Knight Rider characters copyright Glen A Larson
A Knight's Performance copyright S Welsh 2001
With tons of thanks to elfin, Knightshade and Vega for all your help and support.
A Knight's Performance
By Tomy
'This is the ultimate in boring.' Jamie thought to herself as she wandered along the driveway outside the Knight Mansion.
The Foundation for Law and Government's fund raisers had to be the bane of her existence. Having been raised by her God-Father from the age of eight, Wilton Knight had discovered her talent for spotting the unnoticeable in a picture or videotape. Thus, when he created FLAG, Wilton had communistly volunteered her for the job. Some of it was great, the clips and tapes she received from the operatives were fascinating. On the other hand, she worked at a site in the city and filed case reports during down times.
'Look at all these cars.' Everything from North American products to BMWs to Ferraris lined both sides of the long driveway
"Jamie?" A male voice with a Boston accent jerked her out of her thoughts. A few cars down she could see the red LED's of his scanner tracking back and forth, a little quickly in his uncertainty.
"Kitt? Long time no see." Her smile evident in her voice as she made her way over to the sleek, black Trans Am. "I'm surprised you recognize me."
"I'm probably just as bored as you are and it's nice to speak to someone who treats me as an individual, not a curiosity."
"Six years and the Board still side steps around you?" Jamie motioned to Kitt's hood, "do you mind?"
"Not at all. You can't possibly do the damage to my shocks that Michael does."
She couldn't help but laugh as she hoisted herself onto Kitt's hood. "It's nice to take a load off. Wait.... black tie affair? I thought Michael avoided these like the plague?"
"Normally, but Devon asked that we at least make an appearance. I take it you haven't met Michael?"
"No I haven't had the pleasure yet. It's been a long time Kitt, how have you been?"
"I'm presuming you know from the reports."
"Come on Kitt, I was there when you were born. Reports tell me what your doing, not how."
Kitt sighed, he'd forgotten just how intuitive not to mention how head strong this petite red head could be. "I enjoy what I do." He finally responded. "I have a strong bond with Michael. Yes, it began roughly, but it's worked out very well.
"Tell me about him." Jamie's curiosity finally got the better of her as she relaxed on the AI's hood. "All I hear about are the cases and how good looking he is." She turned, looking through the windshield. "What's he really like? You're is probably the most unbiased answer I'm likely to get."
"Good looking seems to be a common description of Michael." Kitt joked as he pondered the question. "I would imagine the best way to describe Michael is, arrogant, stubborn, brash, nonsensical," Kitt's tirade ended and his voice dropped as he continued, "but he's also generous, devoted and the most caring person I know."
"You love him," she stated simply.
"I..I suppose I do," Kitt stammered.
Jamie smiled at the awe in Kitt's voice. "Did it never occur to you?" There was no malice in her question.
"No, it didn't. I never thought of our relationship in that manner."
"You've grown up, there's no shame in what you're feeling."
"I'm not ashamed per se, I'm not exactly sure what I am at the moment."
Jamie gently rubbed her hand along the side of the hood a few times, feeling the strong frame almost shiver under her. "Kitt, you were self aware right from the start, to see that you've evolved past a mere AI is not surprising."
"But..?"
Quickly she turned, glaring inside the car, "don't you dare say you're a computer! You never have been. Caring for the people you live and work with is normal. They are the only family you have ever known, don't cheat yourself of their love."
"Wilton was very fond of you, now I know why." Kitt paused and Jamie heard the scanner track back and forth once. "Michael is on his way." Kitt sounded slightly disappointed.
"Kitt?" Michael was caught a little of guard as he rounded the bend in the drive to find a pretty woman sitting on Kitt's hood.
"Michael, I'd like you to meet Jamie Williams, Wilton Knight's God Daughter."
'He is gorgeous,' she thought as she accepted the handshake from the surprisingly tall, blue eyed man.
"God Daughter, huh?" The smile was open and friendly.
"Yup, FLAG's best keep secret." Jamie sighed to herself, 'why do I become such a wimpasaurus around men?' "It was nice meeting you, Michael. Night, Kitt." She excused herself,and made her way back to the festivities without giving either of them a chance to respond.
*
House cleaning was never Jamie's strong point. Sure her small house was tidy, but it certainly looked lived in. Papers in neat piles lay on either side of the kitchen table just beyond the foyer. Having no other 'desk', the table posed as both eat and work area. The couch facing the tv had a blanket folded over the back, ready for late night t.v. enjoyment.
It was late in the afternoon. Jamie had left the office early, hoping to catch up on a few projects she'd brought home in a vain attempt to complete. The knock at the door startled her.
Confusion raced through her and doubled when she opened the door to find a distraught Michael leaning on the frame.
"Kitt suggested that I talk to you." Michael looked at the girl, wondering just what the hell he was doing. He trusted Kitt, but had no idea what made him agree to this.
"Come on in." She stepped back, motioning to the living area. "Can I get you anything?"
Michael shook his head as he perched himself on the blue couch.
Jamie, feeling a little intimidated and greatly astonished, tucked her legs under her, settling into the matching seat across from him. "So, what's on your mind?"
"How do I start? Where do I start?" Michael ran both hands through his dark curly hair, obviously upset.
"How about the beginning?" The joke didn't have it's desired effect. Realizing just how agitated he was, she tried a more direct line. "Has this something to do with your last case?" Michael looked up, astounded. "I proofread and file all reports. You really should let Kitt spell check yours."
Michael laughed, feeling slightly more at ease, getting an idea of why Kitt sent him to her. "Yes it does have to do with my last case." The smile faded, "that girl didn't deserve to die. The poisonous spray was meant for me." His guilt was consuming him again, that horrible feeling of a useless death he should have been able to prevent.
Quickly catching onto what he was thinking, "Okay." She bought him back out of his downspirling thoughts. "So, let's say hypothetically you died, what do you think the ramifications of that would be?" Michael's blank stare told her he hadn't considered this avenue. "Let's start with Bonnie. To her, you are the brother she never really wanted. She adores you and would be deeply affected by your death. Devon. He thinks of you as a son, your death would shatter him. And Kitt, Kitt would be useless to anyone. He would have watched you die, believing he could have stopped the chain of events leading up to it." Jamie paused, considering the look on Michael's face and took a stab in the dark, "kind of like what you're feeling now." Michael was floored, he could have sworn this woman was looking right into him. "So, with FLAG crippled, the 'bad guys' would have escaped, sold those cannisters to God knows who and many more would have died. Then what about the next group of people you and Kitt help, who would protect them?"
Michael sat back, staring at the extraordinary woman across from him, feeling his guilt ebb as her words sunk in. "Thank you," was all he could manage.
"You're welcome. Now then, would you like something to drink? Coke, milk, water? Don't ask me to make coffee, you'll regret it."
"Coke sounds good." He felt comfortable with her, which was unusual. Hell this situation was unusual. It wasn't like him to open up this easily. Michael watched as she stood and headed to the kitchen. She was small, about 5'3 or so, 105 lbs, but she was fit, he caught a glimpse of a six pack stomach under her crop top as she stood. He felt something inside himself begin to stir and he quickly squelched it. This was not a complication he could afford in his life right now. "So how did you come to work for FLAG?" He asked, hoping to distract himself.
Jamie handed him the cold can before flopping back down in the seat. "I'm not really sure how it happened. I knew about Wilton's plans for FLAG. Shortly after FLAG was officially created, he asked me to look at something for him, which I learned later was an evidence photo. I found what he wanted me to and from then on I had a job."
Michael smirked, "this seems to be a typical pattern of his."
Jamie returned the humorless smile, "yes, and just like you, I wouldn't trade my job for anything. As Kitt said, I love what I do. Knowing I'm helping, making a difference in some ones life, sometimes even saving a life. It's a wonderful feeling, even without being in the field."
"Being out there is not as glorious as you may think. I do *not* enjoy being shot at, poisoned or otherwise." He paused, allowing himself to briefly dwell on his past victories. Michael glanced up at the woman across from him, suddenly feeling a little odd, "what?"
Jamie blushed, having been caught staring. "I hope honesty is the best policy here." She paused at his bewildered look. "You aren't what I was expecting." Now she truly felt uncomfortable.
"Uh oh, how so?"
"You can just guess what comes down the Foundation grape vine."
Michael leaned back groaning, "let me guess, crazy, suicidal, womanizer. Any I missed?"
"A few, most I wouldn't bring up in mixed company." She felt herself begin to relax again. Kitt's description was right, but she'd also add open-minded to his list. "You are as Kitt described you. A lot like how Wilton spoke of you, though he was a little wary because of your age."
Michael shrugged, "I hear that a lot, especially when I was a cop. What did Kitt tell you about me?"
"He said you're arrogant, nonsensical and stubborn. But he also said you're devoted and caring." She paused at Michael's dumbfounded expression. Then decided she should tell him, "he loves you, you must know that?"
For the second time that day a mixture of shock and surprise coursed through him. He literally had to pick his jaw off the ground. "Yes, I know that." He responded in a low voice when he finally found it again. "Are you able to do this with everyone?" He asked, trying to break the tension and avoid the rising emotions within.
"Only with those who are honest with themselves." She paused with a one shoulder shrug. "Kitt is far beyond what anyone thought he would be when he was being programmed. The depth of his feelings for you proves that. You have also achieved more than what was expected. No one ever dared to dream of the type of bond you and Kitt have. I'm envious. I have no idea what it's like to love and trust someone so implicitly."
"I try not to take him for granted, but I know I often do." He
paused, frowning briefly, "tell me, how do you know Kitt?"
"I was there when he was born, Karr as well. I lived in the mansion at that point. Jen Knight and I were good friends. I was one of the first people to speak to Kitt. Bonnie had fascinated me with her AI. I wanted to learn as much as I could. I watched as she activated him in the mainframe while they were still working on the car. You were recovering at the time, but we were not permitted into that section of the house. So, as I hung out with Bonnie. I watched Kitt grow and heard about how you were doing through her. The last time I spoke to him was about two hours before you met him."
"What was he like...?" Michael was having a difficult time phrasing the question.
"When he 'came to' in the car?"
This was baffling, she was beginning to read his mind. He nodded his response.
"Hyper, the whole car bounced. Thankfully he calmed down before he found the ignition or they might have had to replace the garage door twice." Jamie finished mischievously.
"Does everything I do pass down the 'grapevine'?
"Pretty much," was the blunt and frightening answer.
"Oh, great." He stopped, all humor leaving his features as he straightened. He began to realize just how much of himself he'd revealed to her, without truly knowing her. That scared him.
"I know what you're thinking and please believe that I know how to keep my mouth shut. Anything you say to me will stay between us."
Exhaling, he nodded feeling more at ease. Kitt would have known this and that helped him believe her. "Wait a minute, how the hell did you know I was thinking that?"
Blushing yet again, she tipped her head to her shoulder. "You were staring off into space with a contented expression, then you suddenly shifted expressions to one of almost fear. I know you are not one for opening up. It wasn't much of a leap to figure out what was on your mind."
He gave a good humored smirk just before his wrist comlink beeped. "Yeah Kitt?"
"I just received a call from Devon asking us to return to the Foundation."
"Duty calls." Standing at the door, feeling a little unsure of himself, he placed a hand on her arm. "Thank you for listening."
"Anytime." She honestly meant it. Enjoying his company, feeling a little depressed at his leaving.
"I think I'll take you up on that." With that promise, he left.
*
It was fast becoming a habit and they both knew it, but no one involved wanted it to stop. It was getting to the point where Michael would stop in and see her before heading to the estate. The day he appeared at her work site created quite a ruckus. Michael and Kitt were legendary, but few had ever seen them, nevermind met them. Some of the people Jamie worked with were convinced that Kitt was this entity created to bolster company spirits. They spoke of Kitt like he didn't exist. To them, Jamie only had her job because of who she was related to, not because of what she could do. It was something that disturbed her.
She heard his voice long before she saw him. Her cubicle was tucked into a back corner of the complex. Something she liked, it kept snide remarks and rude disruptions to a minimal.
