Chapter 11-A Second Diversion

It was now July ninth, and as promised, the tiara was completed and given to Carter who gave it to LeBeau who thought it was a magnificent piece of work; possibly the best the workshop had ever done. The fake diamonds reflected the light even from the light given by the lamps in the tunnel, and showed rainbow colors which sparkled like genuine diamonds. After things had quieted down later the night before, LeBeau went to work making the bridal veil by attaching the proper amount of lace to the tiara. Pausing in his work, he allowed a smile to appear on his face as he thought of the exchange between him and Newkirk when they made the wedding gown for Burkhalter's niece, Frieda.

"I still think you made that train too long," Newkirk argued after they had gotten Schultz to try on the wedding gown.

"It is not too long," LeBeau responded gathering the lace of the long train in his arms.

"I still say it would be much more stylish with a short train," the Englander was quick to point out.

"Not when it has to cover a big caboose!" the Frenchman pointed out emphatically. (1)

LeBeau chuckled and shook his head. After all, Frieda was 210 pounds; Tiger was about 125 pounds if that. Definitely a long train was not necessary in her case. So LeBeau decided to make the train hang about at Tiger's waist. Then with a sigh, he went back to work on the veil. He hadn't been working long when Newkirk walked into the room.

"How's it coming?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"All right so far," LeBeau responded not stopping in what he was doing. "Taking a break?"

"Only for a minute," Newkirk replied leaning against the table watching the Frenchman work. "Since I can't do anything else with the gown until after the fittin', I thought I'd help with the tunnels for the reception and the wedding. How's the train comin'?"

LeBeau held it up for the Englander to see. "You tell me, mon ami." He folded his arms and waited as Newkirk examined LeBeau's handiwork.

"Hey, that's pretty good, mate," he said handing it back to LeBeau.

"You really think so?" LeBeau asked, proud that Newkirk had approved of his handiwork. "Merci, Pierre."

Newkirk smirked. "Sure. And for once you got the train just the right length," he kidded. He grinned at LeBeau's sour expression and knew he had gotten him again. "And besides, unlike Frieda, Tiger has a small caboose and a long train would take away from the gown."

LeBeau grinned back knowing Newkirk was baiting him again. "Precisely. We want the Colonel to see the gown and how magnifique she will look in it."

Newkirk folded his arms. "Y'know, mate, I have to admit at first I didn't think we could get all this work done in time."

LeBeau raised an eyebrow. "And now you do?"

Newkirk smirked. "Yeah, I do. I mean, we still have several things left to do. But providing there's no sudden surprises or problems, I actually think we just might be able to pull this off. I really do." He looked at his watch. "Well, I'd best get back to helpin' the others with those rooms." He turned and walked toward the exit, but paused in the doorway. "Hey, Louie."

"Oui?"

"Even if we pull this off, I'll still punch you in the ruddy nose if you volunteer us again for craziness like this." He ducked and laughed as the first object LeBeau could grab flew past his head. Picking it up, Newkirk tossed it back onto the table and still laughing, left the Frenchman to continue his work alone.

Kinch was seated at the radio when the message came in from their contact in Paris. Snatching up his pen, he hastily wrote down the information as a grin appeared on his face. When he was finished, he grabbed the microphone.

"We copy Crème Brulee," he said. "Great work. We appreciate this more than you know. Papa Bear over and out." Smiling, he tore the page off his clipboard, folded it, and tucked it into his outer jacket pocket. One less problem now. Taking out his notepad, Kinch crossed off Klink's one-week trip to Paris and confirming the time of the wedding. He studied the remaining items to be accomplished. Okay. Everybody except Tiger knows the time of the exact wedding and we can tell her when she comes for her fitting later today. Kinch made sure he notated one new item and circled it; and that item was: Wedding, July 13th, at 1930 hours.

Klink was busy signing papers at his desk when there was a knock on his door.

"Come in," he said without looking up. He heard the door open before he laid down his pen and looked up, elbows on the edge of his desk and hands clasped in front of his face. Sergeant Schultz entered and saluted.

"Herr Kommandant, Colonel Hogan is here as ordered."

Klink returned the salute as Hogan squeezed his way into the office without being asked. He gave Klink a sloppy salute and waited to see what the Kommandant wanted. With a glance at the American, Klink's expression made Hogan a bit nervous. Something felt out of sync to the American. "Schultz, leave us and close the door behind you, but wait outside."

