Chapter IX, Scene 1
Michael had just checked in on Devon and now was heading for the lounge where Bonnie and Melissa were waiting. Kitt had passed on a message from Karr that Melissa was afraid that the man in the hospital bed was the doppelganger, not the real Devon Miles. When he arrived at the hospital, Michael went to check on Devon, to verify that it was really him. Now he just had to convince Melissa. Hopefully, the cryptic (to Michael, anyway) message Devon had given him would do just that.
Approaching the lounge, he could hear the click-clack of Melissa's cane but no voices. Sure enough, Melissa was pacing back and forth. Bonnie was sitting quietly in a chair near the room's entrance, watching her with concern. As Michael entered the room. Bonnie stood up, ready for anything. Melissa stopped mid-step and looked at him anxiously.
"It's Devon, no question."
"Are you . . . are you sure?"
"No scars on his face from plastic surgery or other signs that he started with a different face. And he's clearly been mistreated. Nothing a little rest and some decent food won't cure."
Bonnie chuckled. "I doubt Devon considers hospital food decent."
Michael chuckled, too. "Probably not. Oh, and I asked him the question you asked That Man, about your nickname."
"What did he say?" asked Melissa, almost fearful of the answer.
"Buzz, buzz, buzz," said Michael, confused.
Melissa's face lit up and she pushed past Michael like he wasn't there. Bonnie steadied him as he stumbled back. Then they walked to Devon's hospital room, stopping at the door. Melissa had thrown herself across the bed and into Devon's arms. She was sobbing, as he held her, gently murmuring reassurances until she got herself under control.
"I'm not ready to lose you, Uncle Devon," she said, still sounding sniffly.
"And I, my dear child, am not ready to be lost."
"That Man called me sweetie." Melissa sounded outraged. "Even Dad never called me that."
"Which is how you knew he was my doppelganger."
Melissa nodded. "So I asked him about Dad's nickname for me."
"Which he didn't know, of course," said Devon.
"That's when I was sure he wasn't you."
"Okay, I'll bite," said Michael. "What did Wilton call Melissa?"
"Wilton was terrible at remembering names. He found it easier if he knew the meaning and could associate that meaning with the person. For good or ill. The name Melissa means bee."
"Dad used to call me his busy little bee. Or he called me honey."
Devon looked at Michael and Bonnie. "I was told Kitt was destroyed, Bonnie had been sent back to California, and Michael was on extended vacation."
Bonnie said, "Melissa called a college classmate whose cousin has an auto shop here in Chicago big enough for the Home Office."
"Yeah," said Michael. "RC was a huge help. He got a crew together to fix Kitt's chassis while Bonnie and Melissa got Kitt's CPU working again."
"And because no one knew where we were, That Man assumed we had done as he ordered and left Chicago," Melissa finished the story.
"Further evidence that he was an imposter." They looked at him blankly. "When have you three ever done as I've ordered?" And Devon smiled at the group.
Chapter IX, Scene 2
Devon and Michael were seated at the table as the Foundation Board members filed into the room. Melissa was standing, greeting each member by name as they entered and took their seats. She remained standing until every Board member had sat down. Jack Lloyd then gaveled the meeting to order and then asked Dr. Naylor to make her case.
"This Foundation exists to help people. That's why Wilton Knight created it. And why each of us here sits on this Board. But unfortunately, we don't have unlimited resources, and we can't help everyone. As Board members, it is our responsibility to make the tough decisions of how best to allocate the resources we do have."
Michael and Devon could tell there was general agreement with Dr. Naylor's statements so far. Though Melissa seemed calm enough.
"For the cost of keeping Mr. Knight in the field, we could send a hundred deserving people to community college. People who would otherwise never have the opportunity for a college education. And still have money left over. That's on an annual basis, by the way."
Devon started to lean forward, but Melissa put a hand on his arm until he settled down. But it was clear from the murmurs around the table that Dr. Naylor was winning over some of the Board members.
"I don't doubt Mr. Knight is helping people. But right now, the Board is in the position of saying this one person is worth more than those twenty people. Perhaps not in so many words. But by choosing to fund Mr. Knight's . . . fantastical activities, we are effectively saying that. Because we are devoting such a significant portion of our budget to helping one or two people at a time."
Now it was Michael's turn to lean forward only to be stopped by Melissa. Dr. Naylor saw the interplay and smiled. And the mood around the table was definitely shifting in her favor.
"There is a saying: Give a man a fish and feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, however, and feed him for a lifetime. The Foundation is currently giving men fish when we could be teaching them how to fish for themselves. We could provide legal services, present education and training, facilitate meetings and conferences. The list goes on and on. Or . . . we can continue to fund a single man who speeds around the countryside, crashing through things, and helping the occasional individual."
Jack Lloyd looked at Melissa. "Miss Knight, your turn.
"You make a compelling case, Dr. Naylor," said Melissa.
Dr. Naylor preened while Michael and Devon exchanged glances, concerned about having agreed to let Melissa take the lead in responding to Dr. Naylor.