Someone leaned over her blue 'wall', "Michael Knight is here!!" The voice of her female coworker was a quiet mixture of worship, disbelief and drooling. The face disappeared as fast as it had appeared. If Michael was looking for her, he'd find her. She knew that. So, she sat back, rocking back and forth in her gray chair, listening to all the conversations around her, laughing at many of the 'Ooo, he's so gorgeous' and 'Is that Kitt outside!?'. People were too funny, trying to get to him, to see him, when just days before they had believed he was a figment of the company's imagination.
"Hey," Michael's cheery face popped over the far side of her cubicle.
"Hi." Before either of them could say another word, the section chief, who was dying to meet Michael Knight, rounded the hallway behind Jamie.
"Mr Knight, I'm Brian Kraigar. Is there anything I can do for you?"
Michael shook the offered hand, "no thanks, just here on a personal matter." He turned back to the woman he had been looking for, "can I interest you in lunch?" Jamie's eyes went wide for a moment.
"Sure, give me a minute to finish this." Noticing the dropped jaw beside her, she had to bite her lip to keep from laughing.
Five minutes later, she and Michael left, walking through the building, conducting a bit of small talk as he lead her towards a very visible Kitt.
Michael held Kitt's door for her, before walking around and getting in himself. After he was settled, Jamie snuck a peek back at the building where she worked. Faces were plastered to windows everywhere the eye could see.
"Thanks a lot."
"For what?" The innocence in his expression showed her he knew exactly what she was talking about.
"Your little visit is going to keep the local gossip hopping for weeks to come."
"I know, but I enjoy creating trouble." He fired the dash a dirty look as Kitt made a snorting sound. Jamie doubled over laughing as the engine turned over and Michael purposely burned rubber.
*
"How did _you_ meet him?" Diane, who routinely made comments behind everyone back, sat in the spare chair beside Jamie.
Michael had made lunch a wonderful experience. The hour she allotted herself was spent trying not to choke on her food as he told story after story. Kitt occasionally revising to hold more truth. She knew the mood wouldn't last.
"I met him at the last fund raiser." Jamie did not want to offer any extra information.
"You fucking him?"
Jaw dropped, she faced her co worker full on. "No, that is not the relationship I have with him." Jamie was proud of herself for keeping her temper.
"Come on, the guy is known for sleeping with any woman. Though why he'd chose you is beyond me."
"Think what you will." Facing her computer, she returned to the reports on her screen.
"You can't expect us to just believe you." Diane had stood, blocking the screen from Jamie's view.
Taking a calming breath, she again faced the plump scraggly blond. "I really don't care what you believe."
"She's telling the truth." Michael's voice caused Diane to jump. Almost tipping the computer.
"What's wrong?" When they'd parted a few hours ago, Michael had been in soaring spirits. He was the complete opposite now.
Taking the chair Diane had pilfered, he swung it around, sitting backwards on it, resting his elbows on the back. "I need you to look at something."
Diane was hovering in the background, but Michael took precedence. "What happened?"
"I lost a witness." He rubbed his face with his palm. "I have no idea where the shot came from. Kitt could only estimate trajectory."
That was frightening. "Okay give me a second here." After saving and rebooting her specialized program. "Can Kitt link into this computer?"
"Give me a moment and I should be able to." Kitt transmitted over the comlink. Turning her speakers on, they waited for Kitt to connect. "I'm in. Feeding the footage in from this afternoon."
The scene was horrifying. A plain street corner, little to no traffic. Brownstone type buildings lined the streets on either side as far as the eye could see. Michael was standing on a corner, slightly obscured by a 'Stop' sign. Beside him was a young woman, brown hair, jeans and beige suede jacket. The next second, a shot rang out and she hit the ground. Michael's attempt to protect her was wasted. Kitt's angle changed as he drove to cover his partner.
"Okay Kitt, rewind, play again, half speed." The screen went black for a second, then replayed as instructed. Sitting close to the monitor, Jamie turned off all emotions and watched for the bullet. The girl fell again, "Kitt pause it. Can you track to the left hand upper quadrant, I'd say two stories up and three or four buildings over." Kitt's view changed.
"I believe I have a portion of film from that line of buildings."
"Does your surveillance mode go full circle?"
"Yes, but on rotations only."
"If we're lucky, we'll find him." Glancing over at Michael, she noticed the despondent expression. Placing a hand on his arm briefly. He raised his eyes to her for a moment before focusing back on the screen.
"I may have found it." Kitt focused on a window opening, the barrel of a gun appearing for a second, then the window closing again.
"Can you pause it on the moment before the window shuts?" The image shifted again, typing into her computer, "there's a partial face."
"I have it as well."
"Okay, Sweetheart, let's see who's program is better."
"Mark." Kitt called as she hit enter.
"You two would turn this into a competition." The smile was more than she thought she'd get. "Thank you."
"It's my job."
Shaking his head, "not like this."
"You okay?"
"I am now."
"Good." Her computer beeped.
"Damn." Kitt announced his disappointment.
Laughing Jamie called up the picture of the dark man her computer came up with. "Umm, Kitt... I take it you have more access to police records, Interpol, etcetera?"
"Well at least I'm good for something. I'll get right onto his identification."
Standing Michael replaced the chair. Then, bending towards her, he placed a small kiss on her cheek. "Thank you."
"Anytime." She found her hand on his forearm. He threw a dismissive nod at Diane before striding out.
It took a full two minutes after Michael had left the building before Diane moved. Jamie believed it was the longest the woman had stayed quiet. Quickly derailing her sarcastic thinking, she went back to calling up the files she had previously been working on. Another few minutes before Diane turned and left. Ja heaved a sigh of relief seeing her walk away. Arguing with her was not on the top of Jamie's list of fun things to do.
*
Jamie was growing accustomed to the knock at her door at all hours. What she was not expecting was the angry face that greeted her. Stepping back, she allowed Michael in. He didn't even bother to sit before facing her, eyes flashing in barely suppressed anger.
"I thought you said you knew how to keep your mouth shut?" He had never directed this nasty of a tone of voice at her.
"What?" Bewildered and stung, she searched her mind for a possible cause for his anger.
"I just had a nice conversation with the receptionist who had great knowledge of our recent conversations." He was practically leaning over Jamie. Anger clouding his brain.
"I assure you, I haven't spoken to anyone about anything you've said to me."
"Then how the hell did she know that I come here? The intimate details of what we discuss?"
Ja leaned against the wall beside her. She was sure she had not let anything slip. Hell, no one at work talked to her. Michael was fast becoming her closest friend. Him and Kitt. That was dissolving in front of her very quickly. "I don't know what to say to convince you. I don't speak to anyone at work, unless it has to do with work matters. Since you shut Diane up, she has not spoken a single word to me. Either you trust me, or you don't. If you don't, than I'm sorry, but I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize our friendship." She had been staring at her feet the entire time. If this was the last time she saw Michael, she did not want his hurt and furious expression to be the one that lingered in her head.
She heard him sigh, though it was from no where near her. Looking up, his back was to her as he ran a hand through his hair across the room.
He was fighting with himself. He wanted to believe her. God did he ever. But then how did Shirley know so much about their conversations? His breath caught in his throat. He spun, seeing Jamie still against the wall. Striding over he took her arm, motioning for her to stay quiet. He grabbed her keys off the table and lead her outside to Kitt. Opening the door for her, he waited until she was settled in the seat before closing the door and walking around. The entire time his mind was in a whirlwind. In all the times he had visited her, dropped in unannounced, she had never had any company. There was no reasoning for what was going through his head. Dropping heavily into the seat, he waited until the door closed firmly and the window was up. Jamie was staring at him bewildered.
"Ja, have you noticed anything amiss in your house?"
"No why?" The use of the short form of her name relaxed her slightly.
"Just go with me on this for a second." He asked, then waited for her confused nod. "Kitt, scan the house."
"What am I looking for?"
"Bugs."
"Bugs?" Both Kitt and Ja asked, shocked.
Ja waited, believing there was no way, no reason to bug her house. She just wasn't important enough.
"Your hunch was right, Michael." Jamie shivered in her seat, her brain unable to contemplate this discovery. Michael placed a hand on hers. He found it very cold.
"Where Kitt?"
"Under the lamp between the bedroom and living area."
"Beside the phone, behind where I work with my laptop." Unnerved, she followed Michael back into the bungalow she'd called home for so many years. Leading Michael to the lamp she suspected.
Taking a deep breath he lifted it, and sure enough a small device was attached to the bottom.
"It's deactivated, Michael." Kitt informed his partner as he picked it off the fixture.
"Why? I don't get it. I'm not a crucial part of Knight Industries. Nor do I have important guests." Her tone was rising. More in anger than fear.
"Probably to do just what it did." She blinked at him, green eyes filled with confusion. Shrugging he continued. "Most likely, after I made it clear that you and I spend time together, by showing off at your work, someone who had it in for one of us, decided to play this nasty joke."
"I'm glad they didn't succeed."
"Me too." Looking a little sheepish, he headed back out. "I'm gonna get Bonnie to look at this. See if we can trace it back." Tossing it into the air and snapping it back up, he opened the door. Turning back to the woman sitting on the back of her couch watching him. He smiled, relieved beyond words. "I'll be back soon."
She returned the smile and a nod before he closed the door.
*
The day turned into one of those spring days that everyone looks forward too. The sun was out, the breeze was warm and slightly heavy, the sun shone with intensity and the temperature was just warm enough for jeans and T-shirt comfort.
Walking home from work, Tara, one of the few 'friends' Jamie had, was talking non stop about their personal lives.
"Come on Jame, there has to be someone?" Tara prodded, staring meaningfully at her friend. Jamie smiled at the bouncy, almost innocent quality.
"Really, there isn't anyone right now."
"Has there ever been?"
"I've dated, you know that."
Tara turned dark brown eyes towards Jamie, brushing her long dark hair from her face. "I know, but..."
"But what?" This was a tiresome subject in Jamie's mind.
"But you never stay with anyone. Come on, you're smart, healthy, young. You need a man."
"I don't *need* a man. I know what I want and I'm not settling for less."
"You're going to be an old maid"
"Maybe, but I'll be happy. What was that line....'I'd rather be alone for the right reasons, than with someone for the wrong.'" Jamie shrugged as they walked along the sidewalk, coming into the rural area.
"I've heard some rumors about you." Jamie inwardly groaned at the mischievous grin. "That you've had a visitor at work....?"
"Oh? Dare I ask what you've heard?"
"Come on, Jamie! Michael Knight dropping by, just to take you out to lunch! Doesn't that tell you something?"
"He had nothing else better to do?"
"You're incorrigible. Are you telling me there is nothing between you and the hunk?"
"That's what I'm telling you. He's a good friend."
"Good friends make good lovers." Came the sly retort.
Jamie rolled her eyes. "Not always. He and Kitt are wonderful. We all get along and yes," Jamie stopped Tara before she interrupted. "I care for them. But, that's it. No more, no less."
"You are such a spoilsport!"
"No, just realistic."
"Umm Jamie?" Tara gave Jamie a look.
"What?"
"Well if you two are just friends, why is his car parked in your driveway?" Her driveway had just come into view and there was no mistaking Kitt's form parked nose up to the garage.
"Oh boy." Jamie sighed with concern.
"What?"
"Michael doesn't drop by unannounced unless something's wrong."
Tara looked at her friend and smiled. She obviously knew the man very well, and cared about him. "Well in that case, I'll be on my way."
Jamie turned back to her friend, "you sure?"
Tara nodded, "umhmm. Take care of him." The mischievous glint returned."
"We talk, Tara."
"For now." With that, they hugged briefly before Tara turned down the next street, aiming for her home.
Walking up her driveway, Jamie heard the scanner track. Reaching for the door handle, she waited a moment as Kitt configured the lock to allow her in. Dropping down in the beige seat, she pulled the door closed behind her before speaking.
"Hi Sweetheart."
"Hi Jamie." Kitt's voice had a tired quality to it. "Michael's inside, asleep on the couch."
"It's okay. What happened?"
