Chapter 17

Wolfgang stood at the window of Klink's quarters a few days later, watching the prisoners from Barracks Two playing a game of volleyball that they'd invited Maisie to join in on. You sure are something, Maisie, he thought, taking a sip of the tea he was holding. Over the few days that he'd been in camp, he'd had the chance to speak with Hogan's team on occasion and pieced together the little bits and pieces of information about the teen's past. For someone so young to be able to have accomplished what she had blew him away. She'd lost so much. Her home, her family, everything, and yet, she was out there running around as if the prison camp had been her home all along.

I wonder if Colonel Hogan knows just how lucky he is to have her on his team. Maisie sprinted for the ball, tossing it back over the net just before it hit the ground. The pass was missed by the opposing team and a point went to Hogan's team. He smiled as the men patted the girl on the shoulder, then prepared for another round. We could use more young people like her in the Underground.

He turned from the window and went over to the small desk in the room, returning to the letter he'd been composing to Hogan. I couldn't have done it without your Maisie's assistance. You should be so proud of her. I do apologize for the risks we took and the danger I placed her in, but she insisted that she help. She has the heart of a lion. It has been an honor to work with someone as brave as she is.

He added a few extra paragraphs at the bottom of the letter, offering further explanation of things and how he'd arranged for the girl to be able to stay in camp. Laughter rang out from the men, mixed with that of Maisie, and he smiled a little as he signed his codename and placed the letter in the envelope. His work here was done, for now. It was time for him to head back to Berlin. At least this mission had been successful, for Hogan was slowly getting better, and the doctors were hopeful that he'd make a full recovery in time.

Tucking the letter away into his coat to give to the teen later, he stood and made his way to Klink's office. His brother was at work going over ledgers as he walked in, looking up as he sat down. 'I was wondering if I could talk with you for a moment.'

'Of course, of course.' Klink agreed, placing his books aside. 'What's that young niece of mine up to now?'

Wolfgang chuckled, motioning to the window. 'Got roped into playing a round of volleyball with the men from barracks two and six. I hope you don't mind, she asked if she could join them, and I thought it was alright.'

'It doesn't bother me, but the brass might have a word or two to say about it.'

'The brass can take their word and shove it…'

An amused smile crossed the Kommandant's face. 'You better not let Himmler hear you say that. You might find yourself on a one way trip to the Russian Front yet.'

'It's too cold there for my liking, I'm afraid.'

'Would you care for a cigar?'

'Don't mind if I do.' He took one from the box, his brother offering him a light. 'Actually, it's Annika why I'm here.'

Klink raised an eyebrow. I wonder if this has anything to do with Colonel Hogan. He'd kept the scene he witnessed that night at the hospital a secret so far, but his curiosity was aroused. 'Oh?'

'I was wondering-' He took a puff on the cigar before continuing. 'If Annika might stay here.'

'Stay here?' He questioned, with surprise. 'A nice German girl like her; stay in a POW camp?'

'Least if she's here I don't have to worry about her being blown to bits in an Allied air raid. They won't bomb their own men.' Wolfgang rose, going over to the window. After a moment, his brother joined him. It appeared the men were playing some other kind of game now, Maisie running with the ball as they tried to catch her. 'She's already lost her mother and father. She has no real home. Since her mother passed, she's been in boarding school until that was no longer safe. I have a place in Berlin where she could live, but that's no kind of life for her. I'm gone from the house fourteen hours out of the day, I'd hardly see her. With the Allied troops getting bolder in their attacks, I don't even know if Berlin will be safe much longer. I just want to make sure that she's safe, and I believe that if she were to stay here, I'd rest easier at night.'

'You want me-' He paused, watching the teen make a run for it with the ball, three of the men tripping over themselves trying to catch her. 'To look after your daughter?'

Wolfgang nodded.

'But I don't know the first thing about raising children. I run a POW camp; not a baby sitting facility.'

'I have no one else I would entrust more to care for her.'

'You mean, you believe that I can take care of her?'

He nodded again. 'Wilhelm, you've always sold yourself too short. You've always doubted and questioned if you can do things, but I wouldn't be asking you if I didn't think you could.'

'Looking after her, that would be a lot of responsibility-'

'You'd have help.'

Klink raised an eyebrow. 'Who?'

'She doesn't exactly look like she's attending a funeral out there, does she?'

'The prisoners? But that's no kind of company for her-'

'Neither is pushing up daisies.' He turned to his brother. 'Will you do it?'

