The Visitor

by desertpat51

A lady arrives on Dietrich's doorstep. Now what?

The Visitor

By desertpat51

Author's Note: Not a typical Rat Patrol Raid story but just a "what if". I hope you enjoy.

Hauptmann Hans Dietrich is sitting behind his desk near the far wall of his office so he can monitor who comes in the door. The smoke from his cigarette, in the ash tray, is blown away by the fan to his right. His office is on the second floor that overlooks a busy street below… and he has had a hard day. One of his convoys was attacked by the Rat Patrol, though this time they didn't do too much damage. Only two men wounded and all but one of the vehicles made it to their destinations. Not bad for such an attack. But he still has to make out the reports. Reports… the paperwork can be tedious.

Dietrich looks up as the door opens and Leutnant Schmidt comes in, "Herr Hauptmann, there is an American woman here to see you." Dietrich frowns, "An American woman, here… to see me? That's ridiculous. We're in the middle of a war zone. Is she a nurse?" Schmidt shakes his head, "No, Herr Hauptmann. She is a civilian. She has an American passport." Dietrich frowns again, stands and follows Schmidt out.

Dietrich notes that Schmidt first looks at the now empty bench to his right then realizes the woman has moved to stand next to the window at their left. As the men enter the outer office she turns. She is very pretty, perhaps in her early-twenties with a light complexion and light blue eyes. Her brunette hair has reddish highlights that are glowing in the sunlight streaming through the window. She's tall for a woman of that era at 5' 8" and her slight build is draped with a loose male-inspired white long sleeved blouse tucked into khaki pants. The ensemble is finished with hiking boots, that are no longer new, and a women's style Panama hat, with a white hat band, which she holds in her hand. There is a cloth travel bag sitting on the floor next to her feet and she has a brown leather satchel slung over her shoulders. She sees the two men come out of the inner office and smiles eagerly.

Leutnant Schmidt provides the introductions, "Fraulein, this is Hauptmann Dietrich." The woman, smiles, extends her hand for a shake and Dietrich takes it out of politeness, "I am so pleased to finally meet you. It's Captain, isn't it? I've heard so much about you. I'm Kathryn Hitchcock." Dietrich slowly pulls his hand from hers and then does a double take on her name, "Kathryn… Hitchcock?" Kathryn, "You know, Mark's sister? But everyone calls me Kat." She sees that Dietrich is a bit baffled, "I am so sorry. This is probably right out of the blue for you. And I didn't even tell Mark I was coming. Maybe I should start at the beginning." Dietrich nods, "I think that would be… helpful." He turns to Schmidt, "Please have tea and sweet breads brought to my office." Schmidt nods and leaves.

Dietrich invites Kathryn to join him in his office. She picks up her bag and follows him in. He moves an extra chair, sitting next to the wall, to the left side of his desk and motions for Kathryn to sit. But she is concerned, "Do you mind if I sit by the window?" Dietrich smiles and moves the chair to the right side of the desk, closer to the window. She sets the bag down, again right next to the chair, puts her hat on top and sits.

She's looking around the Captain's office. Besides a side table behind his desk and up against the wall, there are book shelves along the wall on the left. There are a few books but also rolled up papers, maybe charts or maps and a smallish man's bust, with bangs pulled to the side and a little mustache, sitting on the top shelf. Two file cabinets stand up against the far end of the book shelves and near the door. She notes two pictures of men in uniforms on the wall and a red flag with a crooked cross.

Dietrich moves to the side table where a water pitcher and glasses are sitting. He looks over at Kathryn, "Would you care for some water?" She nods then smiles, "That would be wonderful. It's so hot here, don't you think?" Dietrich smiles, pours a glass and hands it to her. She accepts it and begins to sip gratefully. He then moves to the other end of his desk and turns the electric fan so it points at Kathryn, "Is that better?" She smiles, "Oh. I haven't enjoyed a fan since I left the ship."

At that moment, Leutnant Schmidt opens the door and a young soldier comes in with a tray of different German sweet breads, a tea pot and two cups. He sets it down on the desk at the opposite end from the fan and in front of Kathryn. He smiles and gives a slight bow, then he and Schmidt leave. Dietrich pours two cups of tea, takes one for himself, and motions to the breads, "Please." Kathryn smiles, chooses one of the breads and samples it, "Oh, Captain, this is delicious. And I haven't eaten since yesterday." Dietrich sits at his desk, takes a sip, and watches her carefully, "Yesterday?" Kathryn now starts, "Oh this trip has been more than I anticipated. Ships, trains… camels. It's been quite an adventure!" She's finished the first sweet bread and takes another, "Oh my. This is wonderful."

