Chapter 2-The Best Kept Secrets

"Roll caaaaaaaaall! Everybody up for roll caaaaaaaaaaaaall!" Schultz bellowed as he opened the door to barracks two and entered. He slapped the side of Newkirk's upper bunk startling the Englander awake. "All prisoners outside for roll caaaaaaaaall! Raus! Everybody raus!"

Newkirk rubbed his bleary eyes. "Why don't you come back in the mornin', Schultzie?" he asked, yawning.

Schultz chuckled as he walked through the barracks waking the other prisoners who were just as tardy waking up. "It is morning," he remarked not looking at Newkirk.

"I meant tomorrow mornin'."

Schultz walked over to Newkirk as the other prisoners started to move about. "If you didn't spend so much time with monkey business you wouldn't be so tired."

Newkirk gave his best innocent, wide-eyed look. "Monkey business, Schultzie? What monkey business might that be?"

Before Schultz could respond, Carter, who was sitting up on the bunk below Newkirk's, looked up at the obese guard with a wide grin. "No monkey business, Schultz. Just making arrangements for Colonel Hogan's….."

"Carter!" Newkirk shouted interrupting before the young sergeant spilled the beans.

With a suspicious look, Schultz's eyes shifted from one to the other. "For Colonel Hogan's what? There is something going on here; some monkey business. I insist you tell me what arrangements you're making for Colonel Hogan. That's an order."

LeBeau, now fully dressed and having heard the conversation, walked over and patted Schultz's large stomach. "We're making arrangements to celebrate the day Colonel Hogan came to Stalag 13 two weeks from now."

Schultz appeared puzzled. "But Colonel Hogan didn't come here until November," he replied. "This is only July first. There is something suspicious going on here."

By now Newkirk had hopped down from his bunk. He rolled his eyes in exasperation. He put an arm around the guard's shoulders. "We're having the celebration in two weeks because the war could be over in November and we very well couldn't have it then, now could we?"

"No," Schultz replied, more confused than before. "But…"

LeBeau and Newkirk pushed Schultz towards the open barracks door. "See, this way he'll remember it when the liberation comes," LeBeau struggled to get out. "Now wait outside so we can get ready for roll call."

Schultz shrugged his shoulders as he headed out the door. He looked back at the men. "Tell Colonel Hogan happy anniversary."

"Happy anniversary for what, Schultz?" asked Hogan joining the conversation. Before the guard could respond, LeBeau and Newkirk closed the door. Newkirk and LeBeau gave Carter a look.

"We told the ole barrage balloon we were celebrating the anniversary of you coming here because Carter almost spilled the news," Newkirk explained.

"I'm sorry," Carter said. "I just got carried away with excitement."

Hogan sighed. "Carter, right now we are the only ones to know. I'll decide if anybody else will know." He looked at LeBeau and Newkirk. "That was quick thinking you two. Now hurry up and get ready for roll call."

The prisoners lined up for formation in the early morning warm weather. Schultz just finished counting when the loud voice of Kommandant Wilhelm Klink shattered the early morning air.

"Schuuuuuuultz, repooooooooooooooort!" Klink demanded.

Turning, Schultz saluted his commanding officer who returned the salute. "Herr Kommandant, all prisoners present and accounted for."

"Very good, Schultz. You may dismiss your men." He started to leave.

"Jawohl, Herr Kommandant. Oh, Herr Kommandant, aren't you going to wish Colonel Hogan happy anniversary?"

Klink, mystified, stared at his sergeant. "Happy anniversary for what?"

"In two weeks he will have been here…." Schultz began counting on his fingers.

Klink sighed wearily. "Dummkopf! Colonel Hogan came to Stalag 13 in November. Why would the prisoners be celebrating his anniversary in July?"

"In case the liberation comes before November, sir," Newkirk said. "Wouldn't do much good celebratin' the Gov'nor's anniversary when we're not here now would it?" There were snickers and chuckles from the other prisoners.

Hogan, thumbs hooked in his jacket pockets, was bouncing on the balls of his feet and enjoying the exchange between his men and the Kommandant. He wore a smirk on his face. If you only knew, Kommandant.

Klink marched straight up to his American counterpart and stood toe-to-toe with him. "Hogan, I know you better than you think. You're up to something."

Hogan gave the Kommandant his best innocent 'who me?' look. "Sir, I'm hurt. How could you even think I could get something past that sharp and cunning German mind of yours?"

