Tennessee for another great weekend of racing!" Announced Darrel on tv. Sally glanced up at it from her office in the cone. Another week of racing. Lightning was always so busy. They both were. Sally grabbed a pen and began filling out bills. One thing there. Rich or poor. You had bills. Ding. Flo walked in and greeted, "Hey there baby." "Hey, Flo." Sally replied. Flo stopped and glanced at the tv.

"Cal Weathers is still out for this week's race. But he did make a statement about taking time to rest and get a full recovery before returning." Said the screen as it showed some racers driving on the track.

Flo looked at Sally and asked, "Are they racing now?" Sally glanced at the tv then shook her head, answering, "No, qualifying today. The race is tomorrow." "MMm. You two finally making wedding plans?" Asked Flo as she sat in the chair on the other side of the desk. Sally nodded, "Yes. Lightning is more than me. And he is oddly amazing at it." "What? Really?" "YES! He picked out the most beautiful colors for the wedding and I never even thought of it. Don't tell him, but I think the wedding is bringing out his feminine side." Sally mentioned. Flo quietly giggled and assured, "I won't tell him." Sally just smiled and continued her work.

"Looks like Lightning McQueen will be taking the fourth position today out on this track"

Sally snickered, "Something's thrown him off his game." She said. Flo raised a brow and asked, "You can tell that just by the position he landed?" Sally nodded. She knew her future husband. "Fourth is not the best. It means he tried hard for pole. If it were like eighth, he was just taking it easy, but fourth... Means he was pushing." Sally explained. Flo was honestly just impressed. Sally glanced at the screen to see it go to commercial. Flo asked, "Well. He's done for now. Want to grab some lunch?" Sally put the envelopes in the drawer in her desk then put the pen up before answering, "Yes, I'm starved!" "Good." So the girls headed to the cafe to grab lunch together. Which was good, because they hadn't done so in a while.

The two sat down and Mia walked up, asking, "May I get you two some drinks to get started?" Sally smiled, "A cup of coffee and a glass of water." Flo with, "Sweet tea, please." "You got it." Said Mia. Flo stopped her and added, "Don't worry about writing up a check though." "Yes, Mam." Mia replied before walking away. Alone, Flo asked, "How are things going? Are you stressed out? Planned to pick a dress yet?" "Yes and yes. Things are good though. I mean.. Lightning and I did get into a bit when he found out I stopped taking my-um.." She paused and glanced around to see if the press were listening in for any reason. Nope. "Birth control." "Oh honey.. Are you two trying?' Flo asked with an excited smile. Sally shook her head and explained, "No. No, I'm just trying to get my body adjusted before we do. I think we may start trying on the honeymoon or shortly after." "Oh my gosh, congratulations!" "Yeah, well.. Don't say that yet, Flo. Lightning seems to avoid conversation about having a baby altogether most times. Keeps putting it off." "He's a guy and he's Lightning. He'll come around." "I know.." Sally mumbled. Mia then appeared, bringing the drinks. "Are you two ready to order?' She asked happily.

Sally nodded, "House salad with grilled chicken." Flo with, "Just the sampler, honey." Mia nodded and went on to work. "So what's the theme of the wedding now?" Flo asked. Sally smiled, "Radiator Springs. And we'll have it at Wheel Well. Oh, it's going to be beautiful, Flo. Mid-race season though. The sooner the better." Flo raised a brow and asked, "I thought you wanted to wait until the off-season to get married?" "I did, but.. After what happened to Cal a few weeks ago.. I just.." Flo stopped Sally by placing her hand over hers on the table. "I understand. Life is short." Flo smiled. Sally just smiled back. Flo was such a warm and understanding person. Sally sighed then announced, "Now I have to work on the guest list. Pretty much alone. But I plan on emailing the list to Lightning once I'm finished." Flo snickered, "Hm. Emailing the guest list to the groom for approval. Sound crazy, honey. I think you need to relax and take a break from all that work you do." Sally giggled, "Lightning tells me to all the time. But you know me, Flo. I love working." "True." Agreed her friend. It wasn't long and Mia brought out their meals. "Enjoy." Said the waitress before walking away. Flo leaned in close and asked, "You're not inviting those twins, are you?" Sally shook her head quickly, "No way. I can't stand the idea of that. On the other hand.. Part of me wants to rub it in their faces that I got Lightning and not them." Flo giggled at that.

