Chapter 20-Hogan Learns the Truth

Hogan slowly opened his eyes and looked around without moving his head. He recognized the infirmary right away and turning his head ever so slightly, saw Wilson asleep in the chair beside the bed. He swallowed and though it was difficult, wasn't as bad as it had previously been.

"Joe?" he asked, his voice still a bit scratchy.

"Wha…?" Wilson mumbled as he opened his eyes and ran his hands down his face. He blinked a few times and looked at his patient and saw him looking at him. "Colonel, are you all right?"

"My throat's still a bit sore, and my voice is a little scratchy, but other than that I feel okay. How long have I been here?"

"About three days." Wilson poured a glass of water and held Hogan's head elevated and put the glass to his lips. "Drink slowly, Colonel," he said. Hogan was able to finish most of the water. The medic took the glass away promising the Colonel he could have more later. He carefully laid Hogan's head back down. "You should make a full recovery. Do you have any memory as to what happened to you, sir?"

Hogan pursed his lips. "Not much. I remember being outside the barracks at night, and then somebody or something hitting me from behind. Then suddenly I couldn't breath. Next thing I knew I was here."

Wilson let out a deep breath. "Colonel, it appears you were struck by someone from behind who then injected you with what appears to be bee venom causing you to go into anaphylactic shock. If Kinch and Newkirk hadn't found you lying in the compound when they did, you would have died probably within minutes."

Hogan seemed to think over what he had been told. "You mean, somebody purposely did this to me?"

"It appears so, sir," Wilson replied grimly. "But I don't see any reason why at the end of the week you can't be released back to your barracks. But once there, you'll have to take it easy for about a week to fully regain your strength."

Hogan let out a deep breath. "I owe a certain person big time for this," he murmured partially to himself.

Just then, he and Wilson both looked around when the door opened and saw Kinch and Newkirk walking in.

"How's the Gov'nor, mate?" asked Newkirk.

"Doing better. But he still needs his rest."

"Can we speak with him, Joe?" asked Kinch. "It's really important."

Wilson got to his feet. "Sure. But just for a few minutes. I want him to get some rest. And don't let him use his voice too much." He moved out of the way to allow for Kinch to sit down in the chair and Newkirk on the edge of Hogan's bed. "I have some paperwork to handle so I'll let you have some privacy." He walked to the corner of the room and sat down at his desk.

Hogan looked at the two men. "What's wrong?" he asked. "What happened?"

Kinch leaned forward in his chair. "Mrs. von Herwarth is safely in London, Colonel."

"Okay. So what's the problem?"

In as few words as possible, Kinch and Newkirk repeated the story von Herwarth had told them. Hogan massaged his forehead with two fingers. "Wonderful," he said sarcastically. He swallowed and began to cough. "Water…" he struggled to get out.

Kinch quickly poured a glass of water and elevated the Colonel's head and allowed him to drink until he indicated he didn't want anymore. After giving Hogan a few minutes, Kinch then filled him in on Klink posting two guards outside the infirmary keeping Guthrie away and having called General Burkhalter the day before with the promise he would be here sometime today and order Major Guthrie to leave Stalag 13." He decided to not tell Hogan about a possible traitor among the men because it would just upset him, and Hogan didn't need that right now in his condition.

"Having Guthrie leave camp won't stop him," Hogan said. "He'll still be hanging around. Did you get a chance to plant that listening device, Kinch?"

"No sir. We were too concerned about getting you help to worry about the listening device. I can still do it if you want me to."

Hogan tried to stifle a yawn as he was becoming sleepy. "Hold off on the listening device right now. And as far as von Herwarth is concerned, I can't think straight right now. Just tell him to be patient for a few days." He yawned again. "I'm kind of sleepy, guys. We'll talk later." His eyes closed and within minutes a gentle snoring could be heard. Kinch and Newkirk quietly left the bedside and were met by Wilson.

"He's sleeping," Kinch said. "We'll come by later. Thanks."

"No problem," the medic replied as he pulled the blanket up and tucked it under the Colonel's chin and checked the IV. Kinch and Newkirk, exiting the infirmary, slowly strolled back in the direction of the barracks. They were halfway to their destination when they found Guthrie standing before them.

"And how is Colonel Hogan?" he asked innocently, blocking their path with hands clasped behind his back. "I understand he had an attack of something a few days ago?"

"Why you bleedin'…" Newkirk hissed stepping forward before Kinch's hand on his arm stopped him.

"What the hell do you want, Guthrie?" asked Kinch coldly. "You don't give a damn about the Colonel and you know it."

"Oh but I do," Guthrie replied smugly. "I need him alive to help me catch von Herwarth. But regardless, I did want to visit the Colonel to offer him my best for a speedy recovery, but it seems the guards won't allow me to see him."

