Disclaimer: Glen A. Larson and Universal own the Knight Rider characters in this story.

A Knight's Christmas

Chapter 6

Bonnie looked nervously at Michael while she sat down on the couch. Devon's announcement caused her to worry what his news would be about. Had Devon found out that they had been lying to him? She knew this was unlikely since they had been careful. But Devon was smart and wasn't someone who could be fooled easily.

Michael saw the worried look on Bonnie's face. He wished he could put his arm around her shoulder and take her fears away. There was no way Devon could have figured out they were in a relationship. He wouldn't have believed this mistletoe explanation otherwise. Therefore, physical contact wasn't a good idea at the moment.

Whatever Devon was about to tell them, he was sure, had nothing to do with them. The mere fact that RC was present as well showed him that Devon's news concerned them all, not just him and Bonnie. He reassuringly smiled at Bonnie as he plumped down on the armrest of the couch, causing Devon to raise his eyebrows because of his behavior.

"You look like someone has died, boss." By the time, his words left his mouth, RC already regretted having uttered them. Mentioning death wasn't a good idea, especially around Michael. To avoid upsetting Devon, RC hurried over to the rest of his team and sat down across from Bonnie.

"Reginald, never joke about people dying." Devon's tone was still solemn. RC quickly nodded apologetically. "Now let's get back to why I was looking for you earlier before we were distracted by cookies and mistletoes." He glanced at Michael. "Jennifer Knight called me before I came to find you."

Jennifer Knight. Everyone in the room immediately knew why Devon was in such a bad mood. Though Wilton Knight's daughter was no longer hostile towards FLAG, mentioning her name usually meant that either their budget was cut or that they had to defend FLAG to the board again.

"Oh no." Michael mumbled. "What does she want us to do now? Am I suspended again?"

"Well, Michael, this time it's not about you." Devon explained to Michael's relief. "And to answer your question. No, you aren't suspended and fortunately, there aren't any plans to close FLAG either. At least not that I'm aware of." They all remembered the board meeting in Chicago in which Jennifer had suggested to end her father's mission that one man can make a difference. "There were two reasons for her call. Neither of them is pleasant. First, the board has decided to move up the next meeting. It was supposed to be held in January. However, since one of the members is scheduled for surgery during that time, they decided to hold it right after the holidays on December 30th. It will be held here in Los Angeles. This is more convenient for most board members since they will be in town because of Knight Industries' New Year's ball anyway."

Knight Industries' New Year's ball. Michael quickly shuddered. He hoped Jennifer hadn't changed her mind and had demanded that they would have to join Devon there.

Michael's fear was noticed by Devon. "Oh, don't worry, Michael. Your attendance isn't required there. Unless, of course, you wish to join me." He would never understand why Michael didn't enjoy Knight Industries' festivities. "Jennifer informed me that our presence is expected at the meeting, however. That means the four of us will have to attend in order to make the board members understand how important our work is."

Bonnie and Michael exchanged a quick look. December 30th. This was only a few days after Christmas. Since they were supposed to be present at the meeting, they would have to cut their vacation short. It wasn't perfect, but doable. Maybe two days less at the inn, two days less at her parents' house. More speeding. They could still have time with her family and enjoy the inn.

"To put in it a nutshell, boss." RC wondered why Michael and Bonnie were so quiet. Weren't they aware of the fact that this affected their plans for the holidays? "This means we're gonna have to return to work right after Christmas?"

"I'm afraid so, Reginald. We will need some time to prepare for the meeting. I reckon you will have to be back at work the day or the evening before the meeting, if we will have finished our preparations before Christmas."

"Well, a board meeting is nothing to look forward to, but it could be worse." Michael finally said and RC and Bonnie nodded in agreement. "So, why else did she call? You said there were two reasons?"

It was now time to break another piece of news to his team. One that most of them, especially Michael, wouldn't like to hear. "You are right, this wasn't the only reason for her call. This reason is what you, Michael, would call "worse".

They all looked at Devon, waiting for him to tell them what else Jennifer had wanted.

"There was a mistake when communicating the date for the Foundation's Christmas function. It appears that the wrong date was printed on the invitations. December 23rd instead of December 18th." Devon didn't know who was responsible for the mix-up. He would investigate who had put the date in the Foundation's calendar and had called the printer. Whoever it was, and he hoped it hadn't been he himself would have to answer to him.

"Unfortunately, the invitations were already sent out to our guests and the date on the invitations was also communicated to catering and staff." Devon waited a moment before he went on. "Therefore, we will have to host the dinner on the date printed on the invitations."

He gave his co-workers a moment to let these pieces of information sink in. The shocked look on Michael's face and Bonnie resting her head in her hands told him that they were aware of what he was going to tell them next.

"This means that you will have to cancel or change most of your plans for Christmas as you will only have a few days off."