After a moment, he nodded. 'I'll do it. I don't know how it'll work, but yes, I will take care of Annika.' And I'm positive that somehow Hogan has his hand in this.

'Danke. It might take some time for her to warm up to you, so don't be surprised if the first few weeks are a bit rough. She'll come around, though. It took a long time for her to trust me. The paperwork for her guardianship will be sent when I return to Berlin.'

'When will you be leaving?'

'I've received orders to be back the day after tomorrow. I will leave tomorrow.'

'Have you told Annika about this?'

'Not yet. I will tell her tonight.'

Klink returned to his chair, his mind boggling. 'And what am I supposed to do with her, in the meantime? I don't know how to raise a teenager-'

'You will find that she's more than capable of looking after herself. She just needs someone to look out for her. She's strong. She has to be to deal with everything she's been through.'

'And you're happy for her to associate with the prisoners?'

'As long as they behave themselves, I don't see that there should be a problem. She seems to get along with them well enough.'

Too well, he thought, thinking of that night in the hospital. 'Anything else I should be aware of?'

'She has an old injury. An ice skating accident. It makes it hard for her to hold things such as pencils for an extended period of time. She's to do exercises to strengthen her muscles, so remind her to do them. Other than that, let her do as she pleases...within reason, of course. You'll find she's quite good to have around. She doesn't cause trouble, for the most part.'

'And if the occasion were to arise that she was out of line, how do you wish me to discipline her?'

'I'm sure you'll find appropriate punishment if you have to.'

'What about her schooling? Do you want her to attend school in Duesseldorf-'

He shook his head. 'I'll arrange for her to receive lessons by correspondence. I'm sure you can convince a few of the men to give her lessons, too, if there's someone that plays piano or such.'

'I'll see what I can do.' It was a lot to think about and process. I've just been given the responsibility of my niece? 'And what of my superiors? They won't be too pleased with her being in camp.'

'I'll take care of General Burkhalter, don't worry. If he complains, just remind him that I can arrange a one way ticket to the Russian Front. Besides, I've seen her charm even the grumpiest of officers. She's got her mothers gift for that. I don't envision that her presence here will change anything.'

Except my sanity...if Hogan has anything to do with this- 'And if something happens or I need help with her?'

'You can always contact me. I'll check in on how she's doing from time to time. I'll also send her an allowance. Besides, there's a few men in camp who are bound to have children back home. You can always ask them for advice.'

'Not in your life. I never ask the prisoners for anything. If I need advice, I'll ask Schultz.'

Wolfgang smiled with amusement. Good advice you'll get from him. She's got him around her finger, too. 'I'm sure you'll do just fine.'

'I'm glad someone has faith in me,' he replied, slightly gruff. 'I don't know the first thing about children-'

'Think of it as practice for when you marry and have children of your own. We all have to start somewhere.' He stood, starting for the door. 'I better go have a word with her and let her know what's going on.'

Klink stared at the door after his brother had left, then shook his head in disbelief. Annika stay here? With him? In a POW camp? What kind of life would that be for her, surrounded by barbed wire, guards, dogs, prisoners- He sighed as he stood and went back to the window, watching the teen being called from the game by her father, and the two of them went to sit on one of the benches outside one of the barracks. She is a sweet girl, he thought, leaning against the window. In the few days that she had been here, he'd started to like her company. She was quiet and polite, well mannered. Never asked for anything and was always happy to help if she could. For supper the night before, she helped LeBeau in the kitchen and baked one of the best chocolate cakes he'd ever tasted.

He could always go back on his answer, but what would happen to her then? Where would she go? Wolfgang was right in his concern for her safety. The safest place in Germany from the Allies were the POW camps. They wouldn't bomb their own men. Perhaps it won't be so bad with her staying here, after all. At least she'd be safer than she would be someplace else. The only thing he was concerned about was the company she'd be keeping. Apart from Hilda, she would be the only girl in a camp of over four hundred men, prisoners and guards combined.

He'd seen the interactions between her and the men from Barracks Two. There was something going on there that he just couldn't put a finger on. While they seemed to not know her on the outside, she seemed to get along with them really well for them being strangers. Another thing, she wasn't as friendly to any of the other men. Guards included. It was like she'd just chosen Hogan's men. As if she already knew them… Maybe she does know them. He turned from the window and returned to his desk, opening the ledgers once more. And I don't think I wish to know how.

'So good ol' Klink agreed to let me stay, then.'