"Michael is injured, stabbed numerous times." Jamie shuddered.
"You still haven't answered my question." She kept her tone gentle, what ever had happened was affecting Kitt badly.
"We were protecting a child. She had become caught in the fight between her parents. It was a simple domestic dispute that escalated. The mother attacked her husband with a knife. Michael intervened, attempting to calm the situation."
"And she attacked him?"
"Yes. Michael managed to protect the child, but I was too late to help him."
Jamie's eyes shifted to the voice modulator, certain of the underlying meaning in his words. "You didn't fail him, if that's what you are thinking."
"I should have been there sooner."
"Michael would still have acted as he did."
"I'm aware of that."
"Then what do you expect of yourself? No one is perfect Kitt, not even you. And the volatile situations you both jump into, the odds eventually turn against you. I take it he's alright?"
"Yes and no. He lost a great deal of blood, but refused to remain in the hospital." Jamie snorted. "The child is safe, though rather traumatized. Michael disarmed the woman and the police have her in custody."
"Out of curiosity, what were you two doing there?"
"Michael had stopped into a restaurant across the street. They were on the front lawn, arguing rather heatedly. The owner of the establishment mentioned that the couple fight regularly."
"But as soon as Michael saw the knife, he stepped in."
"Yes. I was also worried about the child."
"In reality, what more could you have done?"
"I'm not sure."
"For you to say that should tell you a lot."
"The situation called for fast thinking and I didn't."
"Have you spoken to Michael about this?"
"No, and I have no wish to."
"Why not?"
"I don't want him to know."
"You're crazy Kitt. He'll understand, and help you. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You two are perfect partners. Honor that friendship and talk to him. He *knows* you Kitt, far more than I do."
"Yes, but speaking with you helps me sort through the situation. You point out a great many avenues to most dilemmas. Ones Michael could not have seen."
Jamie smiled. "Only because he was busy at the time. I think he would be hurt that you feel that you can't confide in him."
"That isn't how I feel at all." A note of frustration surrounded his voice.
"It's how it comes across, unfortunately. I think that is how Michael would see it."
"You're probably right in that assumption. I do need to speak to him, though I'm very unsure as to how to broach the subject."
"Honestly and openly. You have nothing to fear from him."
"It has nothing to do with fear."
"Then what does it have to do with? You two work side by side, day after day, if there are any reservations between the two of you, it will come back to haunt you. Have you tried to talk to him?"
"In all honesty, no."
"Maybe it's time. Laying yourself open is never easy. Fear of ridicule and disappointing those around you is natural."
"I am aware of human psychology." He snapped back.
"Then why don't you take your own advice?" Silence. "You are no different from any of us, no matter how much you try to convince us otherwise. You are hurting Sweetheart, let us help, and most importantly, let Michael help." Jamie swore she heard him sigh. "Have I beaten it through your MBS?"
"Yes, I do believe you have." Jamie smiled at the affection in his voice.
"Good. I'm going to go check on your other half."
Opening the door quietly, she made her way across the room. Michael was stretched out across the long blue couch, his black leather jacket draped over the smaller chair beside. Standing over him, she watched him for a few minutes. His breathing was shallow and even in sleep he winced slightly with every breath. Moving closer, she brushed a lock of hair off his forehead, revealing the small bloodstained bandage. He also had a bruise on his cheekbone, seeming to grow before her eyes. He looked worn out, haggard. That was unusual for him. He had previously spent a night or two on the couch, and each time she had marveled at the peaceful calm he exuded in sleep. Today was the complete opposite. He looked miserable, hurting inside and out. Reaching over him, she grabbed the blanket, lying it over him gently, not wanting to disturb him. He shifted slightly as the weight of the blanket covered him, but showed no other signs of stirring.
Sitting at the kitchen table, she could just barely make out his shoulder over the top of the couch. Opening her laptop, she set herself to finishing a couple projects for work. Typing lightly, she kept half an eye on him, slightly worried. He was not one for just dropping by unannounced. Nor was he one for letting himself in. She didn't mind, not in the least, but his actions concerned her. Sighing, she went back to sorting files.
Michael woke slowly. His body sternly telling him he should not have partaken in earlier activities. He felt safe. Which was unusual since he wasn't inside Kitt's cabin. He could hear rhythmical typing behind him and knew Jamie had come home. Glancing to the window, he noticed the sun was almost down, giving him an idea of how long he had slept. He hadn't meant to fall asleep, just to relax. He rationalized that Kitt would let her know he was inside, when his eyelids became too heavy.
He noted the blanket over him, smiling slightly he tried to shift, only to be rewarded with a sharp pain across the wound. The woman may not have known how to hold a knife, or how to use one for that matter, but she got him good. From just below his collar bone on the left hand side, diagonally across his body to below his ribs on the right. It was deep and it hurt. Shifting he could see his blood had seeped through the cloth taped over the stitches. His shirt was still clean, thankfully. He'd have hated to ruin her furniture. The woman had been hysterical and he had been careless. One moment he was facing her, ready to disarm her, the next the child was behind him, running towards her mother, then he was on the ground in agony. Kitt's tyres had entered his line of sight and all he could think about was getting to safety. As she reached out towards him with the knife again, he kicked out. Kitt could not help for fear of hitting the panicked child. Instead, he watched as the knife scraped his partner's head, the woman falling over him in her attempt to retrieve the weapon. Michael would later assume the husband had run off to call for help, but he couldn't be sure. Neighbors had intervened at that point, dragging her away from him, giving him access to Kitt. After hauling himself into the car, he didn't remember much until he woke at the hospital a few hours later.
Devon was going to kill him. It was not his place to step in. But he heard the threats, saw that she had a knife in hand. He couldn't stand by and watch the child get hurt. It might not have come to that, he knew his boss would argue, but it could have. That wasn't a risk Michael was willing to take.
Opening his eyes again, he met Jamie's concerned ones.
"Hi," she whispered.
"Hi." Michael lifted himself into a sitting position. It wasn't easy. His skin pulled the stitches as he moved.
Jamie watched him shift, saw the pain in his expression. "Would you like something?"
"I think I've imposed on you enough." Half groaning, he kept moving until he found a somewhat comfortable position.
"I told you it was an open invitation, and I meant it." Michael relaxed slightly. "Now, would you like something?"
"Water would be nice?"
"That's easy."
"Did Kitt talk to you?" He called over his shoulder.
"A little. He told me what happened."
"Did he say anything else?" Michael's concern touched her. She should have known that he'd know his partner well enough to read into his moods.
"Yes he did. And I told him to talk to you."
"He agreed?"
Jamie smiled, handing him the glass. "He agreed. He told me that talking to me helped him sort his feelings so he could talk to you." Michael's head dropped. "It's not what you think." She reassured him. "It's not a lack of trust. It's a fear of disappointing you."
"Disappointing me? He could never..."
Jamie held up a hand. "You know that, and I know that. But he watched you get hurt, with no idea how to help you."
Michael took a swallow before answering, letting the cool liquid calm him. "He did help me. He always does. His sudden interference prevented her from slicing me in two. He got me to the hospital. I don't remember much after I climbed into the car."
"You passed out right after." Kitt's voice over the comlink prevented Jamie from having to answer.
"Kitt, I know I don't say 'thank you' enough..."
"You don't have to. It's not what I..."
As Kitt's voice trailed off, leaving Michael slightly hanging, Jamie stepped in.
"It may not be what you need Sweetheart, but it can help." Michael looked at her with wide eyes.
"I don't think so. Michael, you do thank me, in many ways."
"Then what is bothering you, Pal?"
"I feel that I could have prevented your injury." Kitt's voice sounded small, tenuous to both of them inside the house.
"I think we both know me better than that." Michael shifted, grunting in pain. "I jump first, think later. And I get what I deserve."
"What are you talking about?" Jamie's angry tone caught him a little off guard.
"I wasn't paying attention. I didn't think she would try anything, not with her daughter running behind me. I can just hear what Devon is going to say."
"He has already been informed." Michael groaned, this time, not from physical pain.
"Do I want to know what he said?"
"It wasn't what he said, it was how he said it."
"I'm gonna lose my job at this rate."
"No you're not." Jamie smiled. She would bet that Kitt had jumped outside. "No one else would put up with Kitt."
"Excuse me?" Michael chuckled at the light hearted teasing.
"I think Kitt's right. You have it backwards, no one would put up with me." Looking around the room, feeling the strange contentment fill him, the one he usually felt when with Kitt and Jamie. The feeling of belonging and acceptance.
"You want to spend the night?" Jamie asked, catching the look on his face. He nodded, slightly embarrassed by his own need. "Not a problem. "Let me go move my car to make room for Kitt in the garage. You want me to grab your bag?"
"Please." Moving to stand, his head began to swim. Reaching out, Jamie half caught him, his hands on her shoulders, steadying himself. Another deep, but painful breath and his head cleared.
"Okay?" Jamie asked as the pressure on her shoulders lessened.
"Yeah, sorry."
"Don't be. Let's make sure you are strong enough to deal with Devon before you head back." Even Kitt snorted in response her comment.
Leaving Michael, Jamie headed outside to her car.
"There is not need for you to trouble yourself in this manner."
Jamie smiled at the black car, watching for a moment as the lights slowly tracked from side to side on his nose. "Yes there is. It's supposed to get cold tonight. If I refuse to leave my car out, you shouldn't be out either." It only took a minute to move her car over anyway. Closing the garage door behind them, Kitt's scanner reflected off the far wall. 'Yes,' she thought to herself, 'I could get used to this.'
"Jamie?" Kitt's soft voice caused her to pause as she reached into the trunk for Michael's bag. Looking up, she could just make out the lights on his voice modulator. "Thank you."
"You're both welcome." Closing the hatch, she returned to the house.
Michael was on the phone, slouched over the table, his head in his hand, grunting answers every now and then before finally hanging up. He looked absolutely miserable when he finally made eye contact.
"Devon?" Jamie asked.
"A very unhappy one at that."
Shrugging, she placed the bag on the floor behind the couch. "You knew that."
"I did. It didn't make talking to him any easier."
"Can I ask what he said?" Hopping up on the counter across from Michael.
"He told me that next time I should mind my own business. That for all the times I whine about cases being police bonded, I got what I deserved for jumping into the middle of one. The rest I don't particularly want to rehash."
"You can stay here as long as you need." She was dismayed at Devon's reaction.
"I'm not hiding from him."
Shaking her head at him, smiling at his angry blue eyes. "I never suggested that you do. You need to heal. Speaking of which, when are you supposed to change the dressing?"
Michael just looked at her for a moment. "It comes off when I take a shower, then I have some cream to put on it."
"You don't need to replace the bandages?" Michael shook his head. Turning to the kitchen, catching sight of the clock on the wall, realizing just how late it was. "You hungry?"
"Actually..." His face had brightened considerably.
"Dumb question, I know. Okay, I'll make something warm and light, how's that?"
"Perfect. I'm gonna get changed." She nodded as he pointed behind him at the bathroom with his thumb.
When he returned from his shower, Jamie was just setting the filled bowls on the table. He felt better. The dark sweat pants he had changed into didn't pull at his stitches, nor did the T-shirt. He was also comfortable. He couldn't remember the last time he was able to relax to this degree with a woman.
Looking up, Jamie smiled. "Still hungry?"
Michael smirked, "when am I not?"
"Good. Soup, toast and you can grab whatever you want to drink."
Kitt had been listening in, monitoring his partner. Now he was beginning to realize that there was no need to. Jamie would take very good care of Michael. Shutting down, Kitt recharged his stressed systems.
Michael had insisted on helping Jamie clean up after dinner. It didn't matter how much she insisted that he sit and relax, he half pushed her out of the way to assist in washing dishes. Shaking her head as she put the last dish away, she faced her worn out guest. "Do you want the bed tonight?" Her question came out more unsure than she had intended.
Shaking his head, surprised at her offer and very touched. "Naw, I'm okay on the couch. I was comfortable there before. And I think being locked on the couch keeps me from moving too much."
"You sure?"
