Please excuse the delay in posting this chapter.

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

A Knight's Christmas

Chapter 23

"Are you sure you'll need all these clothes?" Michael looked in surprise at the heap of clothes lying on top of Bonnie's bed. Why did women always think they needed so many clothes even when they'd only go away for a few days?

"To be honest, I have no idea. Why don't you tell me what I need? I have to pack everything because you haven't given me any clues about our destinaton." Bonnie dropped her bag on the bed. She had to pack all kinds of different clothes as he could take her anyway. "So maybe you can give me a hint what I should pack?"

Michael hesitated as he liked the idea to surprise Bonnie with the Riesling Inn. If he told her now, it would facilitate her decision what to pack. But he wanted her to be excited and curious. He couldn't wait to see the look on her face once they arrived at the Inn. "Ah, I don't know, Bon. I don't want to ruin the surprise for you. And I know you. Even if I give you the slightest hint, like telling you now what you can leave here, you won't stop trying to find out more."

Michael was right, she wouldn't give up. Especially since she'd have plenty of time to speculate about their destination while she would have to pretend to be interested in Irving's monologues at the banquet. "Why don't you pack for me then? Everything I could need is on the bed. You can hide the clothes you leave here in one of the empty drawers. I promise I won't look."

"You promise?" Michael shot her a quizzical look. Bonnie wasn't someone who gave up easily.

"I do. Besides, by this time tomorrow I'll know what you have planned." She rose on her tiptoes and kissed him. "I can't wait to spend the next few days just with you. And with KITT, of course. No phone calls, no criminals, no obligations, no April."

April. Of course. It wasn't just Irving why Bonnie was unhappy. April's arrival had also affected her mood.

"April being here really upsets you, doesn't it?" He asked carefully, wording it nicely. It was no secret that both women were competing not only in terms of work but also around him and Devon.

Bonnie sighed. "I just wonder why she always manages to get everything she wants. She makes a mistake, and Devon even finds on excuse for it and takes the blame. She wants you and of course, she gets to be your date. Everything is so easy for her. What's her secret? I'm sure it wouldn't have taken her more than four years to admit that she has feelings for you. She probably told you the minute she replaced me."

"Bon, we agreed not to talk about the year you weren't here." He said evasively. "And it doesn't matter how long it would take April to tell me if she had feelings for me. Because I don't care. I love you, Bon. She may be my date for the evening, but you are the one I'll be thinking of. And you are the one I'll be spending Christmas and the break with."

His words made Bonnie's heart melt and forget about April. However, there was still another person who dampened her mood. "Now we only have to get rid of Irving politely. You said you had a plan?"

"I'm working on it. As soon as I'll get a hold of the guest list." He smiled mysteriously, making Bonnie wonder what he was up to. Admittedly, Irving wasn't the worst person to spend the evening with. He was polite and a gentleman, and he certainly wouldn't act inappropriately towards her. However, he was known for his lengthy monologues about his research interests which Bonnie already dreaded.

"And if this falls through, I'll use my standard excuse to save you." Bonnie shot him a curious look. "I'll say that KITT needs you. This has worked before." He kissed her again.

In the past, he had made it a habit to deliberately miss events and banquets. If it wasn't for Bonnie, he would have considered not attending this year's banquet. But Bonnie couldn't avoid banquets as easily as he could. Devon counted on her. However, after his breakdown last year, Michael knew that if he decided not to show up, Devon would be worried and send a search troop to find him. "Wish we could just skip the banquet and get an early start on our break. Like I used to do."

"I know. But we can't. Not after last year's banquet. Devon would think you'd have another breakdown." She looked at the heap of clothes on her bed. "We'll find a way to enjoy the banquet somehow. And I better begin getting ready for it while you do the packing."

"Can't wait to see you in your dress. And later without your dress." The grin on Michael's face grew wider as she playfully threw a sweater at him before she left her bedroom.

xxx

After Bonnie's bag was packed, Michael put their luggage in KITT's trunk so that she wouldn't break her promise and accidently open her bag. There was still plenty of time before he would have to get ready for the banquet. Enough time to work on his plan to get Bonnie away from Irving.

It wasn't the first time he'd saved her from annoying guests who were keen on spending the evening with her. Irving, however, was different. He couldn't be distracted with other beautiful women or with the cue that the buffet was opened. No, Irving wasn't as interested in food as other guests usually were. He was infatuated with Bonnie and his family was also a potential donor. Therefore, Michael had to think of another way to save Bonnie from Irving.

For a moment, Michael contemplated walking into Devon's office and begging him to find someone else to entertain Irving. Bonnie had mentioned that Devon was aware how she thought about his request. Maybe he'd be willing to save her from having to spend the evening with Irving? However, according to Bonnie, Devon wouldn't have a choice as he was instructed by Jennifer and because Bonnie's company had been specially asked for by Irving. The Foundation needed contributions to keep KITT running and to be able to operate and to fulfil Wilton's dream. Therefore, they couldn't risk upsetting Irving.

Since Devon's hands were tied, and Jennifer was counting on donations, Michael dropped the idea of paying Jennifer a visit. He doubted that Jennifer would be able to help him either. And she would ask him questions. Questions he'd rather avoid.

He needed a new plan. A plan which wouldn't require anyone's help, and which wouldn't displease Irving's family.

Irving Faber loved the time of Renaissance. What could be more interesting for him than a look at the Foundation's prestigious library and paintings or another guest who'd share his interest? Scrolling down the guest list, his eyes hoped to spot the name of a historian, or a curator or a professor.

Michael's face lit up when he read three names on the guest list:

Barbara Ralston

Dr. Quentin Tanner

Katherine Granger

Barbara and Dr. Tanner were archaeologists and had worked on the land of Kobe Indians. Katherine's father Charlie was an explorer, and Katherine herself was quite interested in discovering her father's lost treasure. But would they be willing to discuss research on the Renaissance with Irving?

He felt confident that one of these two options would distract Irving so that Bonnie wouldn't have to spend the entire evening with him. If the prospect of browsing through the Foundation's huge library wouldn't lure Irving away, then maybe the chance to discuss his research with Dr. Tanner.

If neither of his plans were successful, he'd stay around Bonnie and Irving until he would pretend that KITT needed Bonnie's attention again. And then it would only be a matter of hours before they would start their vacation and they would head up to Napa.