Thanks for your patience and thanks so much for the reviews. I'm so glad you like my fic.

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

Surprises

Chapter 4

A frown appeared on Devon's face as he studied the file on his desk carefully. A file with a new case that had just been delivered to him. A note with the word "Urgent" written in red capital letters was stuck on the envelope. Why this case seemed to be a pressing matter was not apparent to Devon. This wasn't a matter of death or life, and it didn't involve deadlines. On the contrary, it was a case which needed to be dealt at some point, but it was clearly not a top priority case. However, the board seemed to think differently as it was someone from the CEOs who had put the label on the manila envelope.

A sigh escaped his mouth, loud enough to be heard by Bonnie who had walked into the office only a moment ago, with several RSVPs to the fundraiser in her hand.

"Is everything alright?" She asked carefully, aware that Michael was on the road and afraid that an accident could be the reason for Devon's sigh and the expression on his face. A thought that came to her mind every time she'd see Devon with a worrisome look on his face "Is there a problem with KITT and Michael? Was there …. was there an accident?"

Bonnie's words interrupted Devon's thought. Immediately, he looked up from the file. His eyes spotted the signs of worry and fear in Bonnie's eyes. "Oh, no, of course not, my dear. KITT and Michael are doing fine. I'm sorry if I gave you reason to worry." The fact that she always mentioned KITT's name first made him chuckle. Her devotion and motherly love for the AI was obvious. It wasn't a surprise that Michael often felt neglected when she turned to KITT first in dangerous situations and showed more concern to the AI than to his driver.

"Then what is the reason for the dismal look on your face?" She asked carefully while her eyes focused him. Her glance fell on the manila folder on his desk. It wasn't unusual that files were lying on Devon's desk. However, there was one detail that her observant eyes had caught which made her frown and questioningly look at Devon. "February 14th? Didn't you say that we weren't accepting any cases which would require our attention on the day of the fundraiser?"

Devon rubbed his temples before looking up again, ready to answer Bonnie's question. "That's correct, my dear. It was my wish that all of you attend our function which is why I put all cases on hold until February 15th." It hadn't been an easy task to decline requests and therefore, Michael's next assignment required Michael to head straight from work to the fundraiser so that he could attend the soirée. However, this file would force Devon to change Michael's itinerary and make him miss the fundraiser.

"Then why is there a file with the date of the fundraiser on your desk?" Bonnie asked straight-forward while pointing at the manila folder.

Devon sighed again. "Because, my dear, this is a case which I can't turn down or put on hold. I'm afraid my hands are tied."

"Does this mean we will be working on Valentine's Day?" She asked him curiously. Working on a case meant missing the fundraiser and maybe some time alone with Michael while on the road. "And what do you mean with your hands are tied?"

He knew that Bonnie wouldn't like his answer. "Well, technically yes, but your assistance or Reginald's won't be needed. Michael can handle the case on his own."

Her eyes glared at him when she realized what his words meant. "You mean Michael will be the only one who has to work? He won't attend the fundraiser?"

Another Valentine's Day without a date. Not just a date. This year, it would have been a date with the man she loved deeply. Their first Valentine's Day as a couple.

Devon nodded apologetically, trying to find the right words to explain to Bonnie why he had to accept the case.

Bonnie, however, didn't give him a chance to answer. "Devon, that's not fair." She complained angrily. She had a hard time staying calm. Part of her won't to grab the file and tear it apart. It was a childish thought though, and Bonnie immediately suppressed the impulse.

"Bonnie, this case is important. I would have put it on hold if I had a choice. But the board considers it urgent. I cannot turn it down." Devon hoped she would understand why he had to accept the case. He was aware that his team didn't enjoy functions and assumed Bonnie's reaction stemmed from that fact that Michael would be allowed to bail on the fundraiser. "I know you are upset because Michael will be excused from the fundraiser. It's not a secret that neither of you likes these soirées. However, we cannot risk upsetting the board members. And trust me, if I needed you to work on a new important technical gadget or if you were needed on this case, I would excuse you too."

"But..." Bonnie considered telling Devon that she wasn't upset or jealous because Michael wouldn't' have to attend the fundraiser. However, Devon would begin asking questions and this wasn't the right moment to tell him about their relationship. "But it'll even more ….." Boring. Dull. Stiff. Words that would describe functions well. Words that Bonnie didn't dare to use though. "…. Less entertaining without Michael. Who's going to save me from Irving now?"

Devon raised his eyebrow, then chuckled. "Well, don't worry about Irving. I believe he will be otherwise preoccupied. I've heard that he and Jennifer have been seen together on several occasions." He couldn't blame Bonnie for trying to avoid Irving after having been forced to endure his company on Christmas. "And I'm quite certain that Reginald will make sure you are entertained. He had me listen to what he calls music earlier today. I don't think our donors will be amused by his taste in music. Now if you excuse me, I have to call Michael and break the - what he will consider good - news to him and then brief him on the case."

"Sure." Bonnie turned around and walked out of the office. She needed to cool off before Devon was able to see the tears and the disappointment in her eyes. She had been looking forward to her first Valentine's Day with Michael and now she would be alone again, just like the years before. Another lonely Valentine's Day and this time she wouldn't even be able to pretend that she had to work on KITT and was therefore too busy for a date.