"Yes." His hand slid across her jaw, his palm resting against her cheek. He loved the way her face fit into his hand, how her hair curled around his fingers. "Thank you." His voice had dropped and roughened as his emotions rose again. He could lose control so easily, standing in the middle of her house, alone, with the way she was looking at him.
"Anytime, you know that." Her smile was shy, as if she knew exactly what he was thinking. Shaking off the feeling, capping his emotions again, he removed his hand as she backed away a few steps before breaking eye contact and heading to bed. He prayed for the time to be right, he wanted a loving relationship with her almost too much. He hoped the little responses he was seeing weren't a figment of his imagination. He was convinced he would know when, or if, they were ready for their relationship to progress. Turning off the light, he carefully crawled under the blanket, closing his eyes.
Jamie watched as the outer room went dark, hearing Michael moving about for another few minutes. In her mind's eye, she watched him walk across the room before settling himself for the night. Her door was open a crack, she had left it so, just in case he needed anything during the night. Plus she trusted him. She had right from the start, not that she could explain why. It wasn't due to the attraction she felt for him. She had recognized that reaction right off the bat. But the way she felt when he touched her, it was all so new to her, bordering on frighteningly wonderful. Sure she had dated before, she hadn't fibbed to Tara earlier. She had just neglected to mention a few things, like she had never been truly in love, nor had she wanted to be with someone before. If Michael offered a more serious relationship, she wasn't sure if she was ready for that step, no matter how much she wanted it. Silently she thanked him for taking things slow. It was her last thought before drifting off.
*
Michael picked her up from work early that Monday morning. He was wearing the most appealing, yet worrisome grin on his face. Even the Cheshire Cat looked more innocent. The most irritating aspect was that he refused to explain himself. Only saying that this concerned Foundation business and her help was required.
Devon looked up from his mound of papers as Michael guided Jamie into his office. "Ah good, you were able to find her."
"That was the easy part, dragging her away from her computer was another thing." Michael motioned for Ja to take a seat, then perched himself on the only corner of the desk that was not currently occupied by legal type papers.
"I take it you haven't taken the time to explain yourself?" Michael's compulsion for game playing never ceased to amaze the older man. Michael's grin broadened devilishly. The silver head shook in frustration.
"Jamie, your expertise is required. Michael has been asked to investigate a case in the horse industry." That got her attention. "You and Michael are to go in as a couple. You as an instructor and Michael as a hired hand."
"Devon... I haven't been on a horse in years."
"You were always one of the best. I have no doubts in your abilities."
Jamie sat, letting this all sink in. Her, on a case? Could she do it? It wasn't like she didn't know the horse industry. She had practically grown up in it. Her parents had been avid horse lovers, placing her on a horse as soon as she could sit up on her own. Teaching and training had been a large part of her life for many years. But since Wilton had died, that part of her life had been left behind in favor of establishing her independence. She simply didn't have time anymore. Looking up at Michael, 'this could be fun', sprang into her mind.
"Okay, so what are we dealing with?"
Devon smiled. He knew she would agree, he just hadn't been sure how long she might need to make up her mind. "Michael already has the file. The gist of it is that a small, striving facility has been plagued with a number of horse deaths over the past few months. Young horses dying of heart related problems, competitors finding their horses dead in the fields and such the like."
"Sounds like insurance fraud."
Michael looked at her. "You've heard of this before?" Amazement clear in his voice.
"A number of years back a vet and a trainer teamed up in quite the scam. It took years to gather the evidence and finally convict them."
"Hopefully it won't take the two of you that long."
Michael snorted. "When do we leave?"
"You are expected to arrive Friday night."
"I better do my homework then." Jamie stood, asking Michael, "can I see that file?"
"I'll hand it to you on the drive back."
Devon watched the pair exit his office. Placing them together was a smart idea. He somehow knew it.
*
Jamie walked into the empty garage later that day, looking for Bonnie. Devon had informed her a short time ago that Bonnie was searching for her.
"Bonnie?" Calling seemed to be her best bet to catch someone's attention.
"I'll be out in a second." Bonnie's voice drifted over from the back.
A minute or so later, Bonnie strode towards Jamie with a devious smile on her face.
"What?" Greatly curious, but not wary, Ja took delight in the other woman's openly displayed pride.
"Well, I never did find out where the little friend from your lamp came from, but I do have this for you." Holding out a tiny, familiar looking watch, Ja just stared at it for a moment.
"Really?" She couldn't think of anything else to say. She was far too astounded.
Half laughing, Bonnie placed it in her hand. "Here's how you work it." Taking a few minutes, Bonnie showed the smaller woman the details of the comlink.
"Why?" Still stuck on one word questions.
"Because Kitt asked me to make you one."
"Kitt asked?" She'd graduated to two words.
"Yup. He said that he wanted to be able to keep you safe. And he'd have a better chance if he could monitor you."
"I don't know what to say. I didn't expect this."
"You are welcome. You seem to have made a lasting impression on Kitt. And Michael as well, I think."
"Kitt is wonderful. You've done a great job."
Bonnie's turn, "what do you mean, I've done?"
"He's your child. You raised him. Sure Michael had a large hand in it, but you're the one who taught him right from wrong and all that."
"It's just programming."
"And what do you think it is in people? We are all programmed. Our morals and behaviors come from what our parents set for us."
"I never thought of it in that manner before." Shyly shrugging, she watched Ja put on the watch. "I do consider him my baby. Everyone knows that. I didn't realize how much like raising a son it would be like. It's just.."
"Immaculate conception." Both women collapsed into laughter for a moment. "Have you ever thought of having kids, Bonnie?"
"No, not any more. I have one, and that's enough. Plus his best friend keeps me on my toes with his....antics shall we say."
"I'm well aware of them, thank you. Your son keeps bring his distraught friend to my doorstep."
"I had heard about that. Kitt tells me you can work wonders on Michael." Ja let the impish gleam in Bonnie's eyes pass her by.
"I help him to see that things that go wrong are not always his fault."
"He does take his responsibilities very seriously."
"Sometimes too seriously I think. He tends to blame himself for things that are far beyond his control."
"I know, so does Kitt. Dangerous business or not, they feel that they can rescue every client. It doesn't happen that way. I wish it would."
"You and me both." Taking a deep breath, Ja let some of her feelings show. "I have to admit, the closer we get to heading out, the more scared I feel about this."
"You wouldn't be human if you weren't. Michael used to get the jitters in the beginning. Kitt's door would shake as he opened it. I worried myself into fits back then. Michael would never admit to it, but Kitt knew and protected him as best he could. They disappeared for about two days after Kitt's ordeal in the acid pit. I have no idea where they went, or what they did. When Michael and Kitt returned the bond between them was tangible. I have an idea of what they talked about. Kitt once mentioned that he felt a kinship with Michael, both of them having overcome a great fear."
"He's very romantic isn't he?"
"Michael or Kitt?"
"Both, but I think Kitt more so. He sees life in such a positive light."
"He developed that himself. I tend to be cynical."
"I would never have described you as cynical?" Ja frowned, this was different side to her long standing friend.
"I don't tend to show it very often. Kitt knows of it from all the time we've spent together."
"And your arguments with Michael?"
Bonnie chuckled, "yeah, them too. I've said some nasty things to him before."
"I know. Not just from Michael talking to me, but from the Foundation grapevine."
"It's amazing what trickles down that."
"According to it, you and Michael have quite the... fling shall we say, going."
"Oh, yeah, I've heard that one too. Michael's far too much like a big pesky brother to me."
"He feel's the same way about you"
"Are you sure? Sometimes I feel like he doesn't even like me."
"That's called sibling rivalry." Bonnie playfully punched her arm. Shaking a finger at Bonnie, "and violence too, Kitt would not approve."
"If Kitt knew half the things I do, he would not approve."
"Boy do you ever sound like a mother."
"I'm too young to have a grown child."
"If he continues to hang around Michael, he'll never grow up." Pausing, the half turning back to Bonnie. "Is it possible for an AI to regress?"
"If Michael is involved, anything is possible."
"Did I hear my name?" The deep voice called as Michael walked in with Kitt following beside.
"Speak of the devil." Bonnie whispered to her friend.
"I heard that." Michael dropped petulantly onto Kitt's prow. The two girls sniggered at each other for a moment. "I don't think I like the two of you talking. Bonnie stuck her tongue out at him before heading towards the back. "Don't stick it out of you're not willing to use it." Michael called after her.
"You got an ice cream?" Bon countered from behind a stack of electronic equipment.
"Face it Michael, you are out classed." Kitt contributing the teasing did not improve Michael's attitude.
"Who's side are you on?" He fired towards the windshield, behind him.
"Michael, I learned a long time ago to form my own opinions." Feeling something slightly different, Kitt scanned the garage. With great delight he spotted the new watch. "Bonnie made you one."
"Huh?" Michael looked up from pouting.
"I just got it today." Absentmindedly, she began playing with her comlink.
Seeing what she was fiddling with, Michael stepped from the hood, reaching for her left arm. He felt the strangest emotion run through him as his brain acknowledged what she was wearing. Swallowing, he looked up at her.
His eyes held a mix of hurt, surprise and anger. Without realizing it, she took a step back from him.
Kitt, sensed he had better step in. "I asked Bonnie to make it for her." Keeping his voice low, he still received the backlash from Michael as his head spun to face his partner.
"Why?" The usually cheerful voice was shaking with this new emotion.
"Because she is not experienced in this line of work. She has not been exposed to the dangers. I thought this might help us keep her safe." Praying his reasoning would get through his partner's thick head.
Sighing, Michael had to agree. That didn't mean he had to like it. This assignment was going to be an eye opener for him, he could just feel it.
*
Kitt had been searching for his partner for over an hour. Michael had left the garage shortly after he discovered the comlink on Jamie. He had a suspicion that Michael would be a little upset. Michael's reaction, however, left Kitt feeling like he'd overstepped a boundary. One he wasn't aware of, until now. Sighing to himself he scanned the area again. Where ever Michael had gone, he'd done a fine job of concealing himself. Twice more around the property, and three more detailed scans in the fading light, before he found his partner.
Michael sat, facing the stream that bordered
the farthest reaches of the property. He didn't know why he was feeling like this. And the more he felt it, the angrier he became at himself.
Hearing the familiar hum, he knew his time alone had come to an end. Not that he'd come to any conclusions during that time. Sensing, more than seeing, he waited for Kitt to park behind him. Leaning back, he found himself supported by the right side front tyre.
"Why does it bother you so?"
"I have no idea Kitt."
"Michael.." There was exasperation in Kitt's voice.
"I swear to you Kitt, I can't tell you why. I've been sitting here for hours and haven't pin pointed any reason for this childish reaction. And it's driving me nuts."
"May I take a stab in the dark?" Michael shrugged. "Could it be because the comlink is something that only *we* have shared?" Sitting up a little straighter, Michael managed to grab onto one of the emotions flying about in his head. Jealousy? No not quite, more like he was losing something special.
"Maybe... I feel more like.."
"Like what?" Now that Michael was talking, Kitt prayed he'd discover the reason for his discontent.
"Like I'm losing a part of you." He felt the car startle behind him.
"Michael, I'd never...."
"I know. This is stupid and it's foolish and I can't seem to stop it." His voice had dropped to almost a whisper by the time he completed his sentence. He let his head rub along the fender, cherishing the warmth and the life that radiated from the car.
"It's not stupid Michael. I've felt it before as well. I also could not stop the fears. All I want is to keep her safe."
"I know. And I agree with you."
"But your heart and your mind are at odds?" He felt Michael nod. Sighing to himself, he despised himself for having caused this. "Maybe I shouldn't have..."
"Don't second guess yourself because of my shortcomings. I care for her as well, and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to her. You knew that and took the initiative to protect her. Every gut feeling I have thinks you're brilliant."
"But you are still upset."
"I'll work through it Pal, don't worry about that."
"If you don't mind, I believe I'll continue to worry until this is resolved."
"Actually, I think I like you worrying about me." Michael continued to snuggle into Kitt's fender, surrounding Kitt with a wonderful aura of closeness with his partner.