Dietrich stands and contemplates the situation, "Fraulein… Hitchcock…" She stops him, "Please call me Kat." Dietrich starts again, with a slight smile, "Kat… I am at a bit of a loss. Your brother and I… we don't… work together. How do you know me?" Kat smiles, "Well from Mark's letter's, of course." Dietrich frowns, "Letters?" Kat unslings the leather satchel from around her shoulders, opens the latch and searches through the contents. She pulls out a small stack of letters in their envelopes and tied with a ribbon. She searches through the stack and pulls one out. There's a small "D" handwritten on the front just below Mark's return address. She pulls out the letter and hands it to Dietrich. He carefully unfolds the paper as he sits again. He looks at Kat, "Do you mind… if I take a moment?" She nods, "Please. I know Mark wouldn't mind." She picks up the other tea cup and enjoys a sip. She nods her approval and takes another slice of sweet bread as the Captain begins to read…

My Dearest Kat, Sorry I haven't written for a while but we've been kept pretty busy over here. It's really hot during the day but boy can the temperatures drop fast at night. A lot of the times we just sleep out under the stars like those camping trips we use to take as kids. And the three other guys I'm with, they're great. We did have one interesting thing happen a few days ago. Remember that fellow I mentioned in my last letter, Captain Hans Dietrich? Well, we met up with him and some of his guys at this old ruin. We were all chased in there by some Arabs who didn't seem to like us being in their territory. Anyway, we worked together and came up with the solution. We made a fire wall with the Captain's gasoline supply… My idea and it worked! Those Arabs scattered back up over the sand dune and didn't bother us again. I also met one of his men. We were the ones making coffee for the rest of the group and I gave him a piece of my bubble gum. After a few tries he got the hang of it and finally blew a little bubble. We were both happy at that. Well, I guess I better be going. Sarge just called me to a meeting. I'll try and send you another letter soon. Think of me and I'm thinking of you. Your Brother, Mark

Dietrich stares at the letter for a long moment after he had finished reading it. What in the world? The basic information was there but it almost sounded like they were… friends? It sounds as though the private is trying to, as the Americans say, sugar coat the war for his sister? But why?

He looks at Kat but doesn't quite know what to say. He sighs, "Fraulein…" Kat looks at him with a 'what did I tell you' look. He smiles, "Kat. I'm not sure where to begin." She looks at him, "What do you mean?" Dietrich hesitates, "It's just that your brother and I are not really… friends." Kat cuts him off, "Really? Didn't you fight together against those Arabs?" Dietrich frowns, "Yes, but…" She is, if nothing else, persistent, "And what about that… that fire wall thing… and the bubble gum?" Dietrich finally surrenders to the absurdity, smiles and nods, "I must admit, all true." He decides to go along with her fantasies for now and hands the letter back to her. He watches as she carefully returns it to its envelope then to the stack surrounded by the ribbon and finally back into the satchel. As she is going through the process, he is contemplating his next move.

Dietrich now stands, "You have had such a long journey and not having food for so long… Would you agree to be seen by our doctor, just to make sure you are alright? She smiles, "Of course. That's very kind of you."

Dietrich picks up the phone and in English, on purpose in front of Kat, "Leutnant Schmidt. Please come in." Schmidt quickly enters, stands at attention near the open door. Dietrich continues in English, for Kat's sake, "Miss… Kat and I are going to the base hospital. Please see that a room is made ready and that her bag is taken there." At that, Kat becomes nervous, "Where are you taking my bag? I'd really prefer that it stays with me." Dietrich reassures her, "I promise, your bag will be fine. It's just a bit cumbersome to be carrying around. And we'll be finished with the doctor very soon. You may keep the satchel with you, if you wish. Is that alright?" She relents, smiles and nods, but then speaks to Schmidt, "Just you don't lose anything, okay? That bag's come a long way with me." Schmidt smiles, "I will be very careful with your belongings, Miss… Kat." Dietrich leans in to Schmidt, whispers, "Come get me in five minutes." He nods to his leutnant and retrieves his cap from the coat rack next to the door as he leaves. Schmidt picks up the phone to call the hospital.

Captain Dietrich and Kat walk hand in arm through the streets of the Arab town that the Germans have taken over as their base of operations in this sector. It's only two blocks from Dietrich's office to the base hospital but Kat wanted to enjoy the scenery. There are colorful fabric sails shading the streets and vendors hawking their wares in alcoves. At one point, she breaks off to investigate some clothing, shawls, and hats. She picks up one of the hats and puts it on, "What do you think?" He smiles, "Beautiful. But we must continue on to the hospital." She smiles, "I should be wearing blinders!" She puts the hat back and retakes his arm.