"Jawohl, Herr Kommandant." Schultz leaned forward towards Hogan. "What did you do this time?" he asked Hogan.

Before Hogan could answer, Klink slowly stood up. "I said OUT!"

"Jawohl." Schultz gave Hogan one last look before exiting the inner office. Alone now, Klink slowly sat back down and gave the Colonel his complete attention.

"Colonel Hogan, I ordered you here because of a very distressing telephone call I received a few minutes ago. It was about you."

Both of Hogan's eyebrows arched in surprise. "Me sir? Who from?"

"The Gestapo."

Hogan stiffened just a bit but kept his reaction hidden. This was the last thing he needed five days before he was to be married. He knew he and his men and not committed any acts of sabotage of late, nor had they had any missions from London of late. So what did the Gestapo, probably Hochstetter, want with him now? With five days before the wedding, Hogan hated the idea he would have to evacuate the camp.

"But I haven't done anything, sir," Hogan said calmly while inside his emotions were all over the place. "I've appeared at every roll call, made sure I had on my make-up so I looked presentable and…."

"SILENCE!" Klink shouted slamming both hands, palms downward, on top of his desk. Hogan, uncharacteristically, shut his mouth. He had never seen Klink act like this before. The Kommandant stared at his American counterpart. "Hogan, I don't need the Gestapo coming here. But considering things have been too quiet of late where you're concerned, it shouldn't come as a surprise. However, I was ordered to have you taken to the cooler immediately. A Gestapo officer is on his way and will be here shortly to interrogate you. Now I have no idea what it is you're being accused of this time, nor do I want to know. But whatever it is you're accused of, or whatever it is you've done, I suggest you do whatever you have to do and pray they won't have you shot by a firing squad."

"But Kommandant…." Hogan started to say.

"SCHUUUUULTZ!" Klink bellowed cutting Hogan off.

The office door quickly opened and a nervous Schultz came into the office. "Ja...Jawohl Herr Kommandant," he stammered.

"Schultz, take Colonel Hogan to the cooler and lock him up. A Gestapo officer will be here shortly to interrogate him. Also, he is to have no visitors. I trust I have made myself clear?"

"Ja-wohl, Herr Kommandant," Schultz replied before gently grabbing Hogan's arm and escorting him out of the office, pulling the door shut behind him. Standing on the porch of the Kommandantur, Schultz leaned towards Hogan. "Colonel Hogan, have you been up to some monkey business? What does the Gestapo want? I've never seen the Kommandant so angry with you."

Hogan sighed as he looked around the compound and saw the faces of many of the prisoners watching him, waiting. "I have no idea what they want with me, Schultz," he said. "For once, you know as much as I do." He shrugged. "As far as Klink is concerned, he'll get over it. He knows without me around this would be just another war." He then stepped down the steps of the Kommandantur slowly, his eyes still scanning the compound. Removing his crush cap, Hogan ran a hand over his dark hair then replaced his crush cap alerting the men in the compound to prepare to evacuate the camp and stand by. He then let Schultz lead him in the direction of the cooler.

Carter, looking through the faucet periscope followed Hogan and Schultz until they were out-of-sight. He looked over at Kinch sitting at the table with Newkirk and LeBeau.

"The Colonel and Schultz just headed in the direction of the cooler," he said. "And the Colonel gave the pre-evacuation and stand by sign."

Kinch looked at his watch and got up as did LeBeau and Newkirk. "Okay, I'll go and meet Tiger outside the emergency tunnel and bring her back here. You two be ready to do what has to be done because I don't know how long Bluebird will be able to keep Colonel Hogan occupied. Carter, keep watch. If you see Bluebird leaving camp, give a holler." He then looked at the others. "Let's go." The trio headed down into the tunnel where Kinch quickly checked the pistol he would use and found it fully loaded. As it was afternoon, there was no need to change clothes. After checking his watch again, he climbed up the ladder and exited through the emergency tunnel.

Hogan sat alone in his cell with his feet up on the edge of the bed and his arms wrapped around his legs. He was positive the men in the compound had seen him give the pre-evacuation and stand by order and he also knew Kinch would make sure everybody was organized once they saw Major Hochstetter come barreling through the front gates and realized he was wasn't coming back this time. Hogan rested his chin on his knees. What had happened? He knew things had been quiet lately. Perhaps TOO quiet? Maybe that was it? Or had an underground operative been captured and talked? Perhaps that was it. Hogan pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. Kinch would get in touch with Tiger and let her know. And if necessary, his men would alert the underground and get them to safety. He sighed suddenly weary. How could this be happening only days before his wedding? And worse of all, he was locked in a cell that had no tunnel entrance so if this was it, he had no way to see his men one last time. Looking up, Hogan rested the back of his head against the wall behind him and let out a deep breath. I'll buy you guys as much time as I can. Kinch, get them all to safety and forget about me.