A Knight's Performance copyright S Welsh 2001
With tons of thanks to elfin, Knightshade and Vega for all your help and support.
A Knight's Performance
By Tomy
'This is the ultimate in boring.' Jamie thought to herself as she wandered along the driveway outside the Knight Mansion.
The Foundation for Law and Government's fund raisers had to be the bane of her existence. Having been raised by her God-Father from the age of eight, Wilton Knight had discovered her talent for spotting the unnoticeable in a picture or videotape. Thus, when he created FLAG, Wilton had communistly volunteered her for the job. Some of it was great, the clips and tapes she received from the operatives were fascinating. On the other hand, she worked at a site in the city and filed case reports during down times.
'Look at all these cars.' Everything from North American products to BMWs to Ferraris lined both sides of the long driveway
"Jamie?" A male voice with a Boston accent jerked her out of her thoughts. A few cars down she could see the red LED's of his scanner tracking back and forth, a little quickly in his uncertainty.
"Kitt? Long time no see." Her smile evident in her voice as she made her way over to the sleek, black Trans Am. "I'm surprised you recognize me."
"I'm probably just as bored as you are and it's nice to speak to someone who treats me as an individual, not a curiosity."
"Six years and the Board still side steps around you?" Jamie motioned to Kitt's hood, "do you mind?"
"Not at all. You can't possibly do the damage to my shocks that Michael does."
She couldn't help but laugh as she hoisted herself onto Kitt's hood. "It's nice to take a load off. Wait.... black tie affair? I thought Michael avoided these like the plague?"
"Normally, but Devon asked that we at least make an appearance. I take it you haven't met Michael?"
"No I haven't had the pleasure yet. It's been a long time Kitt, how have you been?"
"I'm presuming you know from the reports."
"Come on Kitt, I was there when you were born. Reports tell me what your doing, not how."
Kitt sighed, he'd forgotten just how intuitive not to mention how head strong this petite red head could be. "I enjoy what I do." He finally responded. "I have a strong bond with Michael. Yes, it began roughly, but it's worked out very well.
"Tell me about him." Jamie's curiosity finally got the better of her as she relaxed on the AI's hood. "All I hear about are the cases and how good looking he is." She turned, looking through the windshield. "What's he really like? You're is probably the most unbiased answer I'm likely to get."
"Good looking seems to be a common description of Michael." Kitt joked as he pondered the question. "I would imagine the best way to describe Michael is, arrogant, stubborn, brash, nonsensical," Kitt's tirade ended and his voice dropped as he continued, "but he's also generous, devoted and the most caring person I know."
"You love him," she stated simply.
"I..I suppose I do," Kitt stammered.
Jamie smiled at the awe in Kitt's voice. "Did it never occur to you?" There was no malice in her question.
"No, it didn't. I never thought of our relationship in that manner."
"You've grown up, there's no shame in what you're feeling."
"I'm not ashamed per se, I'm not exactly sure what I am at the moment."
Jamie gently rubbed her hand along the side of the hood a few times, feeling the strong frame almost shiver under her. "Kitt, you were self aware right from the start, to see that you've evolved past a mere AI is not surprising."
"But..?"
Quickly she turned, glaring inside the car, "don't you dare say you're a computer! You never have been. Caring for the people you live and work with is normal. They are the only family you have ever known, don't cheat yourself of their love."
"Wilton was very fond of you, now I know why." Kitt paused and Jamie heard the scanner track back and forth once. "Michael is on his way." Kitt sounded slightly disappointed.
"Kitt?" Michael was caught a little of guard as he rounded the bend in the drive to find a pretty woman sitting on Kitt's hood.
"Michael, I'd like you to meet Jamie Williams, Wilton Knight's God Daughter."
'He is gorgeous,' she thought as she accepted the handshake from the surprisingly tall, blue eyed man.
"God Daughter, huh?" The smile was open and friendly.
"Yup, FLAG's best keep secret." Jamie sighed to herself, 'why do I become such a wimpasaurus around men?' "It was nice meeting you, Michael. Night, Kitt." She excused herself,and made her way back to the festivities without giving either of them a chance to respond.
*
House cleaning was never Jamie's strong point. Sure her small house was tidy, but it certainly looked lived in. Papers in neat piles lay on either side of the kitchen table just beyond the foyer. Having no other 'desk', the table posed as both eat and work area. The couch facing the tv had a blanket folded over the back, ready for late night t.v. enjoyment.
It was late in the afternoon. Jamie had left the office early, hoping to catch up on a few projects she'd brought home in a vain attempt to complete. The knock at the door startled her.
Confusion raced through her and doubled when she opened the door to find a distraught Michael leaning on the frame.
"Kitt suggested that I talk to you." Michael looked at the girl, wondering just what the hell he was doing. He trusted Kitt, but had no idea what made him agree to this.
"Come on in." She stepped back, motioning to the living area. "Can I get you anything?"
Michael shook his head as he perched himself on the blue couch.
Jamie, feeling a little intimidated and greatly astonished, tucked her legs under her, settling into the matching seat across from him. "So, what's on your mind?"
"How do I start? Where do I start?" Michael ran both hands through his dark curly hair, obviously upset.
"How about the beginning?" The joke didn't have it's desired effect. Realizing just how agitated he was, she tried a more direct line. "Has this something to do with your last case?" Michael looked up, astounded. "I proofread and file all reports. You really should let Kitt spell check yours."
Michael laughed, feeling slightly more at ease, getting an idea of why Kitt sent him to her. "Yes it does have to do with my last case." The smile faded, "that girl didn't deserve to die. The poisonous spray was meant for me." His guilt was consuming him again, that horrible feeling of a useless death he should have been able to prevent.
Quickly catching onto what he was thinking, "Okay." She bought him back out of his downspirling thoughts. "So, let's say hypothetically you died, what do you think the ramifications of that would be?" Michael's blank stare told her he hadn't considered this avenue. "Let's start with Bonnie. To her, you are the brother she never really wanted. She adores you and would be deeply affected by your death. Devon. He thinks of you as a son, your death would shatter him. And Kitt, Kitt would be useless to anyone. He would have watched you die, believing he could have stopped the chain of events leading up to it." Jamie paused, considering the look on Michael's face and took a stab in the dark, "kind of like what you're feeling now." Michael was floored, he could have sworn this woman was looking right into him. "So, with FLAG crippled, the 'bad guys' would have escaped, sold those cannisters to God knows who and many more would have died. Then what about the next group of people you and Kitt help, who would protect them?"
Michael sat back, staring at the extraordinary woman across from him, feeling his guilt ebb as her words sunk in. "Thank you," was all he could manage.
"You're welcome. Now then, would you like something to drink? Coke, milk, water? Don't ask me to make coffee, you'll regret it."
"Coke sounds good." He felt comfortable with her, which was unusual. Hell this situation was unusual. It wasn't like him to open up this easily. Michael watched as she stood and headed to the kitchen. She was small, about 5'3 or so, 105 lbs, but she was fit, he caught a glimpse of a six pack stomach under her crop top as she stood. He felt something inside himself begin to stir and he quickly squelched it. This was not a complication he could afford in his life right now. "So how did you come to work for FLAG?" He asked, hoping to distract himself.
Jamie handed him the cold can before flopping back down in the seat. "I'm not really sure how it happened. I knew about Wilton's plans for FLAG. Shortly after FLAG was officially created, he asked me to look at something for him, which I learned later was an evidence photo. I found what he wanted me to and from then on I had a job."
Michael smirked, "this seems to be a typical pattern of his."
Jamie returned the humorless smile, "yes, and just like you, I wouldn't trade my job for anything. As Kitt said, I love what I do. Knowing I'm helping, making a difference in some ones life, sometimes even saving a life. It's a wonderful feeling, even without being in the field."
"Being out there is not as glorious as you may think. I do *not* enjoy being shot at, poisoned or otherwise." He paused, allowing himself to briefly dwell on his past victories. Michael glanced up at the woman across from him, suddenly feeling a little odd, "what?"
Jamie blushed, having been caught staring. "I hope honesty is the best policy here." She paused at his bewildered look. "You aren't what I was expecting." Now she truly felt uncomfortable.
"Uh oh, how so?"
"You can just guess what comes down the Foundation grape vine."
Michael leaned back groaning, "let me guess, crazy, suicidal, womanizer. Any I missed?"
"A few, most I wouldn't bring up in mixed company." She felt herself begin to relax again. Kitt's description was right, but she'd also add open-minded to his list. "You are as Kitt described you. A lot like how Wilton spoke of you, though he was a little wary because of your age."
Michael shrugged, "I hear that a lot, especially when I was a cop. What did Kitt tell you about me?"
"He said you're arrogant, nonsensical and stubborn. But he also said you're devoted and caring." She paused at Michael's dumbfounded expression. Then decided she should tell him, "he loves you, you must know that?"
For the second time that day a mixture of shock and surprise coursed through him. He literally had to pick his jaw off the ground. "Yes, I know that." He responded in a low voice when he finally found it again. "Are you able to do this with everyone?" He asked, trying to break the tension and avoid the rising emotions within.
"Only with those who are honest with themselves." She paused with a one shoulder shrug. "Kitt is far beyond what anyone thought he would be when he was being programmed. The depth of his feelings for you proves that. You have also achieved more than what was expected. No one ever dared to dream of the type of bond you and Kitt have. I'm envious. I have no idea what it's like to love and trust someone so implicitly."
"I try not to take him for granted, but I know I often do." He
paused, frowning briefly, "tell me, how do you know Kitt?"
"I was there when he was born, Karr as well. I lived in the mansion at that point. Jen Knight and I were good friends. I was one of the first people to speak to Kitt. Bonnie had fascinated me with her AI. I wanted to learn as much as I could. I watched as she activated him in the mainframe while they were still working on the car. You were recovering at the time, but we were not permitted into that section of the house. So, as I hung out with Bonnie. I watched Kitt grow and heard about how you were doing through her. The last time I spoke to him was about two hours before you met him."
"What was he like...?" Michael was having a difficult time phrasing the question.
"When he 'came to' in the car?"
This was baffling, she was beginning to read his mind. He nodded his response.
"Hyper, the whole car bounced. Thankfully he calmed down before he found the ignition or they might have had to replace the garage door twice." Jamie finished mischievously.
"Does everything I do pass down the 'grapevine'?
"Pretty much," was the blunt and frightening answer.
"Oh, great." He stopped, all humor leaving his features as he straightened. He began to realize just how much of himself he'd revealed to her, without truly knowing her. That scared him.
"I know what you're thinking and please believe that I know how to keep my mouth shut. Anything you say to me will stay between us."
Exhaling, he nodded feeling more at ease. Kitt would have known this and that helped him believe her. "Wait a minute, how the hell did you know I was thinking that?"
Blushing yet again, she tipped her head to her shoulder. "You were staring off into space with a contented expression, then you suddenly shifted expressions to one of almost fear. I know you are not one for opening up. It wasn't much of a leap to figure out what was on your mind."
He gave a good humored smirk just before his wrist comlink beeped. "Yeah Kitt?"
"I just received a call from Devon asking us to return to the Foundation."
"Duty calls." Standing at the door, feeling a little unsure of himself, he placed a hand on her arm. "Thank you for listening."
"Anytime." She honestly meant it. Enjoying his company, feeling a little depressed at his leaving.
"I think I'll take you up on that." With that promise, he left.
*
It was fast becoming a habit and they both knew it, but no one involved wanted it to stop. It was getting to the point where Michael would stop in and see her before heading to the estate. The day he appeared at her work site created quite a ruckus. Michael and Kitt were legendary, but few had ever seen them, nevermind met them. Some of the people Jamie worked with were convinced that Kitt was this entity created to bolster company spirits. They spoke of Kitt like he didn't exist. To them, Jamie only had her job because of who she was related to, not because of what she could do. It was something that disturbed her.
She heard his voice long before she saw him. Her cubicle was tucked into a back corner of the complex. Something she liked, it kept snide remarks and rude disruptions to a minimal.