Dietrich and Kat enter the hospital and walk down a long hallway with rooms on either side. The Captain removes his cap and slips it under his left arm. Out of a door on the left comes a fatherly looking middle-aged man in a white coat. Dietrich nods, "Dr. Vogel. May I present Miss Kathryn Hitchcock? She prefers Kat." Dr. Vogel smiles, "How do you do… Kat. I was told you were coming. I understand you've had quite a journey." She smiles but is a bit uncertain at this newcomer, "Hello."

At that moment Leutnant Schmidt comes down the hall, "Herr… Captain, you're needed in the office." Dietrich nods, "Thank you." He turns to Kat reassuringly, "This should not take long. Doctor, a moment." Vogel turns to Kat and motions to the room, "Please. I'll be there in a moment. Just have a seat." Kat looks at Dietrich a moment, he nods and she enters the room.

Dietrich now turns serious, "Doctor, the lady is an American and the sister of one of my enemies. She apparently is trying to find her brother. For some reason he's been sending her letters implying that we are… friends. I have no idea why. Just do a cursory checkup. However, I am more interested in her mental state then her physical." The doctor nods, "I understand."

A while later, Dietrich returns to the hospital. Dr. Vogel approaches from the end of the hall, puts a finger to his lips and motions for them to enter a room on the right. When the door closes Vogel begins, "Physically, the woman is fine. However, her mental state is questionable, as you suspected. Most of her cognitive abilities seem to be intact but she seems to have an altered view of reality. As you said, she believes that you and her brother are friends. Also, she does not understand about the war. I believe there may have been some sort of trauma, perhaps leading to memory loss. At present, that is all I know. I would need more information." Dietrich nods, "Thank you doctor. Where is she now?"

Dr. Vogel opens the door on the left of the hallway. He and Dietrich enter to find Kat standing next to the window looking out. They take a moment and note her positon – next to the window, again. She turns and brightens at Dietrich's return, "So, am I going to live?" Dietrich smiles and turns to Vogel, "Doctor?" Vogel smiles, "I am happy to say you are… how do you say… fit as a fiddle?" Kat smiles, picks up her satchel and, to Dietrich, "Where to next?" Dietrich checks his watch, "Are you hungry?" But she stops him, "Is there any way to get in touch with Mark?" Dietrich thinks fast, "It's too late to contact him tonight. It may take a while… they are in the field much of the time. We can try tomorrow." That seems to satisfy her, for the moment.

Dietrich and Kat enter a restaurant and are about to be seated at a side table but she steers the waiter toward a window seat. Three men in the corner entertain with flute, lute and drums. She puts her satchel over the back of the chair. A server brings water and Dietrich orders wine. They check the limited menu and make their selections. As they enjoy their meals Dietrich asks, "You have yet to tell me how you came to be in North Africa. I would be very interested in hearing about your journey."

Kat smiles. This will be the first opportunity she can share her story. She reaches for her satchel, opens it and removes a journal. She opens it to the first page, "I wrote everything down. I wanted to remember it all." She reads as she speaks, "I took a bus to New York and booked passage on the SS Serpo Pinto. She's a Portuguese registry ship that sails between Lisbon and the Americas." She pulls out a trifold brochure with a picture on the front – a mid-size cruise ship with a single stack and two masts.

She continues, "There are a lot of people leaving Portugal but not as many going back so I had the ship almost to myself. I could sleep out on the deck under the stars. And I loved the smell of the ocean and the sound of the waves hitting the bow." She checks her journal again, "So then the ship docked in Lisbon but I stayed on board. She made several stops in Portugal and Spain then sailed to Casablanca. That's where I got off. It was quite a trip. I was on board for over two weeks." She realizes that she's been talking while Dietrich has been eating, and smiles, "I think I'm falling behind." She takes a few bites then checks her journal again and takes a sip of wine, "I got to know some of the men on the ship and they gave me some contacts when we got to Casablanca. What a fascinating city. They helped me get a train to Tangiers then after that it was a combination of cars and camels and even walking some days. It was probably another couple of weeks… It all started blending together, you know. But my Arab guides were very helpful, for the right price, of course." Dietrich asks, "Arab guides? You could have been sold to slave traders." Kat, "Slave traders?" Dietrich, "This is a very dangerous place. You must be very careful." Kat, "Hmmm… They also said they couldn't find Mark. But from what you say, could they have been lying? Well, anyway, I was so glad to finally get to your office today. And you've been so kind." Dietrich smiles, raises his wine glass, and Kat raises hers, "It has been my pleasure."

They have finished their meals and the Captain asks, "Would you care for some dessert?" Kat shakes her head, "Oh, I mustn't. I don't think I could eat another bite. But thank you. Actually, I'm a bit tired." The Captain looks at his watch. It's only 8:30pm, "I'm sure you've had a long day."