"You couldn't," Klink agreed. "But I'll be watching you anyway just in case. Disssmissed!" He turned abruptly and stormed away back to the Kommandantur.

Schultz faced the prisoners. "Prisoners, disss-missed!"

As the prisoners walked into the barracks, LeBeau promptly wrapped an apron around his waist and began to prepare breakfast. The coffee was already hot having been started before they went outside for roll call. He poured cups of coffee for Hogan, Carter, Kinch and Newkirk before starting breakfast.

Kinch removed a small notebook and pen from his inside pocket. "First things first, Colonel. Is there anybody special you want in attendance?"

Hogan tapped the side of his coffee mug as he thought over the question. "You guys of course, Olsen, Baker and Wilson. We can't have a large crowd in the tunnels. Too risky."

Kinch scribbled down the names Hogan had given. "What about Tiger?"

"She doesn't have any family here and those in France are either missing or dead. But I'll ask her first chance I get."

"She should have someone walk her down the aisle, mon Colonel," LeBeau said over his shoulder.

"She would if we were being married in a church but since we're not…."

"Yes, she will, sir," Kinch said with a sudden wide grin. "And I know exactly who it should be. It'll also take care of two other problems as well."

"Who?" Hogan asked, curious now himself.

"Bluebird," Kinch replied. "He can walk Tiger down the aisle, his wife Lilly can be Tiger's matron of honor and perhaps their son David can be the ring bearer."

"Perfect!" LeBeau said looking around at the radioman with a grin.

"I like it, Kinch," Hogan said with a smile. "But you'd better check with Bluebird and make sure he's available on July 13th before you pencil him in."

Kinch finished making his notes. "I'll contact him after breakfast," he said looking at his watch. He flipped the notebook closed and put it and the pen back in his pocket.

"Boy, Colonel, you're gonna have the best wedding ever!" Carter announced. Newkirk kicked him under the table. "Oww!"

"Carter, shut you big mouth," the Englander whispered with narrowed eyes.

"Wedding?" said Olsen who was pouring himself a cup of coffee. He approached the group at the table who suddenly became quiet. "You're getting married, Colonel?"

Hogan looked around at his men. "So much for keeping secrets," he murmured. He looked at Olsen. "I asked Tiger and she said yes. We're getting married on July 13th."

A broad smile broke out on Olsen's face as he patted his commander on the back. "Congratulations, Colonel!" he said before turning around looking at the other prisoners. "Hey guys, Colonel Hogan and Tiger are tying the knot the 13th of the month!"

Next thing Hogan knew prisoners were gathered around him slapping him on the back congratulating him or shaking his hand. Hogan accepted their congratulations and best wishes happily. Then he stood up, held up his hands, and asked for quiet.

"First, I want to thank all of you for your best wishes. Second, I ask that this news remain in this barracks and for nobody else to know. It's important that it be that way."

"Why, sir?" asked Baker. "The guys in the other barracks will be thrilled for you and Tiger."

"Two reasons," Hogan explained. "First being that the more people who know the greater the chances are that the Germans will find out. And two, while I'm certain the other prisoners will be happy, there could still be some animosity or even jealousy among them because my getting married will remind them of what they don't have. So again I ask that this news stay in this barracks between the fifteen of us."

"We'll do as you ask, Colonel," Baker said. "The news won't leave this barracks."

"Hey, Colonel," Sergeant Garlotti said. "We gotta give you a bachelor party before you walk that last mile as a free man." There was laughter among the men; even Hogan joined in the laughter.

"I'm getting married, Garlotti, not buried," he said. "Besides, Kinch, Carter, LeBeau and Newkirk are handling the wedding arrangements as their gift to Tiger and I."

Baker smiled. "Then let the rest of us as our gift to you throw you a bachelor party. We promise, sir, the Germans won't suspect a thing."

Amused, Hogan shook his head and wrapped his arms around himself. "Who am I to deny you guys a party?" The other prisoners cheered and then went back to their side of the room and began making plans while Hogan sat back down at the table. He smirked as he took a drink of coffee. "What is it they say about the best laid plans?" he asked.

"They go astray, sir, if you tell 'em to Carter," said Newkirk with a roll of his eyes.

"I'm sorry. I can't help it. This is the biggest thing to happen here and I got carried away."

"I wish your mouth would get carried away," Newkirk said.