The large black staff car with the Gestapo flags flapping in the breeze pulled up outside the Kommandantur. The front passenger door opened and a six foot tall, blond, blue-eyed Gestapo officer stepped out and glanced around momentarily before walking up the three steps of the Kommandantur and inside the door.

Klink was leaning back in his office chair with feet up on his desk with legs crossed and absorbed in the contents of the latest issue of Sexy Frauleins magazine when there was a knock on his door. He quickly shoved the magazine in his desk drawer, put his feet on the floor, and sat up straight. Grabbing his pen he pretended to be reviewing some paperwork. "Come in," he said not stopping what he was doing.

The door opened and the Gestapo officer, carrying an attache case walked in; his face unreadable. Klink looked up. Thank God it's not Hochstetter. But I recognize this officer and he frightens me more than Hochstetter ever could. Hogan, what have you done this time?

The Gestapo officer, who's insignia identified him as a Captain, raised his hand to Klink. "Heil Hitler."

Klink swallowed nervously as he looked into those cold blue eyes and saw no compassion in them whatsoever. "Heil Hitler. How may I be of assistance to the Gestapo?"

"I trust you have followed the orders of the Gestapo when you received the phone call, Kommandant?"

Klink smiled nervously. "Yes, sir. I followed the instructions to the letter. Colonel Hogan is locked in the cooler and waiting for you at this moment. Captain, I am curious about something. Exactly what is it Colonel Hogan is supposed to have done?"

Fuchs leaned forward, his face taking on a sinister expression. "Kommandant, the Gestapo is not obligated to tell you anything. I would like to question the prisoner right now. Depending on his answers, I may or may not be taking him to Berlin for more intensive questioning." He smirked in a way which made Klink shiver. "If I have to take Colonel Hogan to Berlin, and Major Hochstetter and I have to question him further, there is a good chance he won't be coming back." Fuchs noticed the Kommandant wilt before his eyes. "Now, I'd like to see the prisoner."

"Yes, sir. Schuuuuuuultz!" Klink bellowed. The door opened and the overweight guard stepped inside and saluted.

"Herr Kommandant?"

"Schultz, this is Captain Fuchs of the Gestapo. You will escort him to Colonel Hogan's cell and help him with whatever he needs."

"Jawohl, Herr Kommandant."

Kinch helped Tiger climb down the ladder and into the tunnel where she was greeted warmly by Carter, Newkirk and LeBeau.

"Kinch said you want me to try on the wedding gown to see how it looks?" she said.

"Oui," LeBeau said. "It is a wedding gown that can double as an evening gown. We have arranged for Colonel Hogan to be distracted while you are here. And as we only have about thirty to forty-five minutes at the most, we should have you get changed." LeBeau pointed her in the direction of the changing room while Newkirk hurried to the other room which was also covered with a sheet hanging over the entrance; the changing room had a sheet hanging from above shutting off the changing room from prying eyes.

After about five minutes Tiger emerged from behind the sheet wearing the gown, her brown eyes bright with tears and a brilliant smile on her face. She fought not to cry as her hands ran down the soft material.

"Do not cry, Tiger," LeBeau said with a smile as he watched her slowly turn around in a circle modeling the gown. Just then Newkirk appeared carrying the veil and adjusted it on Tiger's head; he put the stool in front of her, and then he and LeBeau helped her step up onto the stool so they could have a better view as they looked. Standing nearby, Carter and Kinch both smiled as they watched.

"You sure look pretty, ma'am," Carter said bashfully looking at the material clinging to Tiger's body in all the appropriate places.

Kinch, one arm straight out with palm resting against the wall behind Carter agreed. "You two really did a fabulous job," he said admiringly.

"Oui," Tiger agreed, " It is c'est exquis!"(2) She then placed both hands over her heart as she looked at Hogan's team. "Les mots ne peuvent pas exprimer quel est dans mon coeur."(3)

LeBeau tightly gripped her hands in his, and kissed her on one cheek. "Etre heureux," he said with a wide smile.(4) Then, releasing her hands, glanced at Newkirk. "Okay, Pierre, we had best get everything done. There's no way of knowing how long Bluebird can keep Colonel Hogan occupied."

