The T.V. show Hogan's Heroes belongs to Bing Crosby Productions. No ownership of the Hogan's Heroes characters is implied or inferred, and no infringement is intended.
A Close Call
By
"You take risks. I think the best thing is for me to send you to London, and the sooner the better." Hogan turned away as his anger sent him pacing. He had found himself in a losing situation tonight, and had his orders been followed…as they should have been…he would not be standing here now.
"I don't take any more risks than you do, Colonel." The answer was short and curt
The words heightened the fire in Hogan's head…and heart. Not even the cool dampness radiating from the earthen walls in the tunnel did anything to quench it. He felt as if his very soul was in flames. As a team they all worked well together, he couldn't deny that. But to deviate from a plan to save one life by risking two was…dangerous.
"You would have…and have done the same thing!" The accented voice continued to plead its case.
Robert Hogan stared at the tree root snaking its way down the tunnel wall next to the emergency exit. It was tearing him apart to have to do this. It would cause a void that would be difficult…no make that impossible…to ignore. As the accusation coming from his opponent hit him, he spun around from the wall he had been staring at and fixed his accuser with a stare.
"I'm in command! And as long as I'm in command, it's my orders that are followed." Hogan's words scorched the air around them as he continued his scolding. "Even Newkirk, as hot headed as he is, follows orders! I have enough to keep track of on a mission without…without…" Hogan paused to regain control, and the target of his fury seized the opening to finish his sentence for him.
"…Without getting yourself killed and leaving Kinch to have to end this operation. Because you know, without you, it would end! Once your... body...was identified Kommandant Klink would not be allowed to stay in command, and this camp would be torn apart. And any man who did not make good his escape would eventually tell all; even the Underground would be rounded up."
Hogan took a step closer as he defended against this latest charge. "You know that's not true. There are only a few of us with that kind of information and I would trust them with my life…" Hogan stopped. The irony of what he had just said stuck in his throat.
"Oui!" the defendant agreed.
The "gotcha" pause was sickening to Hogan's ears. He had made a slip and he couldn't take it back. "But I don't expect…" Hogan stuttered. "I don't want you to…"
"Ssshh!"A hushed voice answered him as it took a step closer.
His eyes softened with the awareness that he had lost this battle. To say more would reveal too much. His chin dropped as his resolve melted, and he shuddered with both relief and apprehension.
"Do not worry, Colonel. I am small."
Hands reached out and rested on Hogan's shoulders, comforting him in his surrender. He could feel his muscles relax slightly under the touch.
"I can slip in and out of places quietly and without being seen."
Hogan's anger faded as caring eyes met his, and both shared the fear of loss.
"I walk on the soles of a cat."
The voice assured Hogan, as lips brushed against his ear and a warm breath whispered, lulling him to surrender…
"That is why they call me, Tiger!"
…unconditionally.
The Loving End
(Please turn out the light on your way out.)