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

A Knight's Christmas

Chapter 7

Michael jumped up from the armrest and looked at Devon in disbelief. Canceling their plans for the holidays? This had to be a joke. "No! You can't be serious about this, Devon."

"Unfortunately, I am. Your presence is required at the dinner and at the meeting. Jennifer was adamant about this. There is nothing I can do about it." Devon sighed. "You can believe me, I tried. I know all of you have been looking forward to spending some time with your families or finally going on vacation."

He looked at his team who sat there in silence, letting the news sink in. He had known that Michael would be the first to utter his disapproval. "However, it doesn't mean that you won't have any time off. You are free to leave right after the dinner and return in time for the meeting if we are able to prepare everything for the it before Christmas."

"So you are saying we basically have four or five days off?" Michael was the first one to speak. Some time off was better than nothing, but there was no way they could go to Boston and to the inn as well. They wouldn't even be able to arrive at Bonnie's parents in time or spend more than one night at the Inn unless they used Super Pursuit Mode again.

"I'm afraid so. You still will have some time off, though you probably won't be able to fly to Hawaii if you had planned to do that. Of course, you are always welcome to spend Christmas here at the mansion." Devon now turned his attention to RC and Bonnie who had been quiet the entire time. "Reginald and Bonnie, I know you were planning to spend Christmas with your families and of course I don't want them to be disappointed

"Devon, it is impossible to go home for such a short time. It'll take me at least two or three days to drive cross country each way." Two or three days of constant driving, interrupted only to sleep and eat – if she went on her own. "Unless Michael and KITT would drive me again." If they could use Super Pursuit Mode again the entire time and spend the night driving, they could reach Boston in time for Christmas Day.

"Unfortunately, this is not a possibility this time. It was a nice gesture of Michael to help you out on Thanksgiving. However, you of all people should know better than anyone else that Super Pursuit Mode shouldn't be used for such a long distance and long period of time." Devon looked at her and she nodded. She knew he was right. They had been lucky that KITT hadn't suffered any damage the last time.

"There is, however, one option which would make it possible for you to see your parents." Devon saw the disappointment in Bonnie's eyes and hoped she'd take his offer. "The Foundation's private jet is at your disposal should you decide to fly."

Bonnie looked at Devon and shook her head. No matter how much she wanted to be with her parents on Christmas, flying was not an option. She still wasn't ready to get on a plane again and the private jet wasn't an exception. "Thanks, Devon, this is very generous of you. But no. I'm not flying. The thought of being on a plane, even on our private jet, still terrifies me. My parents will understand that I'd rather stay here instead of flying."

Devon smiled at her fatherly. "I understand. Should you change your mind, don't hesitate to tell me. The offer is still standing."

"I will. Thank you, Devon." Bonnie was thankful for his offer which she might have accepted if it hadn't been for the hijacking of her plane last year.

"If Bonnie doesn't want the jet, can I use it?" RC's flight to Chicago was already booked but he could easily rebook it or cancel it if Devon allowed him to use the jet. He smiled at the thought of him arriving in a private jet. His friends and family would be so proud of him.

"I wish I could, Reginald." Devon wished there was more he could do for RC and Bonnie. At least Michael didn't have to cut a family visit short, though he felt sorry for the young man. Devon knew that Michael would have rather little or no time with his family instead of having no family at all. "Unfortunately, this would give the members of the board even more reason to believe that FLAG is wasting its money. Using the jet for Bonnie would be justifiable because of her experience last year. They wouldn't understand it in your case, Reginald. But I'll make sure that you will be refunded for any rebooking fees."

"Thanks, boss. Maybe another time?" Another board meeting or a case in Chicago would be a good reason to arrive there with the private jet.

"I will keep it in mind, Reginald." If it was up to him, Devon would fulfil his wish. He was aware that this seemed to be important for RC and Devon decided to call Jennifer again and convince her to back him up if the board members complained. "I'm truly sorry that you will have to change your plans. I will do my best to make sure you have at least a couple of days off. This means, of course, that we will have to start preparing for the meeting now. The sooner we are finished with the preparations, the later you will have to return." Devon looked at Michael. "This means the morning of the meeting for you. Not only a few minutes before."

"Of course." Michael tried to look offended. "Have I ever been late for work?"

"Never, of course. So, I'd suggest you get to work immediately. Reginald, once you will have had some cookies, make sure that you will start working on a list with all the information they might need on the semi. Milage, routes and the like." Devon saw RC's face light up. "Bonnie, we'll first have to take a look at our expenses on KITT and all the new devices you added."

Bonnie stood up from the couch. "I'll get right on it."

Devon now turned to Michael. "Michael, I need you and KITT to finish the reports on your cases."

"Shouldn't be a problem. Anything else?" Michael answered quickly.

"Make sure you stay out of trouble until the meeting is over. No joyrides on the beach, not turbo-boosting. Nothing that could damage KITT or give the board reason to believe you are living out a James Bond fantasy." Devon explained referring to the meeting in Chicago.

"I'll behave." Michael grinned and followed Bonnie to the door to get her to kiss him again under the mistletoe. How he loved his tradition this year!