The Captain escorts Kat to a room that has been prepared for her. The room is perhaps ten feet square with a bed, wardrobe, a floor lamp and a small attached bathroom… and only one small window. Her travel bag is on the bed. Kat enters but becomes a bit nervous. Dietrich notes her change in demeanor, "It's the best I could do on such short notice." She slightly smiles, shrugs nervously, "It's… alright." Then tries a shy smile, "I'll be fine. Thank you." But Dietrich notes she is still anxious as she moves into the room. She turns to him and smiles. Now there is another man, a soldier, standing behind Dietrich, "This man will be here if you need anything." He nods, "Good night." She smiles and nods back.

Dietrich pulls the door shut and then Kat hears the bolt thrown in the lock. She is getting increasingly nervous. She walks to the bed and sits down and looks around the room. She starts rocking forward and back. She stands and starts pacing. There's shortness of breath, she's getting lightheaded. She walks to the door, "Hello?" The guard outside says, "Yes?" She bangs on the door…

Dietrich is in his office when he hears a woman screaming. At that moment, the guard, who he left outside Kat's door, comes running into his office, "Herr Hauptmann, the woman, she's…"

Dietrich and the guard arrive back at the door to Kat's room. She's screaming and pounding on the door. Dietrich orders the guard to unlock the door. Kat has heard the key in the lock, turns the knob and flies out of the room. She crashes into the far wall and Dietrich grabs her, "Kathryn?… Kathryn!" She's terrified. He holds her at arm's length, "Kat. Can you hear me?" He shakes her by the shoulders, "Look at me!" He raises his voice, is more demanding, "Look at me! Kat!"

She finally stops struggling, frowns, and looks up at him, "Hans?" She's breathing hard, "What happened?" He takes her hands in his but she winces, "Ouch!" He looks more closely at her hands in the hall's dim light. There are small cuts along the outsides of each hand where her fists were pounding on the old wood door. She now also looks at her hands, "What happened?" Dietrich makes sure she is looking at him, "You need to see the doctor." He turns to the soldier, "Have Doctor Vogel meet us." Kat says to Dietrich, "I need my bag." He retrieves it from the bed and they head out.

Dr. Vogel and Dietrich are talking while an orderly cleans and bandages the cuts on Kat's hands. The doctor is saying, "Always standing by windows? Hysterics at having the door locked? It sounds as though she is suffering from claustrophobia. Obviously elicited by some unknown trauma."

Dietrich is thinking, "Doctor. Do you have any sodium pentothal in stock?" Vogel nods, "Of course. As you know we use it regularly to calm soldiers who have been in intense battle." Dietrich notes, "But it can also be used to relax soldiers and make them remember what has happened, true?" Vogel nods, "Yes… as a sort of truth serum." Dietrich is now determined, "Give her the drug. I have some questions for her." Vogel nods, "Alright. However, you need to know, it will take effect in less than a minute but you'll have only five to ten minutes to ask questions." Dietrich nods

Kat is sitting on the hospital bed. Dietrich and Vogel approach. Kat sees the syringe and pulls back, "What's that?" Dietrich lies but is reassuring, "It's just a pain killer, for your hands." Vogel smiles slightly at Kat as he gives her the shot, intravenously, "Why don't you lay down, my dear. This will make you a bit sleepy." She lays down, takes a breath and relaxes.

Vogel glances at his watch then asks Kat, "Please count backwards from one hundred." She frowns but complies, "One hundred, ninety nine, ninety… ninety… six… sixty…" Vogel then asks, "Do you hear me? Kat, "Yes." Vogel asks, "What is your name?" Kat groggily, "Kathryn Hitchcock."

Vogel nods at Dietrich who asks, "Are you working for the Allies?" Kat, "Allies? I'm a student; I work part-time at Community Hospital." Dietrich frowns, "Do you know who the Allies are?" Kat, "Allies are friends." Dietrich looks at Vogel then asks, "Are you carrying any papers for the American military or government?" Kat, "Papers? I have lots of papers. I have letters, maps… a journal. Lots of papers."

Dietrich sighs, tries another tact, "Do you have a brother?" Kat, "Yes." Dietrich, "What is his name?" Kat, "Mark Hitchcock." Dietrich, "Do you know where your brother is?" Kat, "He's somewhere in North Africa." Dietrich shakes his head but persists, "Why is your brother in North Africa?" Kat, "He's in the Army. He's fighting." Dietrich, "Who is your brother fighting?" Kat, "Arabs."

Dietrich frowns, looks at Vogel and whispers, "Arabs?" To Kat, "How do you know your brother is fighting Arabs?" Kat, "He told me." Dietrich, "He told you?" Kat, "In the letter."

