[This exchange occurs shortly after the end of Guardian Knight: A Smoothly Run Operation]
Bonnie was in the garage, taking care of minor maintenance and updates on Kitt. Work that would go much faster if Michael wasn't underfoot. Every time she turned around or reached for a tool, there was Michael. She knew he wasn't trying to be in her way. Quite the opposite, in fact. He was trying to stay out of her work area. He just didn't know where to stand.
"Michael," she finally said, with only a hint of exasperation, "don't you have paperwork to fill out for Devon?"
"Nope," he grinned. "I have an assistant to handle my paperwork these days. You should get one, too."
"Great idea. In fact, I'll take yours. And Melissa's first task will be to keep you out of my hair."
"Hey, I thought you'd be pleased I'm taking an interest."
Bonnie pointed at a chair that was several feet away. "I'd be more pleased if you'd take a seat."
Michael grabbed the indicated chair, turned it around, and sat down. "Is this better?"
"Yes."
As Bonnie turned back to Kitt's open hood. Devon came in the garage. She stifled a sigh, wondering what interruption she'd have to deal with now. Hopefully not a new case for Michael, not until she had everything on her list done. Kitt was not going out into the world at anything less than the best condition she could get him to. What happened after that was out of her control. Sadly.
"Yo, Devon," Michael greeted his boss.
"I just spoke with Doris."
"Don't tell me Greg left something behind when we took him home earlier."
"No, nothing like that. Doris called to express her gratitude for the driving lesson you gave him."
"Two lessons: one while Melissa was in morning PT, and then I let him drive us to his house."
"It's an interesting application of the technology," said Devon thoughtfully. "Kitt's sensors and other features more than compensate for a new driver's inexperience."
"And Kitt can provide real-time feedback on how well the driver is handling the car," added Bonnie.
"I found Greg to be a careful, cautious driver," said Kitt. "Unlike some others I can name."
"Wait 'till we get to the lesson on turbo boost."
"Michael!"
"Just kidding, Bonnie."
"Why did you decide to teach Greg how to drive," asked Devon.
Michael shrugged. "He didn't know how, and we had some free time while Melissa was in PT. Plus, I figured I should get to know him better."
"And will he be asking you for your ward's hand in marriage any time soon?" Bonnie laughed.
"No," said Devon.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," said Michael.
Devon smiled sadly. "Melissa spent her 14th birthday at home with Wilton. They both knew he was dying, of course. And that it would likely be his last birthday with her. Wilton said one of his regrets was that he wouldn't live long enough to be asked for her hand in marriage. Or to walk her down the aisle at her wedding. Melissa informed him – rather tartly – that it wasn't the Middle Ages, and she wasn't chattel goods."
Bonnie laughed again. "Good for her."
"She did point out to Wilton that there are states which allow 14-year-olds to marry, if being at her wedding was that important to him."
Michael said, "I'm guessing Wilton passed on that idea."
"Wilton told Melissa that since she wasn't chattel goods, she had to be responsible for her own life before asking someone else to share that responsibility."
"Did he suggest a time frame to her?" asked Kitt.
Devon counted off on his fingers. "She had to finish school: high school, college, graduate school. Then work for a few years to support herself, and to figure out who she is. 25 at the youngest."
"Melissa is 17, Michael," said Kitt. "Which means eight years."
"Hmm. Wonder how Greg feels about fishing. Or rock climbing."