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belong to ML Breedlove.

Between The Lines

Chapter Three

-Next morning, Klink's office-

"Yes, sir, we meet every day without exception. I even… What? Oh yes, he is out of the camp hospital. Better..." Klink cleared his throat nervously, "Well… I've been playing my violin for him… you know to help him relax…" The smile faded from Klink's face as the voice on the other end of the phone continued.

"I will be expecting it. The courier from the train station is generally here by eleven."

The air of efficiency weakened. "Um… how do you suggest I get him to take it?" Quietly listening, Klink nodded and a smile spread across his face. "Yes, that can be easily accomplished, I'll…"

Klink stopped mid-sentence again as the General explained the process.

"Don't worry; I will measure it out carefully. Colonel Hogan won't suspect a thing." Straightening in his seat, the conversation ended with a resounding, "Jawohl, Heil Hitler!"

The phone hit the receiver and Klink wilted. He had been walking a tightrope since he had reported Hogan's unfortunate accident to Berlin. General Burkhalter, Klink's immediate superior, had demanded daily reports on Hogan's condition, which meant Burkhalter himself was under scrutiny by his superiors and walking his own fine line.

Klink stood and paced to the window. Looking out across the compound, his eyes fell on Hogan and four of his men gathered at the water tower. I'm afraid your respite is coming to an end, Colonel Hogan. Berlin is tired of waiting.

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Hogan impatiently listened while Kinch read the entire message.

"Supreme Allied Headquarters London to Colonel Robert Hogan Stalag 13: Regarding your request for one million dollars in diamonds, quote, 'Are you nuts?' unquote." 1

"That's the answer I expected." Hogan paced to the other side of the water tower, pursued by his disgruntled men. I mean, who in his right mind would give a million dollars in diamonds to a bunch of POW's. Now what? Do I lie to Hegel? He quickly discounted that as a possibility.

"Hegel must have stolen our code. It's an even money bet he'll be monitoring our transmissions to London to keep tabs on us."

Kinch agreed, "Now he thinks we can't get the diamonds."

"Right, but it's only the first round, Kinch. Now I want you to use the emergency code."

Kinch frowned, "And ask London again?"

"Yeah, but this time for fake diamonds, a pile that looks like a million bucks' worth."

"That kind they'll send!"

Smiles began to spread through the group, but Hogan had his doubts. He hoped it would be as easy as just giving Hegel his diamonds, but he had enough savvy to know that when dealing with crooks, you could always count on a double cross.

They needed a back-up plan, just in case Hegel decided to back out on their deal. Tipping his hat back on his head, he turned toward the Kommandantur. It was time to get Klink to add a little insurance.

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The door to Klink's office clicked closed, and the Kommandant found himself once again alone and staring into space in disbelief over something his senior POW had told him.

"A mass escape in exchange for diamonds?"

It sounded crazy, but no crazier than the art and treasures that were being confiscated by some high-ranking officers from the countries we have occupied.

How do I get myself into these messes? A disgruntled look replaced his bewilderment.

I know what it is. It's sheer proximity. Hogan is a magnet for trouble. Well, one thing's certain, I have to at least check it out. If this isn't one of his tricks, and I let the Gestapo put him in jeopardy again—I'll be on my way to the Russian front!

Klink reached for the canister of Schnapps sitting on his filling cabinet and poured himself a glass. Downing it in one swoop, he continued thinking.

But how did the Gestapo communicate with Hogan? He was in the camp hospital for three weeks, and he's been under constant observation since he's been back on his feet this past week.

Klink ran the events of the past four weeks through his head. Sergeant Wilson, the senior camp medic for the prisoners, had given him daily reports.

Klink cringed. Getting information out of that medic is like trying to take a bone away from a dog!

Still, those reports, coupled with random visits, convinced him that Hogan was in no shape to be communicating with anyone outside of camp—and very few people inside of camp.

Pouring himself another drink, he focused back on his immediate problem.

Hochstetter has to be behind this. I've got to tell General Burkhalter.

Klink paced to his phone and suddenly envisioned Burkhalter's red, screaming face. His hand froze and he shivered as the phantom cold wind of the Russian front blew over him.

Yanking his hand away from the phone, he agreed, No, Hogan's right. It's best to handle this traitor ourselves. I'll wait for Hogan to set up a meeting with Hegel and...

The implication of that statement finally sunk in. How's Hogan going to do that? He's a prisoner!

