Hogan, Kinch, and Carter walked about the camp. The Colonel chain smoked, going through almost an entire pack of smuggled in cigarettes. The ash helped cloud the image of James huddling up on the floor having another panic attack. "Why didn't he just tell us at the start?" the Colonel asked, stomping out a cigarette.
"Would you admit something like that to a bunch of strangers, Colonel?" Kinch retorted, handing the officer another cigarette.
Hogan grunted and took a puff. "You know we can't help someone if we don't know all the information," he replied.
"And what good does knowing that information do for us now? Aside from probably giving the kid more things to have nightmares about." Kinch was careful with his wording. He didn't want to undermine his commanding officer, but what happened in the barracks made his stomach turn.
"I think you should apologize, sir," Carter piped up. They made a U-turn in tracks made a few minutes before from a similar U-turn.
"I know that, Carter, but he's at fault here too," Hogan said.
"So why don't you both sit down and talk like adults? You acted like a school yard bully, Colonel." Kinch popped a cigarette in his mouth and lit it with a match. Hogan puffed up before a deep sigh deflated him. The man was used to soldiers being tough enough not to crack.
After another lap, the three men headed back to the barracks. Dinner would start in less than an hour which meant another roll call. Kinch entered first, followed by Carter. Newkirk and LeBeau sat on either side of James, ready to ground him if needed. Last came in Colonel Hogan with his hat crumpled in his hands. He walked slowly towards the table and locked eyes with James. The Colonel took the seat directly in front of hom with Kinch by his side. Carter took the duty of look out.
"I think you and I need to discuss some things," Hogan said, setting his cap on the table. The eagle on it gleamed in the light. Not a speck of dirt or dust anywhere near it. "What happened earlier was unprofessional on my account. You're not one of my men, and I shouldn't have treated you like one. For that, I would like to apologize."
James gave him a blank stare. The crystal clear window of his eyes showed that forgiveness was not home yet. Without a word, James pulled on the sleeve on his coat to reveal thick, black lettering. Hogan's eyes widened and Kinch averted his gaze.
"This is only a part of the torture I suffered at the hands of those German officers, Colonel Hogan. I can't say those memories are fond, but they're very vivid. If I was blind, I would have thought I was back with them this afternoon," he said before letting his sleeve drop back down. "I know you care a lot for your men, Colonel, but I can't help what I experienced. I'm sorry for not being fully transparent with you before, yet do you understand why I couldn't tell you?"
"I-I do, and I'm sorry for what you have been through with these damned Krauts. I know a man's actions speak louder than his words, so I hope by the time we get you to London you'll have fully forgiven me."
A spark flashed in James' eye as hope took a seat beside the crystal window pane. "You're still willing to help me?"
"Of course. That's our operation, right?" Hogan placed his hat on his head, the eagle up turned towards the sky ready to fly. He extended his hand for James to shake which triggered a mild flinch. LeBeau held the boy's wrist in case he fell backwards. Seeing this guttural response, Hogan retracted his hand and opted to place it in his pocket. "Kinch, how long did London say before we could move him?"
"Two days," the Sergeant answered.
"Good, that'll give us enough time to square away everything here. Newkirk, how's the clothes coming along?"
"I can have them done by tomorrow night, sir," the Corporal answered.
"Fantastic. Carter, how are the boys doing downstairs?"
Carter answered without taking his eyes off the slit in the door, "The money is printed and waiting. I just need to take James' picture for his passport and ID card."
"Seems like we're right on schedule then. And James, I want you to eat and rest. You'll need all your strength for the move."
The boy nodded and said a soft thank you. His cheeks flushed with excitement and Colonel Hogan couldn't help but grin. Even if the tyke did have some resentment, he'd hopefully be able to smooth it all over.
"Oh! Guys! Schultz is coming!" Carter alerted. That prompted Newkirk and LeBeau to grab James by the elbows and lift him up. They practically dragged the kid to the false bunk and tapped it to reveal the tunnels.
"There's food down there and drink. Don't be modest about any of it either," the Brit instructed. "I want to see at least half of LeBeau's weight eaten when we get back."
"O-Okay," James said, steadying himself on the ladder. Newkirk made sure the kid's head was down before hitting the side of the bed just in time to hear Schultz call them out the barracks to line up.
