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

Surprises

Chapter 2

Her eyes kept glancing from the screen of her computer to her watch. She was working late, as always. A fact which Bonnie didn't mind, especially when she was focused on developing a new program or a device for KITT. She loved her work, and it made her proud that her effort mattered and helped to make a difference.

Usually, she used the computer in the semi or the garage as it enabled her to test the programs immediately. Today, however Bonnie had opted to keep Devon company and to sit down in front of the computer in Devon's office, which she mostly used for research, not for programming. Michael and KITT hadn't returned from their latest assignment yet, which meant she wouldn't be able to install her newly developed program until KITT would be parked safely on Foundation grounds.

A sigh escaped Devon's mouth as he eyed the heap of files on his desk. Files with cases which would require their help. Cases which weren't necessarily what they usually dealt with. Some of them would be considered a waste of time by the police or other authorities. Not by the Foundation. Their aim was to help everyone, no matter if the case was impossible to solve or not important enough for the police. This was Wilton Knight's dream and Devon would make sure to keep his dream alive, even if he had to defend it again and again in front of the board members.

The board members. Any board meeting caused Devon to feel nervous though the last meeting had been surprisingly pleasant - a fact which Devon credited to the successful Christmas banquet hosted by the Foundation and mostly planned by Bonnie. If the key to the board members' approval was throwing banquets, fundraisers, and functions, then Devon would gladly plan additional events at the Foundation's mansions.

He glanced at the calendar on his desk looking for a suitable occasion for a function. It was almost February, too soon for a spring function and too late for a winter soiree. Another thought came to his mind and his lips curled into a smile.

"Bonnie, dear, you remember that the board members were speaking very highly of our Christmas banquet, don't you?" Devon Miles asked the cyber technician who was still engrossed in her work. "Bonnie?" He had to mention her name again to get her to notice him and to focus her attention on him. His question was quickly answer by a nod.

"It has come to my attention that the more functions we host, the more supportive of FLAG the board members and Jennifer Knight as well have become. Therefore, I'm thinking of hosting a Valentine's Day fundraiser at the Foundation estate this year. Do you think this is a good idea?"

Bonnie's eyes finally moved away from her computer and focused her boss instead. "A fundraiser on Valentine's Day? Well, I'm not sure if this is a good idea, Devon. Do you think that many of our guests would attend?" She carefully replied, choosing her words well. She knew if Devon hosted a fundraiser on Valentine's Day, it would mean that the entire team would have to attend. In the past, she wouldn't have minded since her date on February 14th was usually her computer. This year was different. This Valentine's Day would be the first Valentine's Day she would be spending with Michael and - unless he forgot or was sent away on an assignment - Bonnie was certain he'd try to make it special for her.

"Yes, dear, I think most of our donors and supporters would come as they always enjoy our functions." The more he thought about the idea, the more determined Devon became that it would be another successful event which would fill the Foundation's bank account with donations and dispel any doubts the boards members had about the purpose of their work. "And I'm assuming since you, Michael, and Reginald aren't seeing anyone right now, you don't have plans for this day anyway." Bonnie winced but since Devon was already writing down names on his note pad, he didn't notice her reaction and the hurt look on her face.

Bonnie sighed in frustration which made Devon look up from his list. This was not how she had planned to spend Valentine's Day. But at least it meant that Michael wouldn't have to work and that she could spend the evening with him - unless Devon decided that she had to entertain Irving Faber again.

Devon must have read her mind. "Oh, don't worry. I won't ask you to be Irving's date or anyone's dated again. Although I know that Matt Erikson would be more than happy to spend the evening with you." He remembered that the young architect and Bonnie had become friends while Matt had worked on the Foundation mansion. "All of you are free to enjoy the evening with whoever you want to."

"What a great idea, boss." A voice from the door made them turn their heads RC III had just walked into the office and excitedly joined in on their conversation. "A Valentine's party is gonna be so much fun. Cool music, good-looking girls, and fantastic food. I'm in." His grin grew wider. "I can already see it. Balloons, lots of balloons shaped like hearts, pink drinks. Hey, why don't we have the staff run around like Cupid?"

Bonnie rolled her eyes. Devon wouldn't be impressed with RC's suggestions, and neither would Jennifer.

"Well, I'm glad you approve of my idea, Reginald." Devon chuckled at the young man's enthusiasm. "But what exactly is your definition of 'cool music'?"

"You know, boss, loud music. Music that you wanna sing along. Music that makes you wanna dance." RC quickly explained. "Let me show you…."

"Maybe some other time, Reginald." Devon politely declined. Did RC truly expect him to play disco music at a Foundation function? "I don't think that this is the right place to sing along and dance. And our guests would certainly prefer a different kind of music"

"You haven't listened to RC's CDs yet, Devon? The guests might enjoy his music. Wait – guests? Which guests?" Michael had just returned from his assignment and walked into the office. He had been looking for Bonnie in the semi, the garage, and in the lab. When he couldn't find her, he assumed that she was in Devon's office.

Bonnie's eyes lit up as Michael headed over to her computer and pulled her into an embrace. A friendly, innocent hug. They hadn't seen each other for a week, and Bonnie had missed Michael.

"Well, I doubt neither they nor I would." Devon looked up from his note pad and saw Michael hug Bonnie. He noticed that the hug seemed to last a little longer than usually. "Michael, welcome back."

"Nice to see you too, Devon." Michael smiled as he sat down on the armrest of the sofa next to RC. "So, what's going on? Why are we talking about guests and music here? "

Devon cleared his throat and put down his pen. "The Foundation is hosting a fundraiser on Valentine's Day, and all of you will be there to represent FLAG. You and Reginald will be wearing a suit and a tie, don't forget. And Reginald, no fancy ties or heart-shaped glasses." Devon tried to sound strict, though his lips curled into an amused smile. "This will be another important function for FLAG and we are going to make sure that our guests, and of course we as well, will have a splendid time."