I'm truly sorry that it took me months to update this fic. I haven't abandoned it, just worked on "A Knight's Christmas" instead. I'll continue editing the original version (and adding more depths to it). There will probably two more chapters after this one.

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

Chapter 7

In the past, in a different life, Stevie would have enjoyed being a guest in an elegant mansion. An Invitation to be a part of a dinner party with waiters serving on her and fulfilling all her wishes would have equaled a dream come true. A daydream fantasy in her past life in which she was living with a police officer named Michael Long.

Her new life, in which she was married to former FLAG operative Michael Knight, offered her these amenities. But unlike in her dreams, Stevie wasn't able to enjoy neither the atmosphere nor the delicious food on her plate now. She nervously eyed her husband while listening carefully to the conversations he was engaged with and paying close attention to any of his reactions when an old case, a Foundation event, or a past memory was discussed. None of his former co-workers had mentioned his partner yet. Had Devon told them not to talk about KITT in front of Michael?

Bonnie, Devon, and RC were all glad to be reunited with Michael. Especially RC hadn't stopped talking to him since their arrival. It was obvious to Stevie that the young man had truly missed Michael and was excited that they had accepted the invitation. Devon seemed to feel similarily. She had seen the fatherly look on his face and the happiness in Devon's eyes when they had arrived. Michael attending his birthday dinner was clearly an invaluable present.

Bonnie, on the other hand, was polite and friendly, but awfully quiet. She seemed to have chosen the role of an observer who only spoke when asked a question. This was rather unlikely for her, especially since she and Stevie had become friends while Bonnie had planned their wedding. Was this because Bonnie had been explicitly told not to say anything which could make Stevie uncomfortable or make Michael regret his decision? Or was she just waiting for the right moment to remind Michael of what he'd given up? Of all people sitting at their table, Stevie feared Bonnie most. Despite their friendship, Stevie considered Bonnie as the one person who could endanger her happiness. Not because Bonnie didn't want Michael to be happy or because Bonnie was jealous of her. No, this wasn't the reason why Stevie didn't trust Bonnie. It was because Bonnie's main concern was KITT. KITT had lost his partner, his friend, and without a purpose without Michael, and KITT's well-being was most important to Bonnie.

Therefore, if anyone was a threat to their new life, it would be Bonnie mentioning KITT or convincing Michael to visit KITT. Michael wouldn't object and eagerly go with her while Stevie couldn't do anything to stop him. Stop him. Would she really go to the extreme and prevent him from seeing his former partner? If she did, how would he react?

No, Stevie wouldn't be so cruel and deny Michael of a chance to see KITT. His love for her was strong. If she asked him to stay, he'd respect her wish. But he would be sad, even devastated, and this would affect their happiness. Therefore, Stevie decided she wouldn't stop him.

She anxiously observed Bonnie hoping she would remain quiet for the rest of the evening. However, Michael noticed Bonnie's silence as well and wondered why she wasn't more talkative.

"You okay, Bon? You haven't said much yet." He carefully asked her as RC stopped talking for a brief moment.

Bonnie nodded and smiled at him. "I'm fine, Michael. I didn't want to interrupt RC. He'd been so looking forward to talking to you. I figured we'd get a chance to catch up later."

A chance to catch up later. Bonnie chose her words carefully, but Michael knew immediately what she was meant. When KITT was concerned, he and Bonnie shared a bond which made words unnecessary.

Inside, Michael was dying to ask her how KITT was doing and whether she thought Michael could drop by his garage for a visit. He didn't dare to utter his wish though. Not with Stevie sitting next to him and listening to every word he was exchanging with Bonnie.

Leaving the dinner table and his wife alone there wasn't an option. Maybe there would be an opportunity for him to sneak out later while Stevie was engaged in a conversation. But what if there wasn't a chance for him to leave the dinner party? Would he really be able to leave the Foundation again without having talked to KITT?

As if Devon could read his mind, he suddenly turned to Stevie and interrupted her thoughts.

"Stevie, I was wondering whether you would like to entertain us with a few of your songs?" Devon smiled encouragingly at Stevie. He wanted her to enjoy the evening, feel welcome at the mansion. Since Stevie was a talented singer, he was certain that his guests would appreciate her voice. Maybe singing would distract her and lift her spirits.

"But…", Stevie began to object, knowing Devon wouldn't accept no for an answer. It was his birthday after all and she hadn't performed in front of an audience since her marriage.

"Fantastic idea, Devon." Michael chimed him. This would give him a chance to talk to Bonnie alone. Judging from Bonnie's behavior he suspected that something worried her and he had to find out what it was.

"Come with me, Stevie. I'll show you the piano and introduce you to the guests." Devon offered her his hand. "If you excuse us, Michael, I'm going to borrow your wife for a moment."

"Of course, Devon. She's in good hands with you." Encouragingly, Michael smiled at Stevie. "Your guests will love her voice."

"Aren't you coming with us?" Stevie hesitantly asked her husband. There was no way she would leave him alone with Bonnie. Michael trusted Bonnie and listened to her. He'd believe anything she'd tell him about KITT. And then it would be up to Michael to choose between her and his former partner.

"I...I...I'd..." It was impossible to tell her what his heart desired to do. But he couldn't lie to her either. "I'll join you in a moment."

Bonnie saw the helplessness in Michael's eyes and turned to Stevie. "I'm going to borrow your husband for a few minutes. It won't take long." She rested her hand on Stevie's arm briefly. "He will be right back, I promise."

Stevie watched Bonnie leave with Michael as Devon led her to the microphone and introduced her to his guests. She knew exactly where they were going. And she knew it would make it even harder for Michael to go back to their home.