Dietrich tries again, "Why are you trying to find your brother?" Kat, "Because he'll tell me the truth." Dietrich, "What truth?" Kat squirms a bit, "I'm… I'm not sure. They wouldn't tell me."

Vogel whispers to Dietrich, "It won't last too much longer." Dietrich shakes his head, sighs, "This is pointless." Vogel thinks, "Perhaps she is what she claims to be. An American woman looking for her brother." Dietrich isn't convinced, "In a war zone? It does not make sense. And it does not explain her brother's letters. It is almost as though he is protecting her from something… but what?" Vogel adds, "Perhaps whatever it is that they won't tell her."

Dietrich nods, looks at Kat, "How long will she sleep?" Vogel nods, "With the combination of the travel and the drug, several hours, I should think." Dietrich nods, "I'm going to post a guard. Have an orderly check on her hourly. Thank you, doctor." Vogel nods and leaves.

Dietrich watches Kat sleeping for a moment, then moves to the corner chair where he had put her bag. He unzips it. Inside he finds clothes, a pair of flat shoes, a toiletry bag and another bag. He opens it to find money… mainly American currency but others as well. He shakes his head, then zips up both bags. He moves back to the bed, takes the satchel from under Kat's arm, and leaves the room. He motions to one of the guards in the hall, "Watch the woman. Make sure she doesn't leave. Let me know if there are any problems." The guard nods and takes his position in front of the door.

Dietrich walks into his office and turns on the desk lamp. He sets the satchel on the desk, opens it and removes the contents. He settles into the chair and begins sifting through the items. It's still early for him and he spends the next three hours looking through Kat's journal and the letters, including the three from her brother that have 'D' on the front. He also leafs through the other items in the bag, just to make sure there are no important military papers within. Of course, he finds none. There are maps of Morocco and points east, a clutch purse with her driver's license, passport, various currencies, comb, lip stick and compact. Then he finds an envelope with three photographs: first, a group picture near a lake and a note on the back, 'Hitchcock family reunion, July 1940'; second, Kat and Mark hamming it up for the camera with 'Kat and Mark at the lake, July 1940' on the back; third, Mark in uniform with his buddies, 'Mark's graduation, Fort Benning GA, 1942'. He shakes his head slightly, tosses the pictures onto his desk, leans back in the chair, stretches his legs out and crosses them at the ankles. He surveys Kat's personal life spread out before him, thinks a long while then finally closes his eyes and falls asleep.

It's 0600 and an orderly comes in to check on Kat. She's still asleep and resting peacefully.

Meanwhile, in Dietrich's office, Schmidt's knocking on the door wakes Dietrich who, blurry eyed, sits up in the chair. He stands, stretches his arms overhead and goes to unlock the door. He nods at Schmidt. His leutnant salutes and Dietrich returns it, tiredly. He then goes to his desk, takes the satchel, reinserts the letters, maps, pictures and journal and gives it to Schmidt, "Take this back to the hospital and place it on the bed next to the woman. Check in with the orderly. See how she's doing. Meet me back here in…" He checks his watch, "…forty-five minutes." Schmidt nods, salutes and leaves.

It's now 0645 and Dietrich has showered, shaved, put on a clean uniform, and meets Leutnant Schmidt back in his office. Schmidt salutes, Dietrich casually returns it, "How is she?" Schmidt, "She was asleep when I returned the satchel and woke a few minutes later. The orderly checked her and he says she is fine. I told her we would join her shortly." Schmidt is cautious, "Sir, what are you going to do with her?" Dietrich takes a breath, "I'm not sure yet." Schmidt frowns, "Sir, she is an American. She is the enemy. She has no business being here." He hesitates, "You know what must be done." Dietrich takes a deep breath and shakes his head, "She does not understand. The doctor confirmed it and I myself questioned her under sodium pentothal last night. She is not a threat to the Third Reich. She has no information of military interest. In fact, I believe she is looking for information. Something..." He looks at Schmidt, "If she were your sister, in that condition, would you send her to an internment camp… could you send her to the Gestapo?" Schmidt takes a deep breath, "No Herr Hauptmann. I couldn't. What do you want to do?" Dietrich looks at his watch, "First I am going to have breakfast with the lady. She needs to hear the truth. At least what truth I can provide."

Dietrich and Dr. Vogel enter Kat's hospital room where an orderly is finishing putting fresh bandages on the cuts on her hands. She has also freshened up and is now wearing a light blue blouse with her Khakis and boots. Her hair is tied back with a ribbon. She sees Dietrich and smiles, but it soon fades when the Captain fails to return it.