They ate and continued their chat. "I still have to make sure Ben can make it." Sally announced casually. Flo raised a brow and asked, "You're inviting your ex-husband?" Sally nodded. Flo stared a moment and Sally noticed, so asked, "Why? What's that face for?" Flo shrugged replying, "Nothing.. Just.. Won't that be a little awkward?" "No. I don't know why it would be." "Not for you, for Lightning." Flo corrected. Sally paused and thought about that. She never even thought about asking Lightning about inviting Ben to the wedding. She just assumed. "Oh my gosh.. Lightning's right..." Sally mumbled. "About what?" Aked Flo. Sally sighed, "We got into a little fight about how I make all decisions for us.. Maybe he's right. I never even thought about asking him, I was just going to.. Invite Ben. Oh gosh... And if Lightning just blew the list off and Ben showed up to the wedding.. Lightning would have been surprised with that! I might be the most selfish bride alive.." Sally whined. Flo snickered. "You're not. Did you already invite Ben?" She asked. Sally shook her head. Flo smiled, "Good. Talk to Lightning first then. Problem solved." Sally smiled at her friend. Good thing Flo asked about this or Lightning might have been hit with this during the wedding! BBbzzzzz. Sally's phone. Sally reached below then placed the device on the table. It was a news update. About the race. About the track. Suddenly, Sally's happy smile turned to a fearful and pale expression. Flo fell worried and asked, "What is it? What happened?" Sally looked up at Flo and husked, "Shots were fired at the race track..."

"What?" Flo asked to confirm. Sally felt dizzy. Flo asked, "Someone brought a gun to the race track?" Sally looked at her phone. Trying to find updates. "Says the track is closed.. Sending people through security as they search for the gunman.." Flo fearfully asked, "Was anyone shot?" Sally stared at her friend and answered, "It doesn't say. Oh my gosh, it doesn't say!" Sally shouted as the panic set in. She stood up and quickly pulled up Lightning's name. She knew the chances of him answering were slim anyway though since he probably placed his phone in the trailer or garage and was walking around without it. It rang anyway. "Come on.. Come on, Lightning... Just this one time... Answer.. Have your phone on you, please.." Suddenly a tray dropped across the cafe, making a loud CLANK! Everyone stared at Tia to see her gasp as she stared at her phone in shock! The news was spreading and spreading fast! "OH my god! Someone shot people!?" She snapped loudly! Sally's eyes filled with tears as Lightning's phone went to voicemail. So she tried calling again. Mia ran over to her sister, as did a few customers to see what was going on. Tia announced, "Says someone was shot!" "Who?" Asked a stranger. Lightning's phone went to voicemail for a second time. Tia answered, "Doesn't say. Just one person has been shot and is on their way to the hospital." Mia then asked, "Who shot?" Tia shrugged. "Doesn't say." She answered her sister. Sally sat back in her seat. Staring at her phone. Waiting for Lightning to call her back and assure her that he was fine. Everything was okay and that he was fine...

Sally paced back and forth in her home. Along with the gang of Radiator Springs, minus Mater. Everyone was waiting for either the news to update them or for Lightning to finally call Sally. Sally paced back and forth, back and forth. Flo finally said, "Come sit down, sweetheart.. You can't do anything right now." Sally only snapped, "I have to walk! I have to keep myself busy!" Sarge glanced at the clock on the wall. Filmore asked, "How long has it been since this happened?" Ramone with, "Too long." It had been around five hours. Sally stopped and stared at the clock. That was too long. She sighed and glanced at her phone. "Lightning should have called by now.. He would have.." Flo stood up and placed a hand on Sally's shoulder. "Maybe a friend of his was shot and he went ot the hospital and forgot his phone..." Sally only cried, "Wouldn't he use the hospital phone to let me know!? Someone should have called me by now!" And she was right. Someone should have. If not Lightning. Mack, Rusteze guys, Mater, security, a doctor, a friend, someone! Luigi then pointed to the tv, "Look! It's back on!" Everyone stared at the tv screen as if their own lives depended on it!

