Late Spring, 1944
The men were sitting silently around the table when Hogan returned. Nothing had prepared any of them for this, and no one was quite sure what to do. There had been deaths in the camp before, but nothing like this…not someone they were all so close to.
Hogan's face was set with anger and determination when he returned. Klink had been appalled by the news, and suggested they plan a service for Kinch, a move that had surprised and pleased him initially. The anger set in on his way back to the barracks. He knew that even though they had jumped on Carter about wanting to go through with the mission, he was right. Kinch would not have wanted that factory spared because of his death.
He had to figure out what to do about Kinch. He needed to be buried as soon as possible, but at the same time, London needed to get the mission completed, and he could not do both at the same time. As much as he hated the idea, someone would have to stay and bury Kinch while the others went and took care of the factory. Leaving Kinch until after the mission was impossible…not with the way things were. And from what the message had said, that factory was putting out hundreds of weapons every day. It had to be stopped.
And so, on his way over, he made his decision. He would ask for a volunteer to stay and take care of his friend. He knew his place was on the mission, as much as he wanted to be the one to stay. He stepped into the barracks, and presented his plan. He was not particularly surprised when Carter was the one who broke the silence that followed.
"I'll stay, colonel. Fitz can go with you. He can handle the explosives as well as I can. Besides, it's been a while since he's been out." He looked around at the others. "Besides, you might work better together without me this time. I'll take good care of Kinch, I promise."
Any protests at his words died as he stood and looked around. "I'll go get started. It will be dark soon. I'll have everything ready and bury him while you're gone. Less chance of any interference from the guards that way."
Hogan nodded. He turned to LeBeau. "Louis, I know no one feels like eating, but please make sure everyone gets at least some soup or something." LeBeau nodded woodenly and headed towards the pantry. He looked back at Hogan. "We will have a memorial, yes?"
"Yes. Klink already suggested it himself. I will see him tomorrow about the time, but we can use the Rec Hall." He sighed. "I hate this…we've lost others, but this hurts so damned bad."
As Carter reached for the bunk latch, he turned and looked at his friends. He knew he couldn't give anything away now, not when it was all working out so well; even better than he had planned…but it hurt to know all of this was his fault. He climbed down the ladder quickly, but paused as he reached the bottom. He whispered, "I am so sorry, guys." He grabbed a shovel and headed out to the cemetery.
~HH~
It was just after roll call when they began to prepare for their mission. Newkirk had managed to borrow a truck, so they had transportation ready, parked just outside camp. He had given the guard a bit extra because they needed a full tank of gas. The guard had not been happy about that, but in the end, they got the truck, fully fueled and ready to go.
During the previous couple of hours, each one of them had come to the bunk, and sat with Kinch's body for a little while, to say good-bye. It was painful, but each felt a little better…a little less like they were deserting him to carry out the mission. Taffy had placed a chair next to the bunk, and quietly sat with him first, paving the way for the others. He had not known Kinch very well, but he was a good man, and a loyal friend to the others. He would miss him.
Taffy watched the others, ready to step in if they wanted to talk, or needed him. None of them did. They simply sat and said their goodbyes. Newkirk seemed on edge and more restless than normal as he sat. Taffy wanted to reach out to him, but knew that Newkirk would not appreciate it. Mentally, he began to plan the memorial service. He would talk to Colonel Hogan, and make sure everything was the way he wanted it.
A few minutes before they were ready to leave, Hogan, Newkirk, LeBeau and Carter carried Kinch out to the cemetery. They had wrapped him in a couple of new blankets that Schultz had brought for that purpose. The big German was heartbroken, as he had always liked Kinch. He did not stay, realizing they needed time. They were all grateful for the gesture.
~HH~
The team left for the mission, leaving Carter to his grim task. When he was sure that he was alone, Carter pulled a syringe out of his pocket and injected the contents into Kinch. He removed the blankets, and waited, knowing the cold air would help revive him. As he waited, he filled in the grave he had dug earlier. No one would have any reason to suspect the grave was empty.
Just as he finished, he heard Kinch moan. He crouched down next to him as he began to awaken. It took a few minutes for Kinch to orient himself, but Carter was pleased to see he had suffered no apparent ill effects. Kinch lay quiet for a few minutes, and then sat up, gingerly. "Did you get the number of the truck that hit me?"
Carter smiled. "Sorry about that. It's just that the drug I gave you caused muscle contractions. You'll be sore for a couple of days."
Kinch grimaced. "Great."
Carter looked him over more carefully. "Actually, you look pretty good for a dead guy."
Kinch smirked as Carter helped him up. "Gee, thanks."
"Come on, we need to get you out of here before the team gets back. I'll go get your bag. I hid it in the lab. You wait here and stay low." With that, Carter hurried away.
Kinch sat back and sighed. He knew the rest of the plan. He just hoped they managed to pull it off without either one of them getting shot.
~TBC~