Someone leaned over her blue 'wall', "Michael Knight is here!!" The voice of her female coworker was a quiet mixture of worship, disbelief and drooling. The face disappeared as fast as it had appeared. If Michael was looking for her, he'd find her. She knew that. So, she sat back, rocking back and forth in her gray chair, listening to all the conversations around her, laughing at many of the 'Ooo, he's so gorgeous' and 'Is that Kitt outside!?'. People were too funny, trying to get to him, to see him, when just days before they had believed he was a figment of the company's imagination.
"Hey," Michael's cheery face popped over the far side of her cubicle.
"Hi." Before either of them could say another word, the section chief, who was dying to meet Michael Knight, rounded the hallway behind Jamie.
"Mr Knight, I'm Brian Kraigar. Is there anything I can do for you?"
Michael shook the offered hand, "no thanks, just here on a personal matter." He turned back to the woman he had been looking for, "can I interest you in lunch?" Jamie's eyes went wide for a moment.
"Sure, give me a minute to finish this." Noticing the dropped jaw beside her, she had to bite her lip to keep from laughing.
Five minutes later, she and Michael left, walking through the building, conducting a bit of small talk as he lead her towards a very visible Kitt.
Michael held Kitt's door for her, before walking around and getting in himself. After he was settled, Jamie snuck a peek back at the building where she worked. Faces were plastered to windows everywhere the eye could see.
"Thanks a lot."
"For what?" The innocence in his expression showed her he knew exactly what she was talking about.
"Your little visit is going to keep the local gossip hopping for weeks to come."
"I know, but I enjoy creating trouble." He fired the dash a dirty look as Kitt made a snorting sound. Jamie doubled over laughing as the engine turned over and Michael purposely burned rubber.
*
"How did _you_ meet him?" Diane, who routinely made comments behind everyone back, sat in the spare chair beside Jamie.
Michael had made lunch a wonderful experience. The hour she allotted herself was spent trying not to choke on her food as he told story after story. Kitt occasionally revising to hold more truth. She knew the mood wouldn't last.
"I met him at the last fund raiser." Jamie did not want to offer any extra information.
"You fucking him?"
Jaw dropped, she faced her co worker full on. "No, that is not the relationship I have with him." Jamie was proud of herself for keeping her temper.
"Come on, the guy is known for sleeping with any woman. Though why he'd chose you is beyond me."
"Think what you will." Facing her computer, she returned to the reports on her screen.
"You can't expect us to just believe you." Diane had stood, blocking the screen from Jamie's view.
Taking a calming breath, she again faced the plump scraggly blond. "I really don't care what you believe."
"She's telling the truth." Michael's voice caused Diane to jump. Almost tipping the computer.
"What's wrong?" When they'd parted a few hours ago, Michael had been in soaring spirits. He was the complete opposite now.
Taking the chair Diane had pilfered, he swung it around, sitting backwards on it, resting his elbows on the back. "I need you to look at something."
Diane was hovering in the background, but Michael took precedence. "What happened?"
"I lost a witness." He rubbed his face with his palm. "I have no idea where the shot came from. Kitt could only estimate trajectory."
That was frightening. "Okay give me a second here." After saving and rebooting her specialized program. "Can Kitt link into this computer?"
"Give me a moment and I should be able to." Kitt transmitted over the comlink. Turning her speakers on, they waited for Kitt to connect. "I'm in. Feeding the footage in from this afternoon."
The scene was horrifying. A plain street corner, little to no traffic. Brownstone type buildings lined the streets on either side as far as the eye could see. Michael was standing on a corner, slightly obscured by a 'Stop' sign. Beside him was a young woman, brown hair, jeans and beige suede jacket. The next second, a shot rang out and she hit the ground. Michael's attempt to protect her was wasted. Kitt's angle changed as he drove to cover his partner.
"Okay Kitt, rewind, play again, half speed." The screen went black for a second, then replayed as instructed. Sitting close to the monitor, Jamie turned off all emotions and watched for the bullet. The girl fell again, "Kitt pause it. Can you track to the left hand upper quadrant, I'd say two stories up and three or four buildings over." Kitt's view changed.
"I believe I have a portion of film from that line of buildings."
"Does your surveillance mode go full circle?"
"Yes, but on rotations only."
"If we're lucky, we'll find him." Glancing over at Michael, she noticed the despondent expression. Placing a hand on his arm briefly. He raised his eyes to her for a moment before focusing back on the screen.
"I may have found it." Kitt focused on a window opening, the barrel of a gun appearing for a second, then the window closing again.
"Can you pause it on the moment before the window shuts?" The image shifted again, typing into her computer, "there's a partial face."
"I have it as well."
"Okay, Sweetheart, let's see who's program is better."
"Mark." Kitt called as she hit enter.
"You two would turn this into a competition." The smile was more than she thought she'd get. "Thank you."
"It's my job."
Shaking his head, "not like this."
"You okay?"
"I am now."
"Good." Her computer beeped.
"Damn." Kitt announced his disappointment.
Laughing Jamie called up the picture of the dark man her computer came up with. "Umm, Kitt... I take it you have more access to police records, Interpol, etcetera?"
"Well at least I'm good for something. I'll get right onto his identification."
Standing Michael replaced the chair. Then, bending towards her, he placed a small kiss on her cheek. "Thank you."
"Anytime." She found her hand on his forearm. He threw a dismissive nod at Diane before striding out.
It took a full two minutes after Michael had left the building before Diane moved. Jamie believed it was the longest the woman had stayed quiet. Quickly derailing her sarcastic thinking, she went back to calling up the files she had previously been working on. Another few minutes before Diane turned and left. Ja heaved a sigh of relief seeing her walk away. Arguing with her was not on the top of Jamie's list of fun things to do.
*
Jamie was growing accustomed to the knock at her door at all hours. What she was not expecting was the angry face that greeted her. Stepping back, she allowed Michael in. He didn't even bother to sit before facing her, eyes flashing in barely suppressed anger.
"I thought you said you knew how to keep your mouth shut?" He had never directed this nasty of a tone of voice at her.
"What?" Bewildered and stung, she searched her mind for a possible cause for his anger.
"I just had a nice conversation with the receptionist who had great knowledge of our recent conversations." He was practically leaning over Jamie. Anger clouding his brain.
"I assure you, I haven't spoken to anyone about anything you've said to me."
"Then how the hell did she know that I come here? The intimate details of what we discuss?"
Ja leaned against the wall beside her. She was sure she had not let anything slip. Hell, no one at work talked to her. Michael was fast becoming her closest friend. Him and Kitt. That was dissolving in front of her very quickly. "I don't know what to say to convince you. I don't speak to anyone at work, unless it has to do with work matters. Since you shut Diane up, she has not spoken a single word to me. Either you trust me, or you don't. If you don't, than I'm sorry, but I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize our friendship." She had been staring at her feet the entire time. If this was the last time she saw Michael, she did not want his hurt and furious expression to be the one that lingered in her head.
She heard him sigh, though it was from no where near her. Looking up, his back was to her as he ran a hand through his hair across the room.
He was fighting with himself. He wanted to believe her. God did he ever. But then how did Shirley know so much about their conversations? His breath caught in his throat. He spun, seeing Jamie still against the wall. Striding over he took her arm, motioning for her to stay quiet. He grabbed her keys off the table and lead her outside to Kitt. Opening the door for her, he waited until she was settled in the seat before closing the door and walking around. The entire time his mind was in a whirlwind. In all the times he had visited her, dropped in unannounced, she had never had any company. There was no reasoning for what was going through his head. Dropping heavily into the seat, he waited until the door closed firmly and the window was up. Jamie was staring at him bewildered.
"Ja, have you noticed anything amiss in your house?"
"No why?" The use of the short form of her name relaxed her slightly.
"Just go with me on this for a second." He asked, then waited for her confused nod. "Kitt, scan the house."
"What am I looking for?"
"Bugs."
"Bugs?" Both Kitt and Ja asked, shocked.
Ja waited, believing there was no way, no reason to bug her house. She just wasn't important enough.
"Your hunch was right, Michael." Jamie shivered in her seat, her brain unable to contemplate this discovery. Michael placed a hand on hers. He found it very cold.
"Where Kitt?"
"Under the lamp between the bedroom and living area."
"Beside the phone, behind where I work with my laptop." Unnerved, she followed Michael back into the bungalow she'd called home for so many years. Leading Michael to the lamp she suspected.
Taking a deep breath he lifted it, and sure enough a small device was attached to the bottom.
"It's deactivated, Michael." Kitt informed his partner as he picked it off the fixture.
"Why? I don't get it. I'm not a crucial part of Knight Industries. Nor do I have important guests." Her tone was rising. More in anger than fear.
"Probably to do just what it did." She blinked at him, green eyes filled with confusion. Shrugging he continued. "Most likely, after I made it clear that you and I spend time together, by showing off at your work, someone who had it in for one of us, decided to play this nasty joke."
"I'm glad they didn't succeed."
"Me too." Looking a little sheepish, he headed back out. "I'm gonna get Bonnie to look at this. See if we can trace it back." Tossing it into the air and snapping it back up, he opened the door. Turning back to the woman sitting on the back of her couch watching him. He smiled, relieved beyond words. "I'll be back soon."
She returned the smile and a nod before he closed the door.
*
The day turned into one of those spring days that everyone looks forward too. The sun was out, the breeze was warm and slightly heavy, the sun shone with intensity and the temperature was just warm enough for jeans and T-shirt comfort.
Walking home from work, Tara, one of the few 'friends' Jamie had, was talking non stop about their personal lives.
"Come on Jame, there has to be someone?" Tara prodded, staring meaningfully at her friend. Jamie smiled at the bouncy, almost innocent quality.
"Really, there isn't anyone right now."
"Has there ever been?"
"I've dated, you know that."
Tara turned dark brown eyes towards Jamie, brushing her long dark hair from her face. "I know, but..."
"But what?" This was a tiresome subject in Jamie's mind.
"But you never stay with anyone. Come on, you're smart, healthy, young. You need a man."
"I don't *need* a man. I know what I want and I'm not settling for less."
"You're going to be an old maid"
"Maybe, but I'll be happy. What was that line....'I'd rather be alone for the right reasons, than with someone for the wrong.'" Jamie shrugged as they walked along the sidewalk, coming into the rural area.
"I've heard some rumors about you." Jamie inwardly groaned at the mischievous grin. "That you've had a visitor at work....?"
"Oh? Dare I ask what you've heard?"
"Come on, Jamie! Michael Knight dropping by, just to take you out to lunch! Doesn't that tell you something?"
"He had nothing else better to do?"
"You're incorrigible. Are you telling me there is nothing between you and the hunk?"
"That's what I'm telling you. He's a good friend."
"Good friends make good lovers." Came the sly retort.
Jamie rolled her eyes. "Not always. He and Kitt are wonderful. We all get along and yes," Jamie stopped Tara before she interrupted. "I care for them. But, that's it. No more, no less."
"You are such a spoilsport!"
"No, just realistic."
"Umm Jamie?" Tara gave Jamie a look.
"What?"
"Well if you two are just friends, why is his car parked in your driveway?" Her driveway had just come into view and there was no mistaking Kitt's form parked nose up to the garage.
"Oh boy." Jamie sighed with concern.
"What?"
"Michael doesn't drop by unannounced unless something's wrong."
Tara looked at her friend and smiled. She obviously knew the man very well, and cared about him. "Well in that case, I'll be on my way."
Jamie turned back to her friend, "you sure?"
Tara nodded, "umhmm. Take care of him." The mischievous glint returned."
"We talk, Tara."
"For now." With that, they hugged briefly before Tara turned down the next street, aiming for her home.
Walking up her driveway, Jamie heard the scanner track. Reaching for the door handle, she waited a moment as Kitt configured the lock to allow her in. Dropping down in the beige seat, she pulled the door closed behind her before speaking.
"Hi Sweetheart."
"Hi Jamie." Kitt's voice had a tired quality to it. "Michael's inside, asleep on the couch."
"It's okay. What happened?"