The woman came on screen with a mic in hand and the track in the background. "Today, during qualification, a man snuck into the race track with an unseen weapon. The man somehow bypassed security and was able to walk right up to what seemed to be his intended target, Lightning McQueen."

Sally collapsed to her knees. He was dead. Lightning was dead!

"What's even scarier, is that no one even heard the shot. The man is still at large as federal investigators are working with the chief of police to find and apprehend the shooter and suspects that may have been with him. It is plausible that the shooter had accomplices on the inside, enabling him to bypass the security checks. At the moment, the only thing they know about this man is that he was wearing a large, beige trench coat with the collar up, a fedora, and black pants. Police are urging people to stay in their homes and if you see anyone suspicious, to call the station immediately. Here's Gabriel Agusttine, chief of police."

Sally was feeling fainter and fainter! No one had called her and told her this! Lightning was shot and he was dead! He must be dead! That's why no one called her yet because no one knew how to tell her!

"We are urging people to stay inside and lock your homes, your cars.. But I do believe that this was the only person the shooter intended to harm. He came in, shot a single shot at one person and that was it. So I do believe the imminent threat is gone, but that doesn't mean the man isn't dangerous. He is armed and at large, but we will protect and do our best to find him."

Sally waled and cried loudly in heartbreak! Flo and Luigi sat here on the ground with her, comforting her.

"Lightning McQueen was standing over there." The woman pointed to an area covered by crime tape and cops. "When witness' say he suddenly collapsed in a pool of blood. His red suit camouflaging the severity of blood loss. He was taken to Fort's hospital by helicopter and is in stable condition at the moment."

Flo grabbed Sally by the shoulders and said, "You hear that!? Stable condition! He's alive. He's okay, Sally!" Sally stared at the screen in disbelief! Sally's heart was light and fluttering! No one called her! Why did no one call her for hours!? "I.. I have to get to that hospital.." Sally muttered as she wiped tears. Ramone shrugged. "It would take days to drive out there." Flo hugged Sally and said, "You will have to wait until morning and take a plane.." Sally shook her head and asked Sheriff, "Can't you make the helicopter at the hospital here take me?" The sheriff glanced at Ramone, the current mayor of Radiator Springs. Ramone frowned and explained, "The town only has one helicopter... If someone were to actually need it.." Sally cried into Flo's arms. She understood and knew Ramone was right, but she wanted to run to Lightning right now!...

FIVE HOURS EARLIER...RACE TRACK...

Lightning just finished qualifying and pulled his race car into the pits. Tiffany was waiting and complimented, "Good run there. Fourth is a great position." Lightning took off the helmet and snarked, "Not good enough. I should have done better. I got distracted." he growled. Tiffany raised a brow and asked, "By what?" Then she noticed Lightning staring at someone. A woman. Red hair, high dollar white sundress, Egyptian sandals with a sun hat on. "Who is she?' Asked the young racer. Lightning stared at the woman from across the track a moment more before answering, "No one really." Then asked, "Are you racing tomorrow?" Tiffany nodded with a smile. "Yes, Sir! I think I've watched you long enough old-timer." "Not even that much older than you. Suit up and take a few laps than." "Really!? IN your car?" Tiffany asked. Lightning glared at her. Tiffany smiled awkwardly and said, "Right.. My car. I knew that." Lightning rolled his eyes then headed to his trailer, but he was stopped by the woman's voice. "Lightning!" He turned around to see her. Josephine. "Not even going to say hi?" She asked teasingly, crossing her arms. Lightning smiled as she approached him closer. "Sorry, I was busy." "I'll say. I still can't believe you are getting married." She teased. Lightning snickered with, "Yeah, well. Guess I tricked her into loving me."