Plopping down in his chair, Klink swore, If I survive this, I have half a mind to lock Hogan in the cooler—and throw away the key!

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-Next Day-

"You were right, Colonel. Our lovely traitor is back at the gate," Newkirk announced, entering the barracks.

"Just as I thought, Hegel intercepted London's original message to us. Okay, Carter, go get some milk and..." Hogan reached into his inside jacket pocket.

Carter buried his hands in his pockets and squirmed. "I'm not really thirsty, Colonel,"

"Le Colonel has a note for you to deliver," LeBeau answered, nudging Carter with his shoulder.

Carter took the note with a frown. "I don't like her."

"The Colonel's not asking you to marry her, just give her the note." Newkirk pulled his cap on. "Come on, I'll go with you."

"You will?" Carter smiled, "Thanks, Newkirk!"

Hogan waited as Carter, Newkirk and LeBeau left and then turned to Kinch. "Kinch, isn't it about time for London to check in?"

Gulping down a mouthful of coffee, Kinch hurriedly stood up. "I was just on my way, Colonel."

"When you talk to London, have them ask Morgan if the name Hegel means anything to him. I know he said he couldn't remember names, but… maybe it will ring a bell."

"Will do!" Kinch took a step and stopped. Reaching into his pocket, he turned back.

"Oh, here. Wilson said he found this lying around somewhere and thought it belonged to you."

Kinch tossed the object and made a beeline for the tunnels.

Recognizing the baseball, Hogan snatched it out of the air and mumbled, "All right. I've been a little busy, Wilson!" 2

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Klink stood on the porch outside of his office watching the milk-maid sell her milk, while waiting for the courier to bring the package General Burkhalter had told him to expect.

Burkhalter would probably not approve of his allowing the milk-maid to sell her milk in camp. Some would consider it coddling his prisoners. He personally considered it humane treatment. Besides, he could always fall back on the fact that he was told to make allowances where Hogan was concerned.

That thought had barely crossed his mind when a lone rider on a motorcycle approached the gate. Klink checked his watch. Right on time. The courier never varied more than five minutes either way on his arrival at camp. The German army functioned like clockwork. I wonder how Hogan will adapt to that when we accomplish our goal? That is, if we accomplish our goal. For his sake, we had better.

"I was told to deliver this package to you personally, Kommandant." The soldier pulled some papers from his satchel and handed them to Klink. "You must sign for this to show you received it."

Quickly signing the delivery form, Klink took the package and went to his quarters.

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The baseball rolled off the roof of Barracks Two for the umpteenth time. Hogan caught it and took one last look at Myra as she left the compound.

The reports were in. Everything was coming together. London would drop the fake diamonds tomorrow night and the day after that, Hegel would meet with him. Then Klink could hear first hand that they were telling the truth. How can someone that looks so good be so bad?

Turning to go inside, he practically knocked Wilson off his feet.

"Sheesh, Wilson! Can't you cough or something?"

"I did! You were… um… occupied." Smiling, he added, "She's quite the morale booster, isn't she?"

Hogan headed back into the barracks and called over his shoulder, "Yeah, well, some stars shine brightest from a distance."

Wilson's smile faded as he followed Hogan inside. "I need to take a look at how you're healing up."

Hogan frowned, and pouring himself a cup of coffee, took a sip.

"Why?"

"For my final report. That ought to make you happy!"

Hogan grimaced and walked away, answering, "Everything's fine."

"Colonel…" Wilson's exasperation was accompanied by a firm hand gesture toward Hogan's quarters. "Now, sir, if you don't mind… I have other things to do."

Hogan's eyebrows arched, and he stopped his retreat to turn and dismiss Wilson.

Wilson was ready for him and captured the Colonel's stare with an equally determined glare. "Don't make me pull rank… sir."

Shaking his head, Hogan sighed, "All right! I suppose this is the only way I'll get rid of you." Hogan stepped toward his office.

"But let's make this fast. I…" Hogan snapped back around demanding, "What report?"

"My reports to the Kommandant, so he can make his report."

"His report… to whom?"

"I don't know. I suppose his superiors. We all have to report to someone!"

"I guess that makes sense. But I should have been reading those reports… and any questions his superiors have been sending back."

"I've been giving Klink reports since he turned you over to me. I didn't think it was unusual or I would have said something. I'm sure it's just routine business, nothing to worry about.

Hogan shook his head. "Normally, I would agree, but the way things have been going, I'm not so sure. All I need is for something else to go wrong."