Wolfgang nodded, watching the men continue on with their game. 'Took a little persuasion, but yes, you'll be staying here. However, I do hope that you don't make a nuisance out of yourself. I know Wilhelm can be a bit daft at times, but try not to cause him too much grief.'

She giggled. 'Alright. I'll let Papa do that; I'll just back him up occasionally.'

Rascal. He pulled an envelope from his pocket. 'This is for Colonel Hogan when he is well enough to read it. Can you pass it along to him?'

'Of course.' The envelope went into her jacket. 'When will you return to Berlin?'

'Tomorrow.' The ball flew over to them, and he caught it, tossing it back to the men. 'I wanted to wait until I had a chance to speak with Hogan, but I received orders this morning that I'm required back in Berlin.'

'I'll be sure the letter gets to him.'

'Danke.'

'What about you, though?' She questioned, after they'd been silent for a moment. 'When you return to Berlin, what will you do?'

He shrugged. 'The same as always. This war has to be over soon, and if there's any way I can assist with it happening sooner, I'm going to try. If you run into any problems or trouble, I'll do what I can to help. I've left a letter in your book in your room. It contains information on how to reach me if you need to without gathering suspicion. I've also written down my numbers in Berlin. You can ring me anytime you wish. I'll keep in contact with you from time to time to check in, and of course, with Wilhelm, too. Your allowance will be sent to him, and you'll be able to purchase what you need without having to rely on the things London sends for the men. Your food and clothing allowance will be taken care of, too. I've arranged for all of that already.'

'Danke.' She smiled. 'You've thought of everything.'

'Almost. It's not going to be safe for you in Germany when the war is finally over. I've made arrangements with London for Colonel Hogan to have custody of you. When the Allies finally take over, you'll be able to leave Germany with him.'

'What about you? Where will you go?'

'I don't know. I'll see what happens when it comes. You, however, will be able to leave. I've included all the details in that letter for Hogan.'

'But if Wilhelm has my guardianship-'

He shook his head. 'You don't need to worry. I've arranged for it all to be taken care of.'

'I don't know what to say-' she said, after a long moment of silence. 'You've done all this for me.'

'You are a valuable member of the Underground. London gave the all clear. They realize the worth of having you here, especially after what you've done so far.'

She blushed, looking away from him. 'I don't want recognition. I just want the war to be over.'

'It will be, in time. Until then, we've got to continue doing the best we can. With you being here, you'll be able to help Colonel Hogan even more. You'll be able to go places he can't, and you'll have protection under my name.'

'And what if I were to get caught?'

'Then I'm sure that between the two of us, Hogan and I can come up with some solution. Just try to not get caught, alright? Too much paperwork.'

A little smile came to her lips. 'Promise. I don't want a round two with the Gestapo.'

'Gestapo?' He raised an eyebrow.

'Got myself caught last year.'

'Do you know who the arresting officer was?'

'A Major Hilmsworth.'

He breathed a sigh of relief. 'He was transferred to the Russian Front six months ago. You didn't tell them anything, did you?'

'All the information they got was from the phony ID papers I carried. Nothing else.'

'We shouldn't have to worry about anyone recognizing you, then. Just try to not get into too much trouble.'

'I wasn't planning on it. Well, not until Papa's back in business. The plans the two of us get up to-'

He interrupted her with a laugh as he stood. 'The less I know, the better. That's all I wanted to speak to you about. You can return to the game now, if you wish.'

She smiled. 'Danke. For everything.'

'You're welcome.' He watched with a smile as she ran back into the game, catching the ball as it was tossed back in. Somehow, he had a feeling she'd do just fine here.

'Guess who-'

Hogan opened his eyes wearily, offering a tired smile as he watched the teenager take a seat beside him. 'Hey…'

'Hey, yourself.' Maisie replied, with a wide grin, brushing back his hair. 'How are you feeling?'

'Never… better…'

She giggled. 'I hope you've been behaving yourself for the nurses now, Papa.'

He closed his eyes again, a little smirk appearing on his face. 'You know… me…'

'Mmm, yes. I do.

'What's… that supposed… to mean?'

'Nothing.' She replied, with another little giggle, then sighed gently, twirling a lock of his hair between her fingers. 'I'm so happy you're alright. You scared us there for a while.'

'Sorry…'

'No, don't apologize. There's no need for that. It wasn't your fault.'

'What… happened?'

'What do you remember?'

