I'll Be Seeing You, Chapter 7

By Mistress V

Disclaimers as in Chapter 1.

The morning did come early, Hogan thought as he gazed out over the landscape through his open bedroom window. The first birds had just sung. To his amazement, the clock showed 04:15, but he wasn't tired in the least. The dawn air swirled around him, as effervescent as champagne and as promising as the new day.

"Good, you're up, old man," James Crafton said as he met Hogan in the downstairs hall. "Our presence has been requested on an expedition of the utmost importance. The boys are out waking up the dogs, so we can get some coffee first. Mrs. Benson's always up before the lark. We tend to be early risers around here."

"Thanks," Hogan replied, accepting the brew, served prettily in an old Wedgewood cup. "This sure beats reveille any day."

"Sleep well?" Crafton enquired pleasantly.

"Like a rock. Must be this country air and good food."

"And good company, eh? Well, let's be off, the rabbits won't wait."

The pair made their way out into the soft country morning and were immediately surrounded by three excited boys and a half dozen equally keen Springer Spaniels.

The ladies of the house were all waiting on the terrace when the hunting expedition returned an hour or so later. The boys rushed forward to their grandmother and presented her with a bouquet of wildflowers.

"We didn't manage to catch any rabbits, Gran," William admitted, a bit ruefully. "So these will have to do."

"They are the perfect addition to the breakfast table," Lady Camille told her grandsons. "Now pop into the kitchen and have Mrs. Benson put them in a pretty vase. And she might have a scone for you, too. I'm certain all your expeditioning was hungry work!"

"Thanks, Gran!" the boys chorused, racing through the open French doors.

Peggy moved close to Hogan and handed him a cup of coffee. Her smile was seductive and full of promise for the days ahead.

"Much appreciated," he said pleasantly, then lowered his voice. "Consider yourself kissed."

"Only kissed?" she teased.

James Crafton came to the open door, a frown on his face. "There's a call for you, Colonel Hogan. Best take it in the study."

Hogan shrugged as he put down his cup and saucer. He went inside and was surprised to find himself in the room with Crafton.

"I'm afraid we've had some important news, sir," the now acting RAF officer stated. "The word just came down. Haller's due to be moved further east on Monday."

"How much further east?" Hogan asked.

"Remember all those jokes about the Russian Front?" Crafton sighed. "Apparently we've one shot and one shot only, this evening in East Berlin. He's attending a gala at the opera house, some visiting stars from the Kirov opera and orchestra. A late celebration commemorating the end of the WW2."

"You mean the Great Patriotic War," Hogan corrected, using the term the Soviets referred to when discussing the hostilities. "What do I have to do?"

"Your driver is in transit here and you'll be briefed on the way to the base. You'll just make the morning mixed transport to Templehof, so it's rather seat of the pants." Crafton's expression was grave.

"You don't know anything else?" Hogan prodded, genuinely concerned.

"Afraid I don't. It'll be a series of transfers, to protect the underground network in East Berlin. It's imperative we do. The Soviets are watching everything with a microscope. Our man has this one chance out, so we need to move." Crafton paused and extended his hand. "Good luck, Robert."

Hogan slapped the man's back as they shook, knowing he would not have called him by his proper name unless things were serious indeed. "Thanks, James. Do I have time to say goodbye to Peg?"

"Just. I'll fetch her." Peggy's brother hurried off.

As he watched the man depart, Hogan glanced at the large portraits adorning the study walls. He started.

Not one of the Lords Crafton portrayed had brown eyes.

"It's bad news, right?" Peggy asked matter-of-factly as she joined Hogan.

"Yes, I've been called to duty unexpectedly." Hogan took the woman into his arms, knowing she was trembling despite her show of bravado. He kissed her and continued. "It's essential that I leave immediately." His heart grew heavier with each word. "I don't know when I'll be back, Peg."

"It's not like I've never been in this position before," she began half-heartedly.

Hogan kissed her hungrily. "No," he said, "this time it's different, Peg. I will be back, I promise, And when I am, there is something very important I need to discuss with you. Will you be here?"

"Robert, what are you saying?" Peggy let her arms trail around his neck but her tone was uncertain.

"I love you, Peggy. I should have said that years ago but I didn't. Now I'm making up for it. I love you and when I get back, we need to talk." He kissed her again, his kiss full of passion and desire and promise.

"But there are things I need to…" Peggy's voice trailed off as Hogan put a finger to her lips.

"We can talk about that tomorrow, or the day after or the day after that if you want, Peggy. I love you, that's what matters."

"I love you too, Robert," she whispered, her eyes sad. "Come back to me. And stay."

"Your driver's here, sir," Crafton interrupted.

Hogan made his way down the hall, clinging to Peggy as though she was the last life preserver aboard the Lusitania. They kissed once more, and then he was gone out the door.

Peggy finally burst into tears. "I can't lose him now, we've just found each other again," she sobbed into her brother's neck.

"There, there, Peg," James soothed. "I promise, sis. I'll bring him back to you."

Hogan's driver was one of the two black suits he'd met the day before, except he now sported all black casual gear and looked like an out of work commando from Stalag 13. He introduced himself by his last name, Agent Nelson.

"We'd hoped to have more time to run the original operation," he explained as he sped the car back towards the base. "But this was an unexpected opportunity, so you're live."

"What can you tell me?' Hogan asked, wondering what he was in for.

"Operation Concerto's a rogue idea even on a good day. Your code name is Rondo and your contact is Scherzo. All I can tell you is be prepared to switch nationalities, occupations and appearances very quickly. You might be three separate persons in as many hours. If all goes to plan, you'll be back at base before midnight--with Haller."

Hogan let the information sink in. "Any other advice?" he said.

"Say as little as possible and let the operatives guide you. You have to trust that they'll lead you in the right direction. I know this is very different to what you did at the stalag, but believe me, it's the only way to go here. And you'll see why."

"What are our chances of success?" Hogan continued, not mincing words.

"A crap shoot, but the jackpot's worth it."