Newkirk chuckled. "You read me nervous mind."

Hogan sat nervously in his cell, having not moved from where he sat going over in his mind what he could do to distract Hochstetter giving his men a chance to get out. He was suddenly brought out of his thoughts by the sound of a cell door closing down the hall, and footsteps approaching his cell, and knew whatever he came up had better be quick. Looking between the bars, Hogan put his feet on the floor and his hands on the bed, palms down; he watched Schultz put the key into the lock. As the large guard held open the cell door, he looked sadly at Hogan who could feel his uniform shirt sticking to his body under his jacket. Get them out, Kinch ! Hogan couldn't hear the voice of whoever was speaking to Schultz and only saw him salute whoever it was and walk away, intent on leaving Hogan and Hochstetter alone. Hogan closed his eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and waited until he saw the officer enter the cell. His eyes widened like saucers.

"Bluebird? You're the Gestapo officer who's suppose to question me?" Hogan slowly got to his feet, completely stunned. Then his eyes suddenly narrowed. "Or is your boss, the bull terrier, joining us for the fun and games?"(5)

Fuchs smiled warmly at his longtime friend and reached out a hand which Hogan took in a firm grasp and shook. "No Hochstetter this time, Colonel, just me." He let go of Hogan's hand and motioned for the American to sit down on the bed; he sat beside him. "Sorry I had to scare you to death and let you think it was Hochstetter who was coming, but I needed to see you before your wedding about something, and this was the only way I could think of for us to meet privately without interruption."

Hogan let out a deep breath. "On my way here, I gave the signal for a pre-evacuation and stand by. I was sure this was it."

Bluebird couldn't conceal a small laugh. "I'm sorry about that, Colonel. I really am. But I thought it was important that we talk before the wedding."

Hogan suddenly eyed Bluebird suspiciously. "Did my men have something to do with you coming here?"

Now it was Bluebird's turn to feign confusion, grateful that Kinch had alerted him about Tiger and it was important to keep the Colonel distracted for at least thirty minutes. He shook his head. "I have not spoken to your men. If I had do you think I would have chosen this means to come and see you? Why? Was ist los?"

Hogan knew Bluebird was as skilled at spinning tales as he was, and could look a person right in the face and tell a believable lie, so Hogan, while not certain, decided to give him the benefit or a doubt for now. "What hasn't happened," Hogan chuckled. He quickly gave highlights of his men's strange behavior of late and seemed to have included Schnitzer the vet and camp medic Joe Wilson. Bluebird could not contain himself when Hogan told him about 'the talk' Wilson wanted to have with him, he almost doubled over in laughter. He reminded himself he had to remember to tell Lilli about that one

"Not that I'm not glad to see you, but why are you here?" asked Hogan.

Bluebird sat his attaché case on his lap and opened it. "I rushed the paperwork through with my contacts in Paris…." he smiled when he found the envelope he was looking for, and handed it to Hogan. "…it's my wedding gift to you and Tiger. Lilli will bring hers to the wedding."

Confused, Hogan opened the unsealed envelope and, after removing the document inside, allowed his eyes to scan it. A smile appeared slowly as he rubbed the back of his neck. Finally, he looked up at his friend. "Fritz, I don't know what to say. This is so generous of you. Thank you."

"You're welcome, my friend. I figured you and Tiger would have an easier time with a French marriage license than a German one." He took the document and envelope from Hogan's hands and slipped it back inside the attaché case. "After the wedding the minister will sign it, and I will sign as a witness."

Hogan rubbed his hands together. "You gave Klink a nervous breakdown in addition to giving me one. The way Klink was talking I thought he was going to have me transferred to Colditz unless the Gestapo took me away to Berlin with them. He and I were both positive Hochstetter was on his way."

"I'm sorry about that. But I knew if Klink figured the Gestapo wanted to interrogate you, he'd stay as far away as he could knowing how he feels about the Gestapo. I suspect from what you're telling me I was right."

Hogan laughed. "Also, before I forget, thank you for walking Tiger down the aisle, and thank Lilli for being her Matron of Honor. And even though he's too small, thank David for being our ring bearer."

"It's our pleasure, Rob." Fuchs checked his watch and slowly got up. "I'd best be going. I promised Lilli I would take her out to dinner tonight."

"Just out of curiosity…"Hogan wrapped his arms around himself. "…what are you going to tell Klink?"