'Not… much…' He replied, his voice weaker than it usually was. 'Bits… and pieces…'

'Wolfgang Klink helped get you out of Gestapo custody-' Maisie said, her expression sobering. Hogan had been awake for brief moments now and then the last few days, but he was obviously feeling a bit stronger if he was asking questions. 'We moved you to the hospital in Dusseldorf.'

'Hospital?'

She nodded. 'You haven't been well, Papa.'

'No… wonder I feel… like I've been… hit by a train.'

The girl giggled softly again. 'Yeah, yeah, I bet you're feeling pretty sad and sorry for yourself, you old grizzly bear.'

'How?'

'How about we save that for later? When you're feeling better, okay?'

He nodded slightly.

'Newkirk, Carter, everyone's been in to see you.' She continued softly. 'Even Klink dropped by a few times.'

'I… remember… hearing him.'

'I think he doesn't like to admit it, but he's missed you.'

'Who hasn't?'

Maisie smiled. If Hogan was cracking jokes, he definitely was feeling better. 'I'm glad you're feeling well enough to make jokes. Now, when are you going to come back to camp?'

'I'll… be… right as rain… tomorrow.'

'Mmmhmm.' She wasn't convinced. 'I think it might be quite a few 'tomorrows', at that.'

'You're… probably right…'

'Haven't you learned, yet? I'm always right?' Hogan smiled again, and she glanced at the door as Wolfgang walked in. 'There's someone else to see you, Papa.'

Hogan opened his eyes just enough to make out a man wearing a black uniform come over beside Maisie.

The teen saw him visibly shiver seeing the uniform, and she took his hand in hers. 'It's alright, Papa, it's Wolfgang. He's the man who helped you.'

'It's good to finally meet you, Hogan.'

'I… apologize… for… not saluting… General.'

Wolfgang smiled. 'At ease, Colonel. You won't be saluting anyone for a little while, I'd imagine, yet. You've had this little one out of her mind with worry.'

Hogan looked at the girl, Maisie smiling back at him. 'I… bet.'

'You have one brave girl here, Colonel Hogan. You should be proud of her.'

'Proud… or cross?'

'I don't care if you are both, Papa; it was worth the chances we had to get you out. You can court martial me for all I care, but I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.'

'See what I mean?' Wolfgang questioned, with amusement.

'She's a… wonder… that's for… sure.'

She blushed. 'That's enough, Papa. Stop with the compliments. The medicine they're giving you is messing with your brain.'

'Alright… alright…' He closed his eyes again, sighing softly. 'How… are things… at camp?'

'Colonel Crittendon got the boot. He got transferred out yesterday. Colonel Klink couldn't wait to get rid of him. Newkirk is back in charge, for now...till you're better.'

'And my dear brother-' Wolfgang said, patting the teen's shoulder. 'Has agreed to let this little one stay at camp.'

'I've even got my own room, now, but I still think I liked staying with you boys better. At least when I had a nightmare I could come spend the night with you.'

'At least… you won't need… to hide… in the tunnels… anymore.'

'No, I guess not.' She sighed softly. 'But I'll miss my bedtime songs.'

'We can… still… do them… We'll… just have… to be… careful.'

'Perhaps you boys can set up a tunnel entrance into my room?'

'We'll see…'

Maisie could see he was getting tired from talking and turned back to Wolfgang. 'We should probably leave him to get some sleep.'

Wolfgang nodded. 'I'm leaving for Berlin in the morning, Colonel. Wilhelm will take good care of Maisie while you're recovering. I've arranged everything. When you're feeling better, Maisie has a letter to give you from me explaining what I've put in place for her.'

'I… appreciate… it.'

'Don't mention it, Colonel. It's the least I could do under the circumstances. I hope your recovery is a speedy one. From the stories your men and Maisie have told me, we need you back out there causing havoc as soon as possible.'

A small smirk came to his face. 'I… heard… about… the refinery… Langer… was not impressed.'

'I can see that.' Maisie remarked sadly. 'If I'd known-'

'Don't… blame… yourself for this… my girl... It's not… your fault…'

'I know, but I still feel bad.' She kissed his forehead gently. 'You get some sleep now, Papa. I'll come see you again soon. I promise.'

'Take care of yourself, Father,' Maisie said, with genuine concern in her voice, as she and Klink saw Wolfgang off. 'Promise you'll keep in touch with me?'

'Of course, my dear, of course.' He replied, with a warm smile, initiating a hug. The teen returned the embrace, then pulled away after a moment, and he stroked her cheek gently. 'You be good for your Uncle Wilhelm, alright?'