"And there are numerous organizations devoted to the activities you have mentioned. Which is why my father had a different vision when he created the Foundation for Law and Government. He wanted it to fill a niche none of those existing organizations filled: To protect people from anyone who would abuse their power for personal gain."
"Yes, well –"
Melissa cut Dr. Naylor off. "Those hundred people you mentioned could go to any one of dozens of organizations that provide scholarships. Knight Industries, for example, offers scholarships to the children of its employees and also offers internships to college students. Many companies do the same. But the individuals that Michael and Kitt help, for them, the Foundation is their only option."
"Okay, but –"
Melissa again cut Dr. Naylor off. "For example, the Foundation provided legal assistance to ranchers, to ensure that everyone had access to the water they needed, water that was a public resource. And when one rancher decided to blow up the dam so that only he had water, Michael and Kitt were there to stop him."
Dr. Naylor tried a third time. "Yes, but –"
And for a third time, Melissa cut Dr. Naylor off. "As another example, the Foundation facilitated a secret meeting of foreign dignitaries to negotiate an anti-terrorism treaty. And when someone decided to assassinate those dignitaries to prevent the treaty from being finalized, Michael and Kitt were there to keep them alive."
Dr. Naylor opened her mouth, then closed it again without saying a word, finally realizing that Melissa wasn't going to let her speak. Devon and Michael exchanged glances, then leaned back. They could both read the room, and most of the Board members were coming around to Melissa's side.
"As a third example, the Foundation hosted a symposium of leaders from developing countries, to discuss how they could help their countries, not just themselves. And when someone took some of those leaders hostage, Michael and Kitt were there to rescue them."
Melissa finally turned away from Dr. Naylor to look around the table at the rest of the Board. "Just as Michael and Kitt were there a few days ago to stop Philip Nordstrom from stealing the Cernium 116. And saving Devon and Dr. Naylor's lives in the process." Melissa then looked directly at Jack Lloyd. "Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a motion."
"Of course, Miss Knight."
"I move that this Board reaffirm its commitment to the vision Wilton Knight had for the Foundation for Law and Government: to prevent people in positions of power from abusing that power."
"Do I have a second?" There was an immediate second . . . from three different people. "All in favor? Opposed? Abstained? Let the record show the motion passed with a single vote opposed, from Dr. Naylor. The motion passes. And now, to the matter of Michael Knight."
Dr. Naylor pulled out the resignation letter and held it up dramatically. "Michael Knight has resigned his position."
There were murmurs of surprise from the Board members. Again, Michael started to lean forward, but Melissa put a hand on his arm.
"No, he hasn't," she said calmly, as she looked Dr. Naylor in the eyes.
"Oh, yes. He has." Dr. Naylor unfolded the letter with a flourish and read it in its entirety.
I, Michael Arthur Knight, resign my position with FLAG in exchange for Dr. Jennifer Naylor taking the necessary steps to prevent the Cernium 116 currently in FLAG's custody from falling into the wrong hands.
"Signed, dated, and witnessed."
Without breaking eye contact with Dr. Naylor, Melissa said, "Mr. Brockmore, you specialize in contract law, correct?"
"Yes," replied Dale Brockmore from his seat at the far end of the table.
"Would you please provide Dr. Naylor with a refresher on what makes a valid contract?"
Brockmore immediately realized where this was heading and replied, somewhat amused, "I assume you are referring specifically to consideration." Melissa nodded. "In order for a contract to be valid, both parties must give up something of value, either goods or services."
"Based on what you've just read to us, Dr. Naylor, you were supposed to do something to protect the Cernuim 116. What steps did you take?"
"Well, I . . . you see . . ."
Did you talk with Chairman Lloyd? Did you ask for a Board resolution adding you or another person to the security procedures? Did you ask the man you wrongly thought to be Devon Miles to report to the Board?" Dr. Naylor shook her head to each question. "Then there was no consideration – you neither gave up something of value nor took any action – and that contract," Melissa pointed to the letter, "is null and void."
Dr. Naylor frowned and put down the letter.
Chairman Lloyd said, "Which, as I said previously, brings us back to Michael Knight and his status."
A board member – Michael thought it was the one who had seconded Dr. Naylor's motion the other day – said, "I move that we reinstate funding for the Foundation operations and remove Michael Knight's probationary status."
"I second the motion," said Melissa.
"All right. We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Opposed? Abstained? Let the record show the motion passed with a single vote opposed, from Dr. Naylor. The motion passes. Is there any other business before the Board?" Jack Lloyd paused, then continued, "Having none, May have a motion to adjourn?"
"I so move," said Brockmore.
"I second the motion," said Dr. Naylor in a flat tone.
Lloyd paused for a moment. "We have a motion and a second. All in favor? Then this meeting is now adjourned."
Voices rose and so did people. Several Board members came over to congratulate Devon on surviving his ordeal and Michael on his reinstatement. A few thoughtfully congratulated Melissa on her handing of the situation. Dr. Naylor left without a word or a glance at any of the three.