"I've got the perfect story." Bluebird walked over to the bars. "GUARD!" he shouted. It took a few moments before Schultz, out of breath, could be heard hurrying in their direction, his rifle dragging on the floor. "You can unlock the door, Sergeant, and release Colonel Hogan and myself."

Schultz looked unsure as to what he should do. "Herr Captain, I don't think I should release Colonel Hogan without the Kommandant's say-so."

Fuchs' face got such a look on it that it chilled Hogan to the bone to watch. He saw Schultz swallow hard. "You dare to disobey the Gestapo, Sergeant?"

"Herr Captain, I,I,I…."

"Silence! Now I order you to open the cell door and allow both of us to leave. I will explain to Colonel Klink why Colonel Hogan is being released."

"Jawohl, Herr Captain!" Schultz said saluting. Fuchs saluted back and while Schultz fumbled with his keys, the Gestapo Captain looked over his shoulder at Hogan and winked. Hogan smirked and shook his head, amused. Finally, the cell door was unlocked and held open.

"Danke, Sergeant," Fuchs said calmly. "Now, you will come with us to the Kommandant's office.

Klink was trying to go over some of the papers he had in front of him and found himself unable to. His mind kept going back to Hogan and what this Gestapo Captain might be doing to him. Despite this not being the first time he'd met Captain Fuchs, there was something about his demeanor that frightened him more than Major Hochstetter. At least with Hochstetter a person knew what he was getting; but this Captain Fuchs was a completely different case. His cold blue eyes cut right through to your soul. There was a knock on the door.

"Come in," he said. The door opened and Schultz ambled in followed by Fuchs and a contrite-looking Hogan with thumbs hooked in his side pockets.

"Captain Fuchs and Colonel Hogan to see you, Herr Kommandant." Schultz stood aside allowing Fuchs and Hogan to enter.

"Schultz, diss-missed!" Klink said wearily. He and Schultz exchanged salutes before the guard exited the office. Then the Kommandant folded his hands on top of his desk and looked at Fuchs. "Well, Captain, you only questioned Colonel Hogan for about thirty-five minutes. So, is he still a prisoner of Stalag 13, or is he headed for Gestapo headquarters in Berlin?"

Fuchs glanced with disdain at the American officer briefly before turning his attention back to Klink. "After questioning the prisoner for several minutes, I am convinced he has no useful information regarding what the Gestapo is investigating."

"That's wonderful…." Klink exclaimed with a smile and suddenly remembered he was speaking with the Gestapo and became extremely nervous again. He was so nervous he didn't notice Hogan sneaking three cigars from Klink's humidor and sticking them inside his inner jacket pocket. "I mean, I'm sorry Colonel Hogan couldn't be of any assistance in your investigation."

"So am I, Kommandant. I will take my leave of you." Fuchs turned his attention to Hogan. "Colonel Hogan, should I find out you were lying to me, I will be back." He then opened the door and exited.

"Charming fellow," Hogan said sarcastically reaching inside his jacket and pulling out a cigar. Sticking it in his mouth, he picked up Klink's lighter off the desk and lit it. After taking a puff and blowing out the smoke, he looked at Klink. "Oh, I'm sorry, Kommandant," Hogan reached inside his jacket again. "Would you like a cigar? I have an extra one." He pulled one out and handed it to the Kommandant. He then held the lighter and lit the Kommandant's cigar.

After Klink took a puff, he held the cigar in his hand and looked at it admiringly. "This is a good cigar, Hogan. Tastes better than my own."

Hogan didn't respond but allowed a chuckle as he rolled the cigar around slowly as he held it between his lips. He just couldn't shake this feeling his men were behind Bluebird having shown up, and this time it had scared him when he thought it was Hochstetter coming; even to the point of giving the pre-evacuation and stand by order. He'd have to have a 'little talk' with them. Enough was enough.

(1) Scene is from Gowns By Yvette, Season 5.

(2)"C'est exquis!" means "Exquisite!"

(3) "Les mots ne peuvent pas exprimer quel est dans mon coeur" means "Words cannot express what is in my heart."

(4) "Etre heureux" means "Be happy."

(5) A bull terrier was accepted by the AKC(American Kennel Club) in 1936. The breed began to find their way into America as early as 1870. A bull terrier was owned by General Patton. "Sergeant Stubby", a bull terrier, was an unofficial member and mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment(Connecticut National Guard), 26th Infantry ("Yankee") Division, during its deployment to Europe as part of the American Expeditionary Force during WW1.