Josie rolled her eyes and corrected, "You don't need to do that. How are you anyway?" "I'm great." "Fourth huh?" "Yeah, well.. I got distracted." He defended. Josie smiled, "Obviously." Lightning noticed the large ring on Josie's ring finger and asked, "So is that a real thing?" Josie glanced at her VERY large diamond ring before answering. "Second marriage. Jenson is amazing. You should meet him sometime. I think you'd like him." "What are you doing here?" Asked Lightning. Josie smiled, "Jenson works for the track." "Oh. And he affords a ring like that?" Lightning questioned. Josie crossed her arms and explained, "He owns a part with it." "Well don't let Sally see that ring. It's at least fifty thousand more than the one I bought her." Josie only laughed at that and playfully punched Lightning in the shoulder, "She loves you, you idiot." Lightning just snickered. Josie fixed her hair and hat then frowned, "I haven't spoken to you since last year.. What happened at that Grand Prix.. I can't imagine how Sally"-"I'm okay. We're okay." "Are you?" Josie asked softly. Lightning about nodded but instead remained silent. He and Sally still had nightmares about it. Josie then hugged Lightning. "I'm here if you ever need me, baby." "Thanks, but I'm fine. I'm good." Lightning assured. Josie nodded, "We should all have dinner sometime. You, me, Jenson, and Sally." Lightning smiled, "Yeah, that could be nice." Josie hugged Lightning. "See you around." Then walked away. Lightning watched her go. Watching her ass sway a bit before snickering and shaking his head. Jenson was a lucky man. Lightning turned and almost ran into someone. "Sorry." He quickly apologized.

The man in the trench coat replied, "No, no. It is okay." He had an accent. An odd one that stood out. Russian or german maybe. "Can you autograph this for me?" The man asked as he handed Lightning a magazine with none other than Lightning McQueen on the cover with his flashy smile. Lightning stared at the man and explained, "I usually sign autographs at the booth, but.. I guess I can make an exception." The man smiled then handed Lightning a pen from his coat pocket. "Who do I make this to?" Asked Lightning. The man smiled, "Just your signature is fine." Lightning nodded and began his John Hancock. "It is a shame. What happened in England." The man said. Lightning raised a brow, pausing his signing, and asked, "Excuse me?" "The Grand Prix." "Oh. Yeah, well.. I try not to dwell over it too much." Lightning admitted as he finished the signature, handing the magazine back to the stranger. "I am.. So sorry." The man said. Lightning shook his head, "No, don't be. I'm fine. I'm back home. Racing where I belong now and I've moved past all that. Things are good. I'm just glad to be home." he smiled. The man shook his head saying, "No, no. You misunderstand. Not that." he then placed a hand on Lightning's left shoulder, pulling Lightning in close and whispering into Lightning's ear, "I am sorry for this." THUMP! Lightning felt a sharp and sudden burning in his stomach.

When he looked down, he saw the tip of a suppresser. The man hid the gun back into his coat then smiled at Lightning before tipping his hat and saying, "Thanks for the autograph." And walking away. Lightning placed his hands on his stomach a the wound. His mind was in shock! He removed his hands to see the blood covering his palms. He felt faintish at the sight of all the blood. He stared down. His suit staining with more and more blood. He fell to his knees. Blood began to pour it seemed. Never-ending. Suddenly a few people around noticed and ran to his side. Josephine ran over and just as Lightning began to collapse forward, she fell to her knees in front of him and caught him in her arms. "Lightning!" She screamed at him. She could feel liquid against her, between them. She pushed Lightning up to look him in the eyes when she saw the blood in his hands, on his suit, the asphalt beneath them, and on her dress. "OH my god! You've been shot!?" She shouted! Quickly, another stranger yelled, "MEDIC! We need a medic over here!" Security ran over as a pit crew member from some other team called emergency. Bobby RAN over and slid down onto his knees. He quickly panicked! Lightning looked at Bobby and barely said in a shaky voice, "Bobby..." "I'm here! Pressure, McQueen!" He reminded as Lightning held his wound. "Bobby..." Lightning's voice trembled. Lightning placed a hand on Bobby's shoulder and Bobby quickly placed his hands over Lightning's wound to keep the pressure! "..Sally.." Lightning muttered. Bobby nodded, saying, "Yeah, yeah, I got her. I'll take care of it." Lightning breathed heavily as he to was panicking. Going into shock. "I'm gonna pass out now..." He quietly announced. Josi snapped, "No! Don't do that! Stay with us, Lightning!" Bobby nodded, "Okay.. Okay.." Then looked up and asked a stranger to help get Lightning laying down. Josie snapped again, "WHAT!? He'll bleed out!" "HE'S ALREADY BLEEDING OUT!" Bobby yelled in anger!