"Okay, knock it off," said Hogan. "It's not Carter's fault. The news was bound to get out somehow anyway. The main thing now is to keep it in this barracks among only us. If I find out somebody talked, there's gonna be hell to pay."

After breakfast, Kinch and Newkirk went below into the tunnel to the radio room. Kinch adjusted the headset and switched the frequency to a different one. "Papa Bear to Bluebird. Papa Bear to Bluebird. Come in Bluebird."

"This is Bluebird. Go ahead Papa Bear," said the voice of Fritz Fuchs, a Captain in the Gestapo and second-in-command to Major Wolfgang Hochstetter. Fuchs walked a fine line besides being Hochstetter's right hand man. He was also a close friend of Colonel Hogan and a member of the underground.

"Bluebird, Papa Bear needs to know if you're free on July 13th?"

"Let me check my schedule." After a few minutes Fuchs returned. "I am off that day. Was ist los?"

"Papa Bear is taking a Mama Bear. Would like for you to walk future Mrs. Papa Bear down the aisle. Also requests that Mrs. Bluebird be matron of honor for future Mrs. Papa Bear and baby bluebird be ring bearer. Can you make it?"

"We would be delighted to attend. What time is nuptials?"

"We'll get back to you with that, Bluebird."

"Fine. Give Papa Bear my congratulations."

"Will do, Bluebird. Papa Bear out." Kinch switched the frequency back to their regular one before removing his headset. "Well, Bluebird's on board," he said with a grin. A moment later, his grin disappeared. "Newkirk, I hope you and the others aren't upset the colonel asked me to be his best man."

Newkirk slapped Kinch on the back. "Kinch, I would've been shocked if the Gov'nor hadn't asked you. You should be his best man. I'm sure LeBeau and Carter feel the same."

Kinch got up. "Let's get back upstairs," he said. They headed in the direction of the ladder leading to the barracks when they suddenly heard voices and Hogan's name. Kinch put a hand on Newkirk's shoulder stopping him so they could listen.

"So, what d'you think of the colonel marryin' this Tiger?" one of the voices belonged to Garlotti.

"I don't have a problem with it," said Simmons, a corporal. "Why? Do you?"

Garlotti chuckled. "Y'know, the colonel probably got her knocked up and has to marry 'er. Never could control his hormones."

Both men froze when Newkirk and Kinch suddenly appeared; their faces indicating they had overheard.

"I suggest you watch your mouth, Sergeant," Kinch told Garlotti coldly. "Colonel Hogan isn't like that and neither is Tiger and you know it."

"I don't know anything of the sort," Garlotti snapped. "And neither do you. You know how he likes the ladies. Wouldn't surprise me in the least if he got one knocked up and…." He never got to finish his sentence as Newkirk's fist connected with Garlotti's jaw propelling him against the dirt wall. The sergeant massaged his jaw and stared daggers at the Englander. But then his eyes met those of Kinch whose reputation as a former Golden Gloves boxer was well known throughout camp.

"I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself," Kinch ordered coldly. "We will not have you ruining what is the happiest time for Colonel Hogan by spreading vicious lies and innuendos about him and Tiger. He's marrying her because he loves her very much and she loves him. I won't have you making something dirty out of what they have. Do we understand each other?"

Garlotti continued massaging his jaw. "You could've broken my jaw, Newkirk," he said.

Kinch smirked. "You're lucky I didn't hit you. Your jaw would've been broken."

Garlotti saw the look in Kinch's eyes and nodded. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean any harm."

"Y'know, Garlotti, if you still want to help arrange the Gov'nor's bachelor party, that would be fine," said Newkirk coolly. "But if you can't keep your opinions to yourself I suggest you convince Olsen or Baker to do it. Understand, mate?"

Looking again at Kinch, Garlotti nodded. "I'd like to do it. And I give you my word."

"That's a good lad," said Newkirk with a smile.

In another part of the tunnel near where the men were talking, Hogan stood quietly listening. He had heard everything Simmons and Garlotti had said and it not only hurt him deeply, but made him angry. He was about to approach the two men and give them a piece of his mind when he heard Newkirk and Kinch, and a smile appeared on his face, impressed by how they had handled the situation. But he then sighed as he realized Garlotti's statement reminded him he and Tiger would have to wait until after the war before even considering having children and that knowledge saddened him a bit. But with luck the war would soon be over and they could start a family. So instead of approaching the men, Hogan decided it was better if they never knew he was there. He turned and headed back in the direction from which he had just come.