"That's right, mate!" Newkirk sneered. "And you're not gonna get anywhere near him either! So why don't you just sod off!"

"Sod off?" Guthrie asked with raised eyebrows.

"It means get lost you bloody Kraut!"

Guthrie's eyes narrowed and his face darkened. "I'd watch your mouth, Englander. I might have to teach you respect for the Gestapo and you would not like my methods."

Newkirk was about to respond but Kinch clamped a hand over his mouth and led him away from Guthrie who watched them go, smirking as he watched them leave. When they were safely away from the German, only then did Kinch release the Englander. Newkirk, his face dark and eyes flashing, stared at the radioman. "Why did you do that, Kinch? You should've let me tell the bloody Kraut off!"

"And possibly get yourself shot in the process," Kinch told him. "Not very smart. How would I have explained that to the Colonel?"

Newkirk rubbed the back of his neck. "I know, mate, I know. And I apologize for losin' me temper. But just thinkin' what that bastard did to the Colonel just got the better of me and I wanted to deck 'im."

"I know," said Kinch draping an arm around Newkirk's shoulders. Newkirk, having calmed down a bit, looked at his friend.

"How come you didn't tell the Colonel about there maybe being a traitor among the men?"

Kinch let out a deep breath. "He doesn't need to worry about that now. If it's still a problem when he's recovered I'll tell him then." He chuckled. "My guess is he probably already suspects I didn't tell him everything but didn't get a chance to ask because he fell asleep."

Newkirk grinned. "You're probably right."

Back in his guest quarters, Guthrie sat on the edge of the bed holding the receiver to his ear, listening to the phone ringing on the other end, waiting for somebody to pick up. Sighing wearily, he was about to hang up when he heard the distinctive click and a voice on the other end.

"Sir, Major Guthrie. Yes, sir, that is why I am calling. I gave Colonel Hogan the injection as ordered but he went into anaphylaxis shock and nearly died. No sir, he's currently in the infirmary and there are guards posted by the Kommandant who ordered them not to allow me in under any circumstances. No sir, still no sign of von Herwarth. But I overheard the Kommandant yesterday morning calling General Burkhalter asking him to come here, and I have a fairly good guess why. I gather he will be here sometime today. What do you want me to do?"

Guthrie listened to his boss's orders without interruption. "Jawohl. I will do as you suggest. Heil Hitler. Auf wiedersehen." Hanging up the phone, Guthrie stretched himself out on the bed to think about what he would say when questioned by the General.

Hogan shifted his position on the bed slightly as he slept. The information Kinch had given him about von Herwarth played on his mind and its implications played themselves over and over and over. He had been lied to. Of course it was not the first time he had been lied to by someone and probably wouldn't be the last. But if he had known the truth about Christina von Herwarth, he might have had a better understanding of Guthrie and that his pursuit of von Herwarth was more personal than business.

The year was 1921 and Robert Hogan was now a sophomore in high school in Cleveland, Ohio where the family had moved back to after his father had been promoted to Brigadier General and then received a medical discharge due to his heart condition which was a result of his illnesses, starvation, poor diet and exposure to the elements combined while a prisoner-of-war. It was one of the few things his father had shared with his family. He just wasn't ready yet to talk about anything else he had endured from the moment he was shot down. But Robert would be patient, knowing his father would eventually talk about his experiences, if only to his oldest son who was determined to follow in his footsteps in the military.

But in addition to maintaining his A-average, Robert was starting to notice girls, or rather, girls were noticing him. With his handsome good looks they were drawn to him like moths to a flame. And as much as he liked girls, he wasn't interested in a serious relationship right now. There was plenty of time for that. So he decided he wouldn't allow himself to become serious about any woman and just play the field. It would be easier that way; no commitments, no long-lasting involvements. But most important, no heartache. Besides, he had West Point to think about.

Opening his eyes, Hogan recalled how he pursued a series of meaningless relationships throughout high school and even while attending West Point. Even when he came to Stalag 13 and met Helga and later Hilda, he was attracted to both of them but not serious about either one. And while he enjoyed the benefits which came from romancing both women, he found it useful in obtaining information. And it remained that way until he met a beautiful but stubborn French resistance leader named Marie Louise Monet, code name Tiger, and everything changed.

She had accepted him as he was and that was only one of the things he loved about her. There was her loyalty, her feistiness, her devotion, her dedication just to name a few. And he loved her with all his heart; and knew she loved him just as much. He believed his situation with Tiger was similar to that of von Herwarth and Christina; they were in love and the Nazis were intent on destroying them just as Guthrie was intent on destroying von Herwarth for taking his wife from him. He knew how he would feel if someone tried to take Tiger from him. That was another thing he shared with von Herwarth. As tiredness overcame him, Hogan closed his eyes and was soon asleep again, his mind drifting back to a happier time.

