Melissa was beginning to relax, comforted by having both Devon and Michael so close. And having Garthe so far away. Though Devon knew it would take time before she was completely recovered from, well, from everything.

Michael smiled down at Melissa and asked, "How are you feeling now?"

"Honestly? Hungry. Because I didn't have any breakfast." She sounded almost apologetic.

Michael laughed. "None of us had breakfast, and all of us are hungry. So, let's go get something to eat. What are you in the mood for?"

"I'm not sure."

"Well, when you aren't sure what you want, the best choice is a diner. And there's a pretty decent one fairly close to here. You can decide what you want when you see the menu. They even do breakfast all day long."

Michael and Devon stood up. Without a word, each man reached down and together they lifted Melissa up to her feet. Devon then glanced down the pier to where Kitt was waiting for them, mentally gauging the distance.

"I carried her here," said Michael. "So clearly it is your turn."

"Ah, but Michael," replied Devon cheerfully. "As you so astutely pointed out a short while ago, your shoulders are quite broad. While mine are less so."

Michael shrugged good-naturedly, and then looked down at Melissa. "How do you feel about a piggy-back ride?"

"Okay, sure," said Melissa.

Devon picked her up and placed her on Michael's back. She grabbed onto his shoulders while Michael hooked his arms around her legs. He then gave Devon a mischievous grin and took off running.

Devon shook his head fondly and followed at a more stately pace. "I do believe, Wilton," he murmured to himself, "that your daughter will be just fine."

As they got back into the car, Kitt said, "Michael, it is 11:27."

"Yes, Kitt, I can see that."

After a pause, Kitt said, "Earlier, you said you would share the details of what happened in the courtroom at 11. It is well past that time."

"That's a figure of speech. Because the evening news comes on at 11pm," explained Michael.

"Then you will share the details this evening?"

"Oh . . . just . . . never mind, Kitt." Michael sounded exasperated.

Devon strongly suspected Kitt was deliberately provoking Michael, as his contribution to helping Melissa cope with the situation. And Melissa had a genuine smile, the first one Devon had seen since they had been notified about today's court appearance. So clearly it was working.

In his best news anchor voice, Devon said, "Convicted felon, Garthe Knight, is currently facing several additional charges, including kidnapping voice. Hoping to avoid standing trial, he concocted an escape plan. He would appear in court dressed in identical street clothes to one Michael Knight, to whom he bears a passing resemblance. Garthe assumed having the two men in identical clothing would cause enough confusion that he could make his escape."

Melissa giggled, which was all the incentive Devon needed to continue. "However, the brilliant – and beautiful – Melissa Knight easily foiled his ridiculous plan. First, Melissa convinced the judge to have both men wear prison jumpsuits rather than street clothes. Second, she demonstrated that she can consistently correctly distinguish Garthe from Michael, despite their identical outfits. And third, when Garthe finally made his move to escape, Melissa informed court security where he would most likely be found."

Melissa continued to giggle as Devon finished his narrative. "After his recapture, Garthe was lectured first by Melissa and then by Judge Prescott. The judge then ordered Garthe returned to prison under high security. She also ordered that he be in handcuffs and shackles during all future court appearances. And finally, she ordered that Melissa is not to appear in court during Garthe's trial."

"Really?"

"Yes, my dear child, really."

"Yup. Judge Prescott said she didn't want to see you in court. And read both lawyers the riot act about it," said Michael, who then added to Kitt. "Another figure of speech, pal."

"Yes, Michael, I am familiar with that one."

"Just checking." Michael turned to look at Melissa, trusting Kitt to keep them on the road. "What you said to Garthe at the end there really impressed the judge. And me."

Devon added, "And congratulations, Melissa."

"For what?"

"For beating Garthe at his own game. I am very proud of you."

Melissa ducked her head and blushed as they pulled into the diner's parking lot.

The diner wasn't crowded, and they were seated almost immediately. After they ordered their meals, Michael excused himself to use the restroom. Devon saw him smiling and chatting up the waitress on his way back to the table. He mentally sighed. Michael was, after all, a ladies' man. However, Devon wished he had restrained himself given that they were here for Melissa's birthday. At least she hadn't seen Michael's behavior.

In Devon's estimation, the diner was more than decent. The food and the service were both quite excellent. Michael had ordered steak and eggs, Devon a Monte Cristo, and Melissa a stack of pancakes that she had liberally doused with maple syrup. Devon and Michael kept the conversation light, and away from the courtroom drama of earlier.

When they were done, the waitress cleared the dishes. She then returned with a slice of chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a lit candle. The other wait staff joined her, and they sang "Happy Birthday" to Melissa. Michael, Devon, and the other people in the restaurant joined in after the first few notes. Devon realized that this was what Michael had been talking to the waitress about.

Melissa smiled as they sang to her. And then she happily shared the cake with Devon and Michael.