No ownership of the Hogan's Heroes characters is implied or inferred, (except for the 7 new characters introduced in this story) and no infringement is intended.
Weaving a Web to Freedom,
The Truth is What We Make It
By MLM13
Chapter 7
"Yes, yes, let him in!"
The sun was setting as Klink stood to meet Captain Steffan. He had not had any contact from Major Hochstetter and didn't know what news awaited him.
Steffan entered the Kommandant's office and, closing the door behind him, gave no indication of whether he had good news or bad.
"Captain, where is Major Hochstetter? I thought you would be together?" Klink assumed the Gestapo Major would begin interrogating Colonel Hogan immediately upon his return. Finding only Captain Steffan entering the outer office was a relief.
"The Major is tying up some loose ends. It seems that Luft Stalag 3 had an escape the night Colonel Hogan was placed under arrest. He's gathering more information."
Steffan was careful to be truthful without revealing the outcome of the investigation. There was no need to add, "lying to a superior officer," to the fodder General Burkhalter was about to throw at him. He would let Klink draw his own conclusions. His sole objective now was to get to the American Colonel before he was released from the cooler.
"There's been another escape?"
Klink was visibly shaken. If this second escape were tied to Colonel Hogan, it would be the end of everything. There would be no stopping Hochstetter. Both he and Colonel Hogan would be…
"Colonel may I spend the night here? I expect Major Hochstetter will be back by tomorrow to finish up his business with you."
Klink shook himself free of the vision that had briefly paralyzed him.
"Of course Captain. You may stay in the officers barrack."
"Danke, Kommandant. I will see you in the morning," Steffan saluted and abruptly left, hoping that by breakfast he would have a confession from the American Colonel.
Stunned, Klink walked back into his office. Hogan may be locked in the cooler, but his own position was no different. There was nothing to do now but sit and wait.
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Steffan hurriedly settled into the Officers barrack and decided to wait until the Kommandant retired for the night before going to the cooler. Stepping outside to watch for Klink's departure from his office, he practically went nose to nose with Schultz.
"Sergeant Schultz, reporting, Captain. The Kommandant has sent me to see if there is anything you need." Schultz clicked his heals and saluted.
"At ease, Sergeant." Steffan returned the salute. "No, Sergeant…um…on second thought there is one thing. What time does the camp begin serving breakfast?"
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Taking his turn on the bench outside of barrack two, LeBeau rubbed his forearms trying to generate some heat. The sun had gone down and the cold night air was closing in around him.
"What are you doing out here? Why aren't you inside keeping warm?" Schultz asked as he approached on his way to finish his nightly rounds.
"I'm just catching a little peace and quiet, Schultzie." LeBeau answered.
Schultz frowned. He had a better explanation for the Frenchman's behavior. Schultz looked toward the cooler.
"Hey, Schultz, have you heard anything about the Colonel? Is there any news that Hochstetter might release him? We saw Captain Steffan come in a little while ago and we thought he may have brought some news."
"Nein, Captain Steffan just said that Major Hochstetter was finishing up a few things at Luft Stalag 3 and asked to spend the night."
LeBeau acted surprised. "I thought it was Stalag 4 that had the escapes."
"Ja, but Luft Stalag 3 had escapes after Stalag 4. It sounds like they have more evidence against poor Colonel Hogan. You boys aren't planning anything are you?"
"I can't believe you would ask such a question."
"I don't know what I was thinking," Schultz answered, sarcastically. And then frowning added, "You better get inside. Only one hour before lights out. You shouldn't be sitting out here in the cold anyway."
"Okay, Schultzie, in just a few minutes." LeBeau patted the Sergeant on the arm.
"Two minutes!" Schultz agreed, disappearing around the corner of the barrack.
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Steffan watched as LeBeau and Schultz talked. Interesting, he thought.
Seeing LeBeau enter the barrack, he again turned his attention to watching the Kommandant's office. When he saw Klink heading for his quarters he made his move.
Crossing the compound he walked into the cooler liked he owned it.
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LeBeau entered the barrack and went to the stove for a hot cup of coffee. Newkirk and Carter were sitting at the table. Kinch was pacing and reading from a Bible cradled in his hands.
"I just spoke with Schultz and asked him about the Colonel. He said Major Hochstetter was checking out some information at Luft Stalag 3."
"Checking out some information? What do you think that means? Did they buy the phony evidence or not!" Asked Newkirk.
"It means that Hochstetter is not completely sold. He may still be in the woods looking for proof or…" Kinch sighed, "He may be meeting with the recaptured prisoners."
"Do you mean he's interrogating them?" Carter questioned.
"Oui, that is what he means. Do you think they will hold out?" Louis asked, moving closer to Kinch.
"I don't know Louis? How do you judge what a man will do under interrogation, especially one you don't know? All we can do is believe that the Underground knows them well enough to trust them." Closing the bible he was holding he added, "We are going to owe those men a lot."
Kinch walked over to his bunk, stretched out, and closed his eyes. He was in charge. Those men were his responsibility. If by some miracle they all got out of this mess he wasn't looking forward to explaining this to the Colonel.
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Steffan rounded the corner leading to the cells that held Colonel Hogan.
"Guards, open the prisoner's cell. Major Hochstetter had to finish some business but will be here soon. I am to prepare the prisoner for him."
This line was easy for them to believe. It fit in with their orders from the Major to "inflict some minor injuries and then leave the prisoner to his pain