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Hegel sat in his office alone and watched as the note Myra brought him from Stalag 13 went up in flames.

Having problems, Colonel Hogan? As if I didn't already know.

The blackened ash, along with the last burning shred of paper, fell into the ashtray on Hegel's desk.

Well, I will at least get a medal and probably a promotion out of this, even if London does abandon you. But... if I can get the diamonds, my life after the war… win or lose… will be most satisfying!

Hegel checked the time.

I'd better get back into town and interrogate my newest group of suspects. I must keep up appearances. Major Hochstetter is no fool.

Standing, he walked to the coat rack, pulled his coat on, and stepped in front of the mirror to adjust his cap. A smile slowly crept onto his face.

Who knows, in a few days, Hochstetter may no longer be my superior.

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The next day the sun finally set on the monotony of prison life, and they began the business of staying alive. Carter and LeBeau prepared to go out and collect the diamonds that were to be dropped, and Colonel Hogan began going over his next day plans for his meeting with Hegel. This meeting was imperative if they were to get Klink's help.

But first…

Hogan stared at the ground in front of him as Schultz marched him across the compound.

"You're making me sad, Colonel Hogan."

Hogan raised his eyes from their melancholy stare and looked at Schultz. "What?"

"I would not take you to the Kommandant if I had a choice."

"I know, Schultz. It's not your fault. Anyway, it's not that." Hogan looked ahead to the Kommandant's quarters and grimaced. "At least it's not entirely that. I've just got a lot on my mind."

Schultz frowned. "What could be worse than listening to the Kommandant play the violin?"

Hogan buried his hands in the pockets of his jacket. "You've got a point!"

Both men trudged up the steps as the door opened and an exuberant Colonel Klink motioned them inside.

"You may go, Schultz."

"Jawohl, Herr Kommandant." Schultz looked apologetically at Hogan, but gratefully lumbered back out the door and down the steps.

"Here, Colonel Hogan... have some Schnapps."

Klink handed the glass to Hogan and motioned for him to sit down, before turning eagerly to remove his violin from its case.

Hogan stared at the slightly cloudy amber liquid. It was tempting. Anything that would deaden the pain of listening to Klink's concerto would be welcomed, but he couldn't bring himself to drink it. His men were going out to collect the dropped diamonds tonight. He had better not dull his thinking with alcohol. He sat the glass down on the table next to his chair.

Plinking at the strings on his violin, Klink turned to face Hogan and saw the specially prepared Schnapps sitting on the table. "Drink up, Colonel Hogan. It will help you to relax. I have quite a selection for you tonight."

Hogan nodded and, forcing a weak smile, mumbled, "I'm sure you do".

Nonchalantly pulling up his sleeve, Hogan looked at his watch. A soft groan escaped, nineteen hundred hours—let the torture begin.

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Their hearts pounded in their chests as they buried their faces deep in the snow to keep the plumes from their warm breaths from giving them away. Finally the tramping sound of the patrol faded into the distance.

Carter tried to rub some warmth back into his face. "Wow…" A hand quickly shot out, landing on his mouth, silencing him. LeBeau held up his finger to his own lips, signaling Carter to be quiet.

As the German patrol disappeared, LeBeau slid his hand down and urgently whispered, "Come on, let's get back to camp!"

"But we haven't got the diamonds."

LeBeau looked over his shoulder at the surrounding woods. "And we're not going to get them tonight. The plane should have been here an hour ago. We've already waited too long. If we wait any longer, we're going to get caught. Come on!"

Carter nodded and hurried to follow LeBeau. He sure wasn't looking forward to explaining to the Colonel why they came back without the diamonds, but he didn't want to have to explain how they got caught either.

Of course, if we get caught I wouldn't have to explain… because I wouldn't get back to do any explaining… But when the Colonel came for us I'd have to explain… and oh boy would…

Carter's thoughts took on a life of their own. He would have every possible scenario worked out by the time he made it back to camp.

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The light from the oil lamps flickered on the tunnel wall. Kinch paced the familiar route from the radio to the passageway leading to the emergency exit. Here he was waiting—again.

Carter and LeBeau had been gone for an hour before London radioed they had to abort the mission and would have to try again tomorrow night. Standard routine in a case like this was to give your contact no longer than an hour to show and then head back to camp.

Kinch checked his watch. Shaking his head, he realized they should have been back thirty minutes ago.