The orderly presses on a bandage and she feels the pain, "Ouch." She pulls her hands away then looks at them. The sides, from the little fingers back to the wrists are noticeably bruised. She frowns and looks at the doctor then Dietrich, "What happened?" The doctor moves in, "You do not remember? This is very interesting." Kat is now annoyed, "Remember what?" Dietrich says, "You truly do not remember, do you." She shakes her head, frowns. Dietrich continues, "I escorted you to your room. It was rather small, for your liking. Within minutes of locking the door, for your safety of course, you began pounding on the door and screaming… hysterically." Kat is trying to remember, "I… I don't remember any of that." Dietrich nods, "When the door was opened you came running out, almost in tears, your hands cut in several places. I brought you here to have your hands treated. This is where you stayed the night."

Dr. Vogel moves forward, "My dear, considering what I've learned so far, it appears that you are suffering from claustrophobia brought on by some, as yet, undetermined trauma. Perhaps an accident or being locked in a small room." Kat starts to shake her head but then, "I don't… I don't think I…" but then, in her mind's eye, she sees flashes of light and dark, like sparkles in the air, but she can't make it out… and then it's gone, "I can't remember."

Dietrich motions for her to come with him, "Perhaps we should have some breakfast. There is more that I must tell you." She hesitates and looks at her travel bag. Dietrich is reassuring, "Your bag will be safe here. Come." He motions towards the door, slips on his cap and they leave.

Dietrich and Kat enter the same restaurant where they ate dinner the night before, but now breakfast is being served and there is no entertainment. They sit at the window table, order and the waiter brings tea to start. The Captain slowly removes his cap and sets it down on the table.

Dietrich's mood has not changed. Kat notes it's still dark but now with a touch of sadness, "You wanted to tell me something?" Dietrich hesitates. He doesn't know where to start. She asks, "What is it?" Dietrich shakes his head slightly, "The letters your bother has been sending you are fantasy. We are not friends. We are, in fact… enemies." Kat frowns, "Enemies?" Dietrich straightens, "Yes. Germany is at war with America. Your brother and his unit are my enemies." Kat thinks a moment, "But how can that be? Mark wouldn't lie… I don't understand." Dietrich looks at her, "I do not know why your brother wrote what he did. But it does not change the facts."

Kat frowns, "But, if Mark is your enemy… then we're enemies, too." Dietrich hesitates, nods, "Yes."

At that moment, the waiter brings their breakfast: a large loaf of bread on a cutting board with butter and jam, and a platter of cheeses and local fruits. Dietrich nods a thanks to the waiter while Kat is still in disbelief.

Kat finally speaks up, "I'm not anyone's enemy. I'm just here to find Mark." Dietrich looks at her, "I know." He doesn't want to admit it but he must, "I know… because I questioned you last night… using a truth serum." Kat is first disbelieving then incensed and stands, looking down at him, "You gave me drugs? I trusted you! How could you?" He looks up at her and commands, "Sit down!" Then takes a breath and lowers his voice, "Please… Sit down." She looks around as the few other people in the restaurant begin to take notice. She is suddenly self-conscious and slowly sits.

Kat thinks again and matter-of-factly, "So, I'm your prisoner. Why aren't I lock up? Or are you just going to kill me?" She realizes another option, "Or are you going to use me somehow against Mark?" Dietrich looks at her, "Kathryn, I want you to listen to me very carefully. You will not be harmed. Do you understand? I am not going to harm you… and I am not going to use you."

Kat just stares at him. Dietrich is direct, "I have decided to take you to your brother. Now, you must eat." He continues with his breakfast, eating some cheese and fruit then taking a sip of tea. Kat stares at him for a long while in disbelief, trying to digest what he has just said. She then looks down at the platter, samples a date then proceeds to cut a piece of bread and spread on butter and jam.

Breakfast is over. Dietrich dons his cap then holds the door as Kat slowly exits the restaurant. In Kat's mind, everything was so different yesterday. Now she looks up at the cloth shades over the street and sees tears in the fabric. There are bullet holes in the plaster of the building walls and, even though it's morning, a hot wind blows dust down the street. The local inhabitants in their robes shuffle along, the occupied peoples that they are. And a half-starved dog begs for scraps from the weary vendors in their stalls.

Dietrich is walking down the street normally, with his long gate and hands clasped behind his back. He sees that he is now several paces ahead of Kat, stops, turns and allows her to catch up. He also realizes that all of this must be extremely difficult for Kat and looks at her, "I am sorry that I had to be so blunt. But you needed to know the truth." She nods absently. Dietrich now offers his arm to her, "Please. Just because we are enemies does not mean we can't be civilized." Kat doesn't quite smile, nods, slowly wraps her hand around his arm. He nods, "Alright now. Let's call your brother."