Josie stepped back and let Bobby and the crew member lay Lightning down on his back. Bobby kept the pressure on the wound until proper help arrived. Lightning stared up at the sky as he felt so dizzy and it was almost painful to keep his eyes open. His head was spinning and his insides.. "It burns.." He growled in pain. Bobby looked down at his friend and nodded, "I know, Man. Try to stay with us." "IT BURNS!" Lightning yelled with such pain and anger in his voice! "He fucking shot me!" Bobby nodded and replied, "I know. I know it, just... Just fight, McQueen." Lightning was breathing fast and heavy as he panicked. Josie placed her bloody palm on his face and gazed down into his blue eyes. "Don't you die on me. Don't you dare die in front of me, Baby.. You really want this to be the last time I see you? Like this?" She asked as her eyes filled with tears. Lightning panted heavily as he stared up at Josie. All he could think of was the last time he saw Sally and the last time Sally saw him. Fuck.. He couldn't die on Sally. It would destroy her! She was already broken and afraid after what happened in England and now this? He had to survive! He had to survive for Sally! The medics finally arrived and put Lightning in the helicopter. Leaving the ground a bloody pool, the crew member, Bobby, and Josie standing there, covered in blood and fear that Lightning may die. The last medic hopped in and about shut the door when Josie shouted, "WAIT!" She ran up to it, "I need to be with him!" "Family only! There's barely any room!" The man yelled over the copter! Josie showed the man her giant ring and yelled, "I'm his wife!" The man hesitated. Glancing at Lightning then nodded and helped Josie in before closing the door and they headed to the hospital...

It was the next evening before Sally was able to run into the hospital where Mater and Bobby were waiting for her. "Where is he? How is he!?" Sally asked in panic! Bobby granned Sally's shoulder and forced her to look at him. "He's okay. He's in a coma, but'"-"A coma!? OH my gosh! Where is he!?" Sally ran to the front desk and asked for his room number, but the man at the desk said, "I'm sorry.. Mister McQueen is not seeing anyone who isn't family or approved by his wife." "HIS WIFE!?" Sally asked! "I'm his fiance'!" The man stared at her with confusion and maybe even a little fear. Then, Josephine walked out and Sally recognized her immediately. "Josephine!" Sally shouted. Josie stopped as Sally approached and asked, "What happened? Were you there-wait.. What are you doing here?" Before Josie could answer, the man at the desk walked up to her and said, "Mrs. McQueen.. This woman says she's here to see your husband." Josie sighed, "I got this, it's fine, thanks." The man walked away and Sally asked in anger, "You want to explain what the hell is going on here?" Josie did, "I was there. Bobby was to." Bobby walked up and placed a hand on Sally's shoulder as Josie continued, "I had to say I was his wife to ride to the hospital with him and to get approval to see him after surgery.. I just.. In case.. I didn't want him to die alone." Sally then turned to Bobby and snapped, "Why didn't you call me!?" Bobby tried explaining, "I was worried about Lightning. I did try a few times, but it went to voicemail. I didn't know your personal number and Jesse's cell is dead, so I tried the motels." Of course! That explained why Sally never heard a thing. Mater then whimpered, "I am so sorry I wasn't there to stop that man.. I shoulda been there." Bobby then assured Mater that, "Not your fault, man. No one could see this happening." Mater just nodded with a frown and teared up eyes. Sally then asked Josie to take her to Lightning. The friends all went through the halls quietly. Josie explained, "The doctor said he was lucky. He did have some of his bowel removed and had to have some blood." "What about this coma? Bobby said he was in a coma." Josie nodded and explained, "A medically induced coma and he is on a ventilator, but they expect him to wake up sometime tonight and they'll remove it later." "Josie..." Sally murmured as she stopped. Josie stared at Sally. Sally took her hands in hers and said, "Thank you for being there for him when I couldn't.. You to Bobby.." Bobby nodded. Josie then pointed to a room door and said, "That's him. I'm going to grab some coffee. You should go see him." Bobby smiled and added, "I'll be outside if you need me." Sally nodded then slowly made her way to the door. Slowly and quietly opening it. She closed it behind her and took a minute before walking in close enough to see Lightning. She slowly tiptoes to the end of his bed. He was in the coma state with a tube down his throat, bandaged up, and covered with a blanket up to his neck. Sally's heart broke into pieces seeing him like this. Sally walked very slowly up to Lightning's side and placed her hand on top of his.