It was still too soon to panic, but… things hadn't been going to smoothly lately. If it was LeBeau and Newkirk, he thought, I wouldn't be so nervous. Who am I kidding… I'd be pacing no matter who was out there.

Kinch looked at his watch again. Colonel Hogan should be back soon. Hopefully Carter and LeBeau would get back before Klink dismissed the Colonel.

Kinch grimaced. He hated the thought of having to give Colonel Hogan something else to worry about. Maybe Klink would keep the Colonel a little later tonight.

Kinch's eyes opened wider, and he stopped pacing. Sorry, Colonel, I didn't mean that!

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Klink drew the bow long and laboriously over the strings, drawing out the last note as long as he could. And then it was over.

Finally, Hogan inwardly acknowledged.

Klink slipped his violin back in its case.

"I've seen a big improvement in you since we began our lessons, Colonel Hogan. You aren't fidgeting nearly as much as you used to. And you aren't clinging to the arms of the chair any longer either."

Hogan ran his hands through his hair and stretched. Yeah, I'm going deaf and numb.

"I believe you are finally learning to relax." Klink's gaze fell to the Schnapps he had given Hogan, still sitting on the table. Picking it up, he held it out.

"You haven't finished your drink."

Hogan brightened as an idea came to him. Taking the glass, he began his fast talking manipulation.

"You're right, Kommandant. I have learned to relax. And you have accomplished your goal."

Holding up the glass, Hogan offered, "Let's drink to its successful completion."

"Oh, we're not done. We still have some work to do."

Hogan's shoulders slumped. Gritting his teeth in frustration, he set the glass down.

Klink determinedly reached for the discarded glass.

"Here Colonel, finish your drink. We'll drink to your continued improvement."

Hogan took the glass and again set it aside.

"That's all right, Kommandant. I think I just had a setback. I'm going back to the barracks and turn in." Zipping his jacket, he hastily headed for the door.

Grabbing up the still full glass of schnapps, Klink chased after him. "Are you sure you're feeling all right? I've never known you to turn down a drink. Maybe you should have your medic take a look at you."

Hogan turned to see Klink's strained face and the glass of Schnapps in his hand.

Shoving the glass at Hogan for the second time, he ordered, "Here, drink this. It will make you feel better."

"I feel fine. Maybe Wilson should take a look at you!"

"Me?" Straightening, Klink pulled back.

"Yeah, you seem a little nervous. Maybe you need help to relax!"

Klink bristled, "There's nothing wrong with me that getting away from you wouldn't cure!"

"Fine, I'll pack my bags!"

"Hogaan!" Klink Sputtered, then, disgustedly ordered "… Disssmisssed!"

Hogan gave the obligatory salute and marched out the door. At which time, Klink slammed the door behind him and admonished, "That man!"

Still fuming, Klink placed the glass of Schnapps to his mouth and without thinking, sucked it in. The taste was off… just a little, and he immediately frowned.

Suddenly, his eyes widened and the amber liquid spewed out.

Coughing and gagging, he raced for the sink.

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-Gestapo Headquarters, Hammelburg-

Hochstetter burst into his office, slammed his door and ripped his coat off. It was late, and he was tired. There were still no concrete leads in their investigation to track down the local underground. Not even after they had killed one of its members. Angrily pacing toward the coat rack, he was interrupted by a knock on his door.

"Come in!"

His secretary cautiously stuck her head inside.

"Did you want something, or are you just trying to annoy me?"

"Oh, no, Major Hochstetter, I would never do that!" Stepping further into the room, she held out a file. "Here is Major Hegel's report for today."

Timidly, she added, "It's getting late, sir. If there is nothing else you need, I will be heading home for the day."

Hochstetter relaxed and turned to hang his coat on the rack. Keeping no set hours, he saw no reason why anyone else should, either.

"Put it on my desk."

"Yes, sir."

"And bring me a sandwich. I haven't eaten all day."

"Yes sir!"

Hochstetter plopped in the chair behind his desk and, loosening his tie, unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, settling in to do his paperwork. Picking up the newly added file, he began leafing through it, pausing to scan the transcripts of Hegel's interrogations.

There are a few leads here, he decided, thoughtfully rubbing the stubble on his chin. At least not everyone in Hammelburg is blind!

Leaning back in his chair, he thought, I'll give Hegel a few more days before I start following up on some of these. Maybe he'll come up with something a little more pointed—something I can really sink my teeth into.

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1 From the episode "Diamonds In The Rough"

2 Reference to the story "Christmas Morning"