The Rat Patrol has finished with breakfast and Tully is sitting in the back of his Jeep with headphones on awaiting new orders. The radio crackles in his ears but it's not the call he was expecting. He motions to the others, "Hey Sarge, this is one strange call." He takes the headphones off and unplugs them so the message comes out over the main radio speaker. There's a distinctly German accent, a voice they all know too well, "… please respond. Come in Sergeant Troy, this is Captain Dietrich. Please respond. Over." Troy takes the mic and looks at the others, "Captain Dietrich, this is Sergeant Troy, go ahead. Over." The voice on the other end gets right to the point, "Sergeant Troy… I need to meet with your entire unit… especially Private Hitchcock." The Rats exchange quizzical glances.

The two Jeeps, one with a white flag attached, have pulled up to some palm trees near an oasis that was chosen for the meeting. The Rats watch as a German staff car, also sporting a white flag, and a halftrack approach. Out of hard-learned caution, Troy signals for Moffitt and Tully to take positions on the 0.50's. A German officer and another person, a woman, wearing a light blue blouse and white Panama hat, are in the back seat of the staff car. The German waves the halftrack to stop outside of the oasis. The staff car continues on until it stops about fifty feet from the Jeeps. The Rats can now see that the officer is Dietrich. He gets out and turns to help the woman out. She steps down out of the car and looks up. Hitch immediately recognizes her, "Kat? That's my sister! What's she doing here? What's she doing with Dietrich?" Troy is standing next to Hitch and now has to restrain his private from advancing, "Easy, Hitch. Let's just take this one step at a time." Hitch calms down.

Leutnant Schmidt gets out of the driver's seat, goes to the passenger side, moves the two MP 40's aside and lifts Kat's travel bag and satchel off the front seat. He sets them on the ground five feet from the car and he and Kat exchange nods. Kat turns to Dietrich, "Are you going to tell me why you're letting me go?" Dietrich almost smiles. She nods, "Of course not." Motioning towards the Rats, "I thought you wanted to meet with them." Dietrich shakes his head slightly, "My presence would only be a distraction, I'm afraid. You need to talk with your brother. I hope he can provide the answers you seek." Kat smiles, "I'll let you know. Thank you for all you've done for me… Be safe." He smiles momentarily, nods. She turns away from the Captain and towards the Jeeps, takes a deep breath, slings her satchel over her shoulder, picks up her bag and starts walking. Dietrich watches her for a moment more, gets back into the car and it drives away out into the desert to rejoin the halftrack. As the two vehicles disappear in a cloud of dust, Moffitt and Tully leave the 0.50's and hop down off the Jeeps.

The Rats look at each other but Hitch takes off running. Kat smiles, drops the bag and satchel and runs to him. She almost jumps into her brother's arms, "I've missed you so much." The hug could go on forever but Hitch now holds her at arm's length, "How did you get here? What were you doing with Dietrich?" She smiles, "It's a long story. You should introduce me to your friends." He still can't believe it's her but turns to see the others approaching and introduces them to Kat.

Kat walks back to pick up her bag and satchel but Hitch outpaces her and picks them up before she can reach them. They both head back to the others. Moffitt now asks, "I thought the Captain wanted to talk to us." Kat smiles, "He thought his presence might… complicate things." Eyebrows raise at that one.

The others now head for the Jeeps but Kat stops and turns to her brother, "I'm not leaving this oasis until I get some answers." Tully whispers to Moffitt, "She's quite a spitfire." Moffitt smiles.

Troy takes command, "Miss, I doubt you know Captain Dietrich as well as we do. He probably has an entire convoy out there waiting to attack us. We need to move now." Kat shakes her head, "Sergeant Troy, Captain Dietrich gave me his word that he was heading back to his base and would not come after us today. He said that giving his word would mean something to you. Does it?"

Troy studies Kat, takes a deep breath, "Tully, check it out." Tully adjusts his matchstick, nods, hops in his Jeep and drives out of the oasis. Hitch puts Kat's bag and satchel in the back of the other Jeep.

Hitch now asks, "Kat, how did you end up with Dietrich? Tell us what happened." She looks at him, "You first. When are you going to tell me what happened? Back home? Mark, what am I not remembering? And your letters… why did you make it sound like you and the Captain were friends?"

Troy interrupts, "Friends?" Hitch squirms a bit, "It wasn't like that. I'm sorry if you thought that. I just didn't want you to worry about me. You had enough to worry about." Kat is getting upset, "What do you mean. I don't remember anything. How could I worry? What would I worry about? What can't I remember?" Hitch finally sees her hands, "What happened to your hands?"

At that moment, Tully comes barreling back into the oasis. He stops close to the others and hops out, "All clear, Sarge. The tracks keep going straight back towards Dietrich's base, and there's no sign of any other vehicles. I think he's really gone." Kat now looks to Troy, "Satisfied Sergeant?"