"Michael is injured, stabbed numerous times." Jamie shuddered.
"You still haven't answered my question." She kept her tone gentle, what ever had happened was affecting Kitt badly.
"We were protecting a child. She had become caught in the fight between her parents. It was a simple domestic dispute that escalated. The mother attacked her husband with a knife. Michael intervened, attempting to calm the situation."
"And she attacked him?"
"Yes. Michael managed to protect the child, but I was too late to help him."
Jamie's eyes shifted to the voice modulator, certain of the underlying meaning in his words. "You didn't fail him, if that's what you are thinking."
"I should have been there sooner."
"Michael would still have acted as he did."
"I'm aware of that."
"Then what do you expect of yourself? No one is perfect Kitt, not even you. And the volatile situations you both jump into, the odds eventually turn against you. I take it he's alright?"
"Yes and no. He lost a great deal of blood, but refused to remain in the hospital." Jamie snorted. "The child is safe, though rather traumatized. Michael disarmed the woman and the police have her in custody."
"Out of curiosity, what were you two doing there?"
"Michael had stopped into a restaurant across the street. They were on the front lawn, arguing rather heatedly. The owner of the establishment mentioned that the couple fight regularly."
"But as soon as Michael saw the knife, he stepped in."
"Yes. I was also worried about the child."
"In reality, what more could you have done?"
"I'm not sure."
"For you to say that should tell you a lot."
"The situation called for fast thinking and I didn't."
"Have you spoken to Michael about this?"
"No, and I have no wish to."
"Why not?"
"I don't want him to know."
"You're crazy Kitt. He'll understand, and help you. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You two are perfect partners. Honor that friendship and talk to him. He *knows* you Kitt, far more than I do."
"Yes, but speaking with you helps me sort through the situation. You point out a great many avenues to most dilemmas. Ones Michael could not have seen."
Jamie smiled. "Only because he was busy at the time. I think he would be hurt that you feel that you can't confide in him."
"That isn't how I feel at all." A note of frustration surrounded his voice.
"It's how it comes across, unfortunately. I think that is how Michael would see it."
"You're probably right in that assumption. I do need to speak to him, though I'm very unsure as to how to broach the subject."
"Honestly and openly. You have nothing to fear from him."
"It has nothing to do with fear."
"Then what does it have to do with? You two work side by side, day after day, if there are any reservations between the two of you, it will come back to haunt you. Have you tried to talk to him?"
"In all honesty, no."
"Maybe it's time. Laying yourself open is never easy. Fear of ridicule and disappointing those around you is natural."
"I am aware of human psychology." He snapped back.
"Then why don't you take your own advice?" Silence. "You are no different from any of us, no matter how much you try to convince us otherwise. You are hurting Sweetheart, let us help, and most importantly, let Michael help." Jamie swore she heard him sigh. "Have I beaten it through your MBS?"
"Yes, I do believe you have." Jamie smiled at the affection in his voice.
"Good. I'm going to go check on your other half."
Opening the door quietly, she made her way across the room. Michael was stretched out across the long blue couch, his black leather jacket draped over the smaller chair beside. Standing over him, she watched him for a few minutes. His breathing was shallow and even in sleep he winced slightly with every breath. Moving closer, she brushed a lock of hair off his forehead, revealing the small bloodstained bandage. He also had a bruise on his cheekbone, seeming to grow before her eyes. He looked worn out, haggard. That was unusual for him. He had previously spent a night or two on the couch, and each time she had marveled at the peaceful calm he exuded in sleep. Today was the complete opposite. He looked miserable, hurting inside and out. Reaching over him, she grabbed the blanket, lying it over him gently, not wanting to disturb him. He shifted slightly as the weight of the blanket covered him, but showed no other signs of stirring.
Sitting at the kitchen table, she could just barely make out his shoulder over the top of the couch. Opening her laptop, she set herself to finishing a couple projects for work. Typing lightly, she kept half an eye on him, slightly worried. He was not one for just dropping by unannounced. Nor was he one for letting himself in. She didn't mind, not in the least, but his actions concerned her. Sighing, she went back to sorting files.
Michael woke slowly. His body sternly telling him he should not have partaken in earlier activities. He felt safe. Which was unusual since he wasn't inside Kitt's cabin. He could hear rhythmical typing behind him and knew Jamie had come home. Glancing to the window, he noticed the sun was almost down, giving him an idea of how long he had slept. He hadn't meant to fall asleep, just to relax. He rationalized that Kitt would let her know he was inside, when his eyelids became too heavy.
He noted the blanket over him, smiling slightly he tried to shift, only to be rewarded with a sharp pain across the wound. The woman may not have known how to hold a knife, or how to use one for that matter, but she got him good. From just below his collar bone on the left hand side, diagonally across his body to below his ribs on the right. It was deep and it hurt. Shifting he could see his blood had seeped through the cloth taped over the stitches. His shirt was still clean, thankfully. He'd have hated to ruin her furniture. The woman had been hysterical and he had been careless. One moment he was facing her, ready to disarm her, the next the child was behind him, running towards her mother, then he was on the ground in agony. Kitt's tyres had entered his line of sight and all he could think about was getting to safety. As she reached out towards him with the knife again, he kicked out. Kitt could not help for fear of hitting the panicked child. Instead, he watched as the knife scraped his partner's head, the woman falling over him in her attempt to retrieve the weapon. Michael would later assume the husband had run off to call for help, but he couldn't be sure. Neighbors had intervened at that point, dragging her away from him, giving him access to Kitt. After hauling himself into the car, he didn't remember much until he woke at the hospital a few hours later.
Devon was going to kill him. It was not his place to step in. But he heard the threats, saw that she had a knife in hand. He couldn't stand by and watch the child get hurt. It might not have come to that, he knew his boss would argue, but it could have. That wasn't a risk Michael was willing to take.
Opening his eyes again, he met Jamie's concerned ones.
"Hi," she whispered.
"Hi." Michael lifted himself into a sitting position. It wasn't easy. His skin pulled the stitches as he moved.
Jamie watched him shift, saw the pain in his expression. "Would you like something?"
"I think I've imposed on you enough." Half groaning, he kept moving until he found a somewhat comfortable position.
"I told you it was an open invitation, and I meant it." Michael relaxed slightly. "Now, would you like something?"
"Water would be nice?"
"That's easy."
"Did Kitt talk to you?" He called over his shoulder.
"A little. He told me what happened."
"Did he say anything else?" Michael's concern touched her. She should have known that he'd know his partner well enough to read into his moods.
"Yes he did. And I told him to talk to you."
"He agreed?"
Jamie smiled, handing him the glass. "He agreed. He told me that talking to me helped him sort his feelings so he could talk to you." Michael's head dropped. "It's not what you think." She reassured him. "It's not a lack of trust. It's a fear of disappointing you."
"Disappointing me? He could never..."
Jamie held up a hand. "You know that, and I know that. But he watched you get hurt, with no idea how to help you."
Michael took a swallow before answering, letting the cool liquid calm him. "He did help me. He always does. His sudden interference prevented her from slicing me in two. He got me to the hospital. I don't remember much after I climbed into the car."
"You passed out right after." Kitt's voice over the comlink prevented Jamie from having to answer.
"Kitt, I know I don't say 'thank you' enough..."
"You don't have to. It's not what I..."
As Kitt's voice trailed off, leaving Michael slightly hanging, Jamie stepped in.
"It may not be what you need Sweetheart, but it can help." Michael looked at her with wide eyes.
"I don't think so. Michael, you do thank me, in many ways."
"Then what is bothering you, Pal?"
"I feel that I could have prevented your injury." Kitt's voice sounded small, tenuous to both of them inside the house.
"I think we both know me better than that." Michael shifted, grunting in pain. "I jump first, think later. And I get what I deserve."
"What are you talking about?" Jamie's angry tone caught him a little off guard.
"I wasn't paying attention. I didn't think she would try anything, not with her daughter running behind me. I can just hear what Devon is going to say."
"He has already been informed." Michael groaned, this time, not from physical pain.
"Do I want to know what he said?"
"It wasn't what he said, it was how he said it."
"I'm gonna lose my job at this rate."
"No you're not." Jamie smiled. She would bet that Kitt had jumped outside. "No one else would put up with Kitt."
"Excuse me?" Michael chuckled at the light hearted teasing.
"I think Kitt's right. You have it backwards, no one would put up with me." Looking around the room, feeling the strange contentment fill him, the one he usually felt when with Kitt and Jamie. The feeling of belonging and acceptance.
"You want to spend the night?" Jamie asked, catching the look on his face. He nodded, slightly embarrassed by his own need. "Not a problem. "Let me go move my car to make room for Kitt in the garage. You want me to grab your bag?"
"Please." Moving to stand, his head began to swim. Reaching out, Jamie half caught him, his hands on her shoulders, steadying himself. Another deep, but painful breath and his head cleared.
"Okay?" Jamie asked as the pressure on her shoulders lessened.
"Yeah, sorry."
"Don't be. Let's make sure you are strong enough to deal with Devon before you head back." Even Kitt snorted in response her comment.
Leaving Michael, Jamie headed outside to her car.
"There is not need for you to trouble yourself in this manner."
Jamie smiled at the black car, watching for a moment as the lights slowly tracked from side to side on his nose. "Yes there is. It's supposed to get cold tonight. If I refuse to leave my car out, you shouldn't be out either." It only took a minute to move her car over anyway. Closing the garage door behind them, Kitt's scanner reflected off the far wall. 'Yes,' she thought to herself, 'I could get used to this.'
"Jamie?" Kitt's soft voice caused her to pause as she reached into the trunk for Michael's bag. Looking up, she could just make out the lights on his voice modulator. "Thank you."
"You're both welcome." Closing the hatch, she returned to the house.
Michael was on the phone, slouched over the table, his head in his hand, grunting answers every now and then before finally hanging up. He looked absolutely miserable when he finally made eye contact.
"Devon?" Jamie asked.
"A very unhappy one at that."
Shrugging, she placed the bag on the floor behind the couch. "You knew that."
"I did. It didn't make talking to him any easier."
"Can I ask what he said?" Hopping up on the counter across from Michael.
"He told me that next time I should mind my own business. That for all the times I whine about cases being police bonded, I got what I deserved for jumping into the middle of one. The rest I don't particularly want to rehash."
"You can stay here as long as you need." She was dismayed at Devon's reaction.
"I'm not hiding from him."
Shaking her head at him, smiling at his angry blue eyes. "I never suggested that you do. You need to heal. Speaking of which, when are you supposed to change the dressing?"
Michael just looked at her for a moment. "It comes off when I take a shower, then I have some cream to put on it."
"You don't need to replace the bandages?" Michael shook his head. Turning to the kitchen, catching sight of the clock on the wall, realizing just how late it was. "You hungry?"
"Actually..." His face had brightened considerably.
"Dumb question, I know. Okay, I'll make something warm and light, how's that?"
"Perfect. I'm gonna get changed." She nodded as he pointed behind him at the bathroom with his thumb.
When he returned from his shower, Jamie was just setting the filled bowls on the table. He felt better. The dark sweat pants he had changed into didn't pull at his stitches, nor did the T-shirt. He was also comfortable. He couldn't remember the last time he was able to relax to this degree with a woman.
Looking up, Jamie smiled. "Still hungry?"
Michael smirked, "when am I not?"
"Good. Soup, toast and you can grab whatever you want to drink."
Kitt had been listening in, monitoring his partner. Now he was beginning to realize that there was no need to. Jamie would take very good care of Michael. Shutting down, Kitt recharged his stressed systems.
Michael had insisted on helping Jamie clean up after dinner. It didn't matter how much she insisted that he sit and relax, he half pushed her out of the way to assist in washing dishes. Shaking her head as she put the last dish away, she faced her worn out guest. "Do you want the bed tonight?" Her question came out more unsure than she had intended.
Shaking his head, surprised at her offer and very touched. "Naw, I'm okay on the couch. I was comfortable there before. And I think being locked on the couch keeps me from moving too much."
"You sure?"