'I'll be good. Promise.'

'Don't get into any trouble.'

'Me?' She giggled, her eyes dancing mischievous. Just wait until Hogan gets better… Oh, the fun the two of them would have- 'Trouble? I never get into trouble.'

'I want good reports when I speak to your Uncle, you hear?'

'Alright, alright. I'll be good. Cross my heart.'

And I don't believe a single word you say, he thought, with amusement, having come to obtain a fair idea of her over the past couple of weeks. Even though she was a vital part of the Underground, at heart, she was still a child. A grinning, cheeky, mischievous teenager. 'Just be sure that you are.'

Maisie rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. Didn't he trust her? Yeah, probably not. Even Hogan knew she could be just as cheeky as he was at times. 'Yes, yes.'

Wolfgang turned to Klink. 'Look after her, Wilhelm.'

'Of course.' Klink agreed, placing his arm around her shoulders. 'We'll get along splendidly, won't we, Annika?'

Splendidly isn't exactly the word I'd choose. She smiled. 'I'm sure we will. I'll be in good hands here, Father. Besides, I'm sure I'll be kept busy. Corporal LeBeau has offered to teach me how to cook some French food, and Sergeant Carter said he'll show me how to play a few card games.'

'And as soon as your lessons start arriving, you'll be kept even busier.'

'Do I have to do schoolwork?'

'Yes.' The two brothers replied, in unison.

She sighed, crossing her arms in front of her. Papa never made me do schoolwork. 'Fine. I'll do it.'

'See that you do-' Wolfgang shook Klink's hand. 'Look after yourself.'

'You too.'

With a glance at his watch, he realized it was time to be on his way. 'Alright, I must be off, then. Good luck, brother. Annika, go easy on him.'

'I will, I will,' she said, with amusement, watching as he got into the back of his car. After a moment, they started off, and she waved as they drove out of the gate.

Klink stood watching him leave until he couldn't see the car any longer, then looked down at the teen. Who would have thought I'd be playing baby-sitter… 'Annika, I think now that your father is gone, a little chat is in order.'

'A 'what do you expect from me' chat?'

'Yes, one of those.' They went into his office, and he motioned for her to sit as he closed the door behind himself. 'For starters, what would you like to call me? I know we don't know each other very well, but if you're going to be staying here, calling me Kommandant Klink is a bit formal. After all, I am your Uncle-'

'Does Uncle Klink sound alright?'

He thought about it for a moment, then nodded. 'That sounds just fine. I know your first name is Annika, but do you have a nickname you'd prefer me to use?'

'My real father used to call me Maisie. It's kind of stuck.'

'Alright, Maisie it is, then.' He took his seat behind his desk. 'Now Maisie, since you're going to be staying here, there's a few rules I'd like to set out for you.'

Rules. Great. Not even five minutes, and I'm getting rules.

'Ah- what am I saying?' He growled, thinking of seeing her with Hogan again and his speech he'd prepared of rules went out the window. With Hogan around, there won't be any point of rules. 'If you behave yourself, we'll get along just fine. I expect you to do your schoolwork without complaining, clean up after yourself, and don't get into any mischief.'

'Would I get into mischief?'

Yes, yes, you would!

'Anything else?' She asked.

'The men. I'll be having a word to both the prisoners and the guards. If anyone starts to harass you or make you feel uncomfortable, come let me know, and I'll deal with it. I know it's not going to be easy, you being the only girl in a camp full of men, but the situation is what it is, and we're going to have to make the best of it.'

'I understand, Uncle Klink. You don't mind if I spend time with the prisoners, do you? Father didn't seem to mind. I asked him, and he said as long as I wasn't interfering with anything, he was alright with me associating with them.'

'I guess it will be alright, but I warn you; these are our enemies, no matter how nice they seem. I don't want them to talk you into helping them with any escapes. This is an escape-proof camp. No one has ever escaped from Stalag 13.'

'I wouldn't dream of it. You can be sure that if there's any word of any escapes, I'll let you know.'

'Good-' He picked up the phone to place a call. 'Now go get ready to go into town. I've got to go take Hogan's men to visit him, and I'm not leaving you here by yourself.'

'Of course-' she said, with a smile as she stood. 'Uncle Klink.'

You are up to something, he thought, the teen closing the door after herself, and he waited for the switchboard operator to pick up. I swear, you are up to something…