Chapter IX, Scene 3
Once the Board members had all left, Melissa finally stood up. Michael stood up, too. And gave her the biggest bear hug he could. She hugged him back. Devon smiled at them and stood up. He took a couple of steps, then went stiff. Michael was next to him immediately, supporting him.
"Uncle Devon?" Melissa was on the edge of panic.
"I merely stood up too quickly and was momentarily light-headed. I'm all right, my dear. Else the doctors would not have released me from hospital."
"They did suggest you take it easy for a few days," Michael reminded him.
"Now you've decided to listen to doctors?" murmured Devon.
Michael chuckled, and Melissa relaxed. They headed outside the house, to where Karr was waiting for them. Devon reached the Chevy Citation without further incident.
Michael held the door for Devon, who got in the front passenger seat, then he got in back. Melissa walked around to the driver's side and got behind the wheel.
"Devon, based on my sensors, you are not yet fully recovered."
"All I need is a little fresh air, Karr."
"Then it is a good thing we are going to Grant Park to meet Bonnie and Kitt," replied Karr
"And RC. He really came through for us."
"As did you, Miss Knight."
"Yes, indeed. You handled the Board quite well."
"You sure did," Michael said.
Melissa shrugged. "Years of training." At their confused looks, she explained. "After Garthe threw me out of that window, Dad decided two things. First, Garthe would never have the opportunity to hurt me again. Second, Garthe would never have control of Knight Industries."
"I remember Wilton taking you with him on business trips."
"Yup. I sat in on lots of Knight Industries Board meetings. And afterwards, Dad would debrief me. He wanted to be sure I understood every aspect of the company I was going to inherit."
"And the importance of preparing for Board meetings," said Karr, who clearly knew the story.
"Yes. You were incredibly helpful with that." To the other two, she said, "Karr reviewed all of Michael's reports and suggested those examples."
"Thank you, Karr."
"Yeah, thanks."
"You are welcome, Devon and Michael. But don't forget the inside man."
"Inside -?" Devon started to ask.
"Casper. The butler at the mansion. He called me about the resignation letter he'd witnessed. So I knew what it said."
"Then it's a good thing you treat people like people, not like tools," Michael observed.
Devon could tell Melissa was getting embarrassed by the attention. It was, therefore, time to change the subject. But Karr beat him to it, announcing that they were nearly at Grant Park. Devon smiled to himself, glad that Melissa had Karr just as Michael had Kitt. Further evidence of Wilton Knight's genius.
A few minutes later, they arrived at Grant Park. Kitt was parked next to the Home Office, Bonnie standing next to him. Karr pulled up and parked next to Kitt. Everyone got out. Michael went over to Kitt and got behind the wheel. He studied the dashboard.
"Okay, enough with the mystery," said Michael, only slightly exasperated as he pointed at the button labeled "C". "What does this do?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure," replied Bonnie. "We'll have to wait until RC gets here."
"Don't worry, Bonnie. I won't let Michael press the button until RC arrives."
Michael grumbled good-naturedly. A few minutes later, RC pulled up in his convertible. He got out with a bottle of champagne, a box of glasses, and huge grin.
"Finally."
RC chuckled at Michael's greeting. "Guess you're ready for the big moment."
"More than ready. Assuming this isn't some kind of joke." Then Michael said to Kitt, "Are you in on this, too?"
"No, Michael. I am it."
"All right, Michael, my man. Press the button."
RC pointed to Michael, who needed no additional prompting. He pressed the button. Kitt's roof lifted up and folded back, turning Kitt into a full convertible rather than a T-top. There was a round of applause from the small group. RC bowed, bottle in one hand, box in the other.
"What do you think, Michael?" Kitt asked, a bit anxiously.
"I love it, pal. And you?"
"I'm . . . not sure. I mean: Is it me?"
"It is now," Karr observed drily.
"Man has to have a rag roof and at least 400 horses under him –"
"Or life is just regular," Melissa finished for RC, with a smile.
RC popped open the bottle and filled up the plastic champagne flutes from his box. He handed everyone a flute, even Melissa.
"You, too, kiddo. Mostly 'cause I trust Karr there to get you home safely."
"Thanks, RC." With a shy smile, Melissa made introductions. "Uncle Devon, this is Reginald Cornelius III, who goes by RC3 or just RC. Without his help, Kitt would still be a crumpled mess. RC, this is Devon Miles."
RC put out his hand. "Pleased to meet you, sir. I've heard a lot about you from these guys."
Devon shook RC's hand. "Likewise, Reginald. Melissa, Bonnie, and Michael have all told me about what you did. Thank you very much for your assistance."
"Ain't no big thing, sir."
Devon considered the young man in front of him. "How would you like a job with the Foundation for Law and Government? I believe you would be a perfect fit."
"I'll take it!" said RC, and his grin grew even wider.
Bonnie and Melissa both gave RC a hug. Michael got out of Kitt, walked over, and clapped RC on the shoulder. They all clinked their glasses and drank a toast to another mission successfully completed. The first of many with their new teammate.