"Yes." His hand slid across her jaw, his palm resting against her cheek. He loved the way her face fit into his hand, how her hair curled around his fingers. "Thank you." His voice had dropped and roughened as his emotions rose again. He could lose control so easily, standing in the middle of her house, alone, with the way she was looking at him.
"Anytime, you know that." Her smile was shy, as if she knew exactly what he was thinking. Shaking off the feeling, capping his emotions again, he removed his hand as she backed away a few steps before breaking eye contact and heading to bed. He prayed for the time to be right, he wanted a loving relationship with her almost too much. He hoped the little responses he was seeing weren't a figment of his imagination. He was convinced he would know when, or if, they were ready for their relationship to progress. Turning off the light, he carefully crawled under the blanket, closing his eyes.
Jamie watched as the outer room went dark, hearing Michael moving about for another few minutes. In her mind's eye, she watched him walk across the room before settling himself for the night. Her door was open a crack, she had left it so, just in case he needed anything during the night. Plus she trusted him. She had right from the start, not that she could explain why. It wasn't due to the attraction she felt for him. She had recognized that reaction right off the bat. But the way she felt when he touched her, it was all so new to her, bordering on frighteningly wonderful. Sure she had dated before, she hadn't fibbed to Tara earlier. She had just neglected to mention a few things, like she had never been truly in love, nor had she wanted to be with someone before. If Michael offered a more serious relationship, she wasn't sure if she was ready for that step, no matter how much she wanted it. Silently she thanked him for taking things slow. It was her last thought before drifting off.
*
Michael picked her up from work early that Monday morning. He was wearing the most appealing, yet worrisome grin on his face. Even the Cheshire Cat looked more innocent. The most irritating aspect was that he refused to explain himself. Only saying that this concerned Foundation business and her help was required.
Devon looked up from his mound of papers as Michael guided Jamie into his office. "Ah good, you were able to find her."
"That was the easy part, dragging her away from her computer was another thing." Michael motioned for Ja to take a seat, then perched himself on the only corner of the desk that was not currently occupied by legal type papers.
"I take it you haven't taken the time to explain yourself?" Michael's compulsion for game playing never ceased to amaze the older man. Michael's grin broadened devilishly. The silver head shook in frustration.
"Jamie, your expertise is required. Michael has been asked to investigate a case in the horse industry." That got her attention. "You and Michael are to go in as a couple. You as an instructor and Michael as a hired hand."
"Devon... I haven't been on a horse in years."
"You were always one of the best. I have no doubts in your abilities."
Jamie sat, letting this all sink in. Her, on a case? Could she do it? It wasn't like she didn't know the horse industry. She had practically grown up in it. Her parents had been avid horse lovers, placing her on a horse as soon as she could sit up on her own. Teaching and training had been a large part of her life for many years. But since Wilton had died, that part of her life had been left behind in favor of establishing her independence. She simply didn't have time anymore. Looking up at Michael, 'this could be fun', sprang into her mind.
"Okay, so what are we dealing with?"
Devon smiled. He knew she would agree, he just hadn't been sure how long she might need to make up her mind. "Michael already has the file. The gist of it is that a small, striving facility has been plagued with a number of horse deaths over the past few months. Young horses dying of heart related problems, competitors finding their horses dead in the fields and such the like."
"Sounds like insurance fraud."
Michael looked at her. "You've heard of this before?" Amazement clear in his voice.
"A number of years back a vet and a trainer teamed up in quite the scam. It took years to gather the evidence and finally convict them."
"Hopefully it won't take the two of you that long."
Michael snorted. "When do we leave?"
"You are expected to arrive Friday night."
"I better do my homework then." Jamie stood, asking Michael, "can I see that file?"
"I'll hand it to you on the drive back."
Devon watched the pair exit his office. Placing them together was a smart idea. He somehow knew it.
*
Jamie walked into the empty garage later that day, looking for Bonnie. Devon had informed her a short time ago that Bonnie was searching for her.
"Bonnie?" Calling seemed to be her best bet to catch someone's attention.
"I'll be out in a second." Bonnie's voice drifted over from the back.
A minute or so later, Bonnie strode towards Jamie with a devious smile on her face.
"What?" Greatly curious, but not wary, Ja took delight in the other woman's openly displayed pride.
"Well, I never did find out where the little friend from your lamp came from, but I do have this for you." Holding out a tiny, familiar looking watch, Ja just stared at it for a moment.
"Really?" She couldn't think of anything else to say. She was far too astounded.
Half laughing, Bonnie placed it in her hand. "Here's how you work it." Taking a few minutes, Bonnie showed the smaller woman the details of the comlink.
"Why?" Still stuck on one word questions.
"Because Kitt asked me to make you one."
"Kitt asked?" She'd graduated to two words.
"Yup. He said that he wanted to be able to keep you safe. And he'd have a better chance if he could monitor you."
"I don't know what to say. I didn't expect this."
"You are welcome. You seem to have made a lasting impression on Kitt. And Michael as well, I think."
"Kitt is wonderful. You've done a great job."
Bonnie's turn, "what do you mean, I've done?"
"He's your child. You raised him. Sure Michael had a large hand in it, but you're the one who taught him right from wrong and all that."
"It's just programming."
"And what do you think it is in people? We are all programmed. Our morals and behaviors come from what our parents set for us."
"I never thought of it in that manner before." Shyly shrugging, she watched Ja put on the watch. "I do consider him my baby. Everyone knows that. I didn't realize how much like raising a son it would be like. It's just.."
"Immaculate conception." Both women collapsed into laughter for a moment. "Have you ever thought of having kids, Bonnie?"
"No, not any more. I have one, and that's enough. Plus his best friend keeps me on my toes with his....antics shall we say."
"I'm well aware of them, thank you. Your son keeps bring his distraught friend to my doorstep."
"I had heard about that. Kitt tells me you can work wonders on Michael." Ja let the impish gleam in Bonnie's eyes pass her by.
"I help him to see that things that go wrong are not always his fault."
"He does take his responsibilities very seriously."
"Sometimes too seriously I think. He tends to blame himself for things that are far beyond his control."
"I know, so does Kitt. Dangerous business or not, they feel that they can rescue every client. It doesn't happen that way. I wish it would."
"You and me both." Taking a deep breath, Ja let some of her feelings show. "I have to admit, the closer we get to heading out, the more scared I feel about this."
"You wouldn't be human if you weren't. Michael used to get the jitters in the beginning. Kitt's door would shake as he opened it. I worried myself into fits back then. Michael would never admit to it, but Kitt knew and protected him as best he could. They disappeared for about two days after Kitt's ordeal in the acid pit. I have no idea where they went, or what they did. When Michael and Kitt returned the bond between them was tangible. I have an idea of what they talked about. Kitt once mentioned that he felt a kinship with Michael, both of them having overcome a great fear."
"He's very romantic isn't he?"
"Michael or Kitt?"
"Both, but I think Kitt more so. He sees life in such a positive light."
"He developed that himself. I tend to be cynical."
"I would never have described you as cynical?" Ja frowned, this was different side to her long standing friend.
"I don't tend to show it very often. Kitt knows of it from all the time we've spent together."
"And your arguments with Michael?"
Bonnie chuckled, "yeah, them too. I've said some nasty things to him before."
"I know. Not just from Michael talking to me, but from the Foundation grapevine."
"It's amazing what trickles down that."
"According to it, you and Michael have quite the... fling shall we say, going."
"Oh, yeah, I've heard that one too. Michael's far too much like a big pesky brother to me."
"He feel's the same way about you"
"Are you sure? Sometimes I feel like he doesn't even like me."
"That's called sibling rivalry." Bonnie playfully punched her arm. Shaking a finger at Bonnie, "and violence too, Kitt would not approve."
"If Kitt knew half the things I do, he would not approve."
"Boy do you ever sound like a mother."
"I'm too young to have a grown child."
"If he continues to hang around Michael, he'll never grow up." Pausing, the half turning back to Bonnie. "Is it possible for an AI to regress?"
"If Michael is involved, anything is possible."
"Did I hear my name?" The deep voice called as Michael walked in with Kitt following beside.
"Speak of the devil." Bonnie whispered to her friend.
"I heard that." Michael dropped petulantly onto Kitt's prow. The two girls sniggered at each other for a moment. "I don't think I like the two of you talking. Bonnie stuck her tongue out at him before heading towards the back. "Don't stick it out of you're not willing to use it." Michael called after her.
"You got an ice cream?" Bon countered from behind a stack of electronic equipment.
"Face it Michael, you are out classed." Kitt contributing the teasing did not improve Michael's attitude.
"Who's side are you on?" He fired towards the windshield, behind him.
"Michael, I learned a long time ago to form my own opinions." Feeling something slightly different, Kitt scanned the garage. With great delight he spotted the new watch. "Bonnie made you one."
"Huh?" Michael looked up from pouting.
"I just got it today." Absentmindedly, she began playing with her comlink.
Seeing what she was fiddling with, Michael stepped from the hood, reaching for her left arm. He felt the strangest emotion run through him as his brain acknowledged what she was wearing. Swallowing, he looked up at her.
His eyes held a mix of hurt, surprise and anger. Without realizing it, she took a step back from him.
Kitt, sensed he had better step in. "I asked Bonnie to make it for her." Keeping his voice low, he still received the backlash from Michael as his head spun to face his partner.
"Why?" The usually cheerful voice was shaking with this new emotion.
"Because she is not experienced in this line of work. She has not been exposed to the dangers. I thought this might help us keep her safe." Praying his reasoning would get through his partner's thick head.
Sighing, Michael had to agree. That didn't mean he had to like it. This assignment was going to be an eye opener for him, he could just feel it.
*
Kitt had been searching for his partner for over an hour. Michael had left the garage shortly after he discovered the comlink on Jamie. He had a suspicion that Michael would be a little upset. Michael's reaction, however, left Kitt feeling like he'd overstepped a boundary. One he wasn't aware of, until now. Sighing to himself he scanned the area again. Where ever Michael had gone, he'd done a fine job of concealing himself. Twice more around the property, and three more detailed scans in the fading light, before he found his partner.
Michael sat, facing the stream that bordered
the farthest reaches of the property. He didn't know why he was feeling like this. And the more he felt it, the angrier he became at himself.
Hearing the familiar hum, he knew his time alone had come to an end. Not that he'd come to any conclusions during that time. Sensing, more than seeing, he waited for Kitt to park behind him. Leaning back, he found himself supported by the right side front tyre.
"Why does it bother you so?"
"I have no idea Kitt."
"Michael.." There was exasperation in Kitt's voice.
"I swear to you Kitt, I can't tell you why. I've been sitting here for hours and haven't pin pointed any reason for this childish reaction. And it's driving me nuts."
"May I take a stab in the dark?" Michael shrugged. "Could it be because the comlink is something that only *we* have shared?" Sitting up a little straighter, Michael managed to grab onto one of the emotions flying about in his head. Jealousy? No not quite, more like he was losing something special.
"Maybe... I feel more like.."
"Like what?" Now that Michael was talking, Kitt prayed he'd discover the reason for his discontent.
"Like I'm losing a part of you." He felt the car startle behind him.
"Michael, I'd never...."
"I know. This is stupid and it's foolish and I can't seem to stop it." His voice had dropped to almost a whisper by the time he completed his sentence. He let his head rub along the fender, cherishing the warmth and the life that radiated from the car.
"It's not stupid Michael. I've felt it before as well. I also could not stop the fears. All I want is to keep her safe."
"I know. And I agree with you."
"But your heart and your mind are at odds?" He felt Michael nod. Sighing to himself, he despised himself for having caused this. "Maybe I shouldn't have..."
"Don't second guess yourself because of my shortcomings. I care for her as well, and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to her. You knew that and took the initiative to protect her. Every gut feeling I have thinks you're brilliant."
"But you are still upset."
"I'll work through it Pal, don't worry about that."
"If you don't mind, I believe I'll continue to worry until this is resolved."
"Actually, I think I like you worrying about me." Michael continued to snuggle into Kitt's fender, surrounding Kitt with a wonderful aura of closeness with his partner.