She gently patted his hand. feeling his skin on hers. "Don't you dare die on me.." She pleaded softly. Bobby knocked before coming in. Sally glanced at him and asked "Did you see what happened?" Bobby shook his head. Sally sighed. Her eyes teared up more and more. Bobby walked over and cradled Sally in his arms. Kissing the top of her head and assuring her that "He's okay. He made it to the hospital, through surgery, he's recovering. He is going to wake up and everything is going to be okay." Then another knock at the door. Sally and Bobby turned around to see a police officer. Sally wiped her eyes and asked, "Did you get the guy who did this?" The officer walked up to her, answering, "We have made an arrest, but.. Without Mister McQueen identifying him.. There is no guarantee." Sally nodded, "I understand.." The man walked to the end of Lightning's bed then asked, "Can I see i-ds?.. I have been asked to stay posted outside Mister McQueen's room for his safety and only let confirmed identities in." Sally immediately asked, "Why? You think the person who did this will come back?" "That's not what I'm"-"Oh my gosh... The man who shot him.. He was going after Lightning.. Wasn't he?" She asked. The officer sighed and asked, "Can I see your i-ds?" Bobby pulled out his wallet and handed it to the cop. Sally hesitated, but glancing at Lightning and knowing it was for his safety, took out her I-d and handed it to the cop as well. The officer nodded and handed them back to their owners. "I'll be outside." He said as he walked out. Sally frowned. Looking at Lightning. Bobby wrapped an arm around Sally and was really just there for support of her and his best friend...

Soft material at his fingertips. Crisp and cool air down his throat. A little sore to swallow. Lightning opened his eyes. He felt a little dizzy still. A little sleepy, and god the pain. He felt like he had been hit by a train! He looked around him. Getting a feel of his surroundings. It was late. Quiet and dark in the hospital room. The lights were off and Sally was asleep on a cot near the window with the light of the moon peeking in. It was a little chilly. Enough to make your hair raise and give you some goosebumps. Lightning glanced at the monitor then reached up and lifted the blanket to see the large bandage taped over his stomach. He took a painful deep breath in then out before setting the blanket down. He was shot. Someone shot him. Sally stirred slightly then happen to glance over at Lightning and stared. Was he really awake? "Lightning?.." She called quietly. Lightning hoarsely answered, "I'm up.." Sally hopped off that cot so fast and ran to his side! Hugging him tightly! Lightning yelped a bit and Sally stepped back and apologized, "Sorry! So sorry!.." She grabbed his hand and cried, "I was so afraid... I..I"-"I can't leave you Sal.. I'm.. Afraid you're stuck with me." He smiled. Sally wiped her eyes then leaned close and kissed his cheek. Lightning sighed. It hurt to sigh. "Lightning.." Sally began, "Do you know who shot you?" Lightning shook his head a little. Sally kissed his head and said, "That's fine. It's fine. You are alive and that is what matters. That is all that matters to me." She said...