In his junior year, Hogan had one goal in mind, and that was maintaining his grades so he would have a perfect grade point average at graduation. Having memorized the admissions requirements for West Point, he not only knew them by heart, but knew the competition for admission was fierce and only a select few made it. And he was determined to be one of those select few. He knew his academic performance wasn't a problem; after all, he was not only a straight 'A' student but had made the Dean's List every semester since his freshman year. He also demonstrated leadership potential as he was Captain of the debate team, the high school football and baseball teams as well as the chess team. He was also class president and for two years was Student Government President. He had completed the Pre-Candidate Questionnaire while at the same time obtaining a nomination from a family friend who just happened to be a United States Senator. It also didn't hurt that his father was a retired General and a West Point graduate as well. And even though the age requirement was at least 17-23 years, Hogan would be seventeen in a few short months. It wasn't long before he received other forms to complete. He filled those out and immediately sent them in and then began the long process of waiting which he knew he never did well.

It was in November of 1922 before he received the letter he'd been impatiently waiting for. Ripping it open he learned he had been accepted into West Point. It was the happiest day of his life when he received the letter. He showed it to his father who was extremely proud that his first-born son was accepted to the same military academy as he had. And although Hogan's mother was just as thrilled for her son, secretly she was concerned that he could at any time be called to fight in a war as her husband had. But only time would tell; so for now, she would allow herself to be happy for her son so as not to have him feel guilty and regret applying to West Point.

LeBeau turned away from the door of the barracks and glanced at Kinch, Carter and Newkirk. "Burkhalter's car just pulled up outside Klink's office."

Kinch got up. "Colonel's office," he said leading the way into the small room with LeBeau closing the door behind him. Kinch plugged in the coffee pot.

"General Burkhalter, what a pleasure it is to see you, sir," said Klink.

"Klink, you Dummkopf, you called me here. Something about a Major Guthrie of the Gestapo overstepping his bounds here."

"Yes, sir. He…." Just then the door opened and closed again. "General Burkhalter, Major Guthrie reporting."

"Ah yes, Major Tice Guthrie. I understand from Colonel Klink that you have been abusing your authority here by first locking up the Jewish prisoners as a means of trying to persuade Colonel Hogan to aid you in capturing a Werner von Herwarth. And when that failed, you then proceeded to threaten Colonel Hogan with a gun. And when that didn't work you injected him with something that nearly killed him. What do you have to say about that, Major?"

"General, Colonel Hogan told me he had set up a meeting with von Herwarth, and when we went to the rendezvous place nobody ever showed."

"Major, I see you do not know our Colonel Hogan very well. He is extremely good at spinning believable tales, and I see he got you to fall for one of them. And while we are on the subject of Colonel Hogan, Major, who gave you permission to remove him from this camp?"

Guthrie didn't respond.

"Did you know about this, Klink?" asked Burkhalter.

"No, Herr General. I was neither informed nor asked."

"So, Major. You decided, on your own, to remove a prisoner from this camp without even informing the Kommandant or at least getting his permission. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"But General, he seemed quite sincere to me."

"Of course he did, Major. But that is no reason for you to do what you did as well as to then try and kill him. I want you to listen very carefully to me because I'm only going to say this once. From this moment on, whenever you wish to interrogate Hogan or any prisoner, but especially Hogan, Klink and or a guard of his choosing will be present to make sure you don't get carried away during your interrogations. Hogan is the prize possession of the Luftwaffe and the Reichsfuhrer would hate to have something happen to him unless there is absolute proof he is aiding this man you seek."

"But General, I wasn't interrogating Colonel Hogan before, I was simply asking him some questions."

"I heard what you've done, Major. Is that what the Gestapo calls just asking questions?" Burkhalter asked with an amused grin. "Nevertheless, I trust I have made myself clear."

"General, I am here on the orders of Reichsfuhrer Himmler to recover a journal which contains information which could be embarrassing to our beloved Fuhrer."

"Major, don't threaten me with Reichsfuhrer Himmler. I spoke with my dear friend before I came here. Needless to say, he was not happy to find out you were spending your time torturing my prisoners instead of doing what he ordered you to do. Unfortunately, he feels since this von Herwarth was last seen in this area that you should remain at Stalag 13 until he is caught. So unless you want to explain your troubles to my dear friend, I suggest you do the job you were ordered to do."

"Jawohl, General,"Guthrie hissed.

"You're dismissed, Major!" Burkhalter said.

The sound of a door opening and slamming shut left the men in Hogan's office wearing frowns. They had been hoping Burkhalter would order Guthrie to leave Stalag 13. And having him ordered not to torture the Colonel didn't do much to relieve their anxiety. In fact, they were more concerned than ever that he would not only not leave the Colonel alone, but it would now be more difficult to get von Herwarth out of Germany.