Now she turns to her brother again, "All right, Mark. What happened to me?" She shows him her hands, "Why do I now have claustrophobia? What can't I remember? No one at home wants to talk about it. That's why I came here. I need answers, Mark. Please?"

Hitch takes a deep breath, looks at his sister, "This won't be easy." But Kat glares at him. Hitch starts, "About a month ago, I got a letter from Mom that you were in a car accident." Kat, "Car accident? I don't remember any car accident." Hitch continues, "Aunt Rose was driving. It was night and it was raining. No one's sure why, but the car went off the road and down a hill. It rolled several times and came to rest against some trees… on the passenger side… blocking your door." She frowns, steadies herself on Tully's Jeep and Hitch puts his hand on her shoulder, "Kat, Aunt Rose was killed… but her… her body landed on top of you. You were trapped."

Kat is shaken, sits on the Jeep's passenger seat, looks at her brother, "Aunt Rose is dead?" Hitch nods, "The letter said someone finally found you. You were screaming so loud, they heard you from the road. But they didn't know how long you'd been there. You were hysterical, incoherent."

Kat is numb, stares at Hitch, "I was trapped." She shakes her head, "Now it all makes sense."

Moffitt frowns, "I'm afraid it doesn't make much sense to us. Perhaps you could tell us the rest of the story." Kat takes a deep breath, nods and half smiles, "How about over dinner?"

Two months later, Captain Hans Dietrich returns to his tent after dinner and finds a letter sitting on his desk. It only has his name in the 'TO' block with a return address from Kathryn Hitchcock in New York City. He is immediately on alert, takes out his pistol, searches the tent then goes outside, but none of the Rats are anywhere to be seen. He cautiously reenters his tent, sits down and opens the letter…

Dear Hans… Can I still be so familiar? I hope this letter finds you safe and well. Mark said he'd deliver it so I also hope you didn't catch him! First, I know now that you could have made a very different choice. Thank you for all you did for me and for telling me the truth. Second, Mark told me what happened. It was a car accident. The car rolled, my Aunt Rose was killed and her body landed on me when the car came to a stop. I was trapped. They don't even know for how long. Tell Dr. Vogel he was right. Trauma, claustrophobia, all of it. I still can't remember the accident, just flashes of something like sparkles. Maybe with time. I visited Aunt Rose's grave yesterday for the first time. It was difficult but something I needed to do. Third, once Mark and the 'Rats' took me to the Allied base, I spent a few days under observation at the hospital. I started talking with the wounded soldiers and really enjoyed it. They did too. So I asked the commander of the medical unit if I could help out, unofficially at first, and he said yes. When the first group of wounded soldiers went back to the States on the troop transport Acadia, I went along to help. Now I have a job at Halloran General Hospital on Staten Island, New York City. I'm helping many of the soldiers who have had trauma injuries. I think they know I have some understanding of what they're going through. I feel good about the work I'm going. Finally, I found out that the time difference between here and "the war" in North Africa is five or six hours (depending on where you are). So every night before I go to bed I send my best wishes for a good morning and a safe day to Mark, the other Rats, and to you. I will never forget what you did for me and I hope you all make it through this war safe and sound. Yours in friendship, Kathryn (Kat) Hitchcock.

The next morning Hans Dietrich is looking in the small mirror, hanging from a nail on the center post of his tent, and shaving. He looks beyond his own reflection and spots Kat's letter still sitting open on his desk. He hesitates a moment, then smiles, "Good night, Kat."

Author's Notes:

-The SS Serpo Pinto was an actual Portuguese Registry ship that sailed between Lisbon and the Americas including New York City. She also made port in Casablanca. Since Portugal was neutral in WWII, she carried refugees, including thousands of Jewish refugees for which she gained recognition, from Europe to the Americas. She would also carry passengers back to Lisbon. She was in service from sometime in World War 1 until 1955 when she was decommissioned.

-Claustrophobia is an extreme fear of confined spaces and can be caused by various confining traumatic events. Trauma can also cause amnesia. Also sodium pentothal (truth serum) is a generic of the drug thiopental sodium.

-There were arguments between the Army and Navy as to who would transport wounded Army service members across the Atlantic back to the States from the European and North African theaters. So, it wasn't until late in 1942 that the first transport vessel, The Acadia, that had carried 1100 troops to the combat areas, was used to carry 530 patients back to the States. She first arrived in December 1942.

-The building was initially constructed as Willowbrook State School for children with intellectual disabilities. But it was taken over soon after construction was completed in 1942 by the US Army and converted into Halloran General Hospital. It served to treat wounded soldiers returning from the European and North African theaters from 1942 until 1947. In 1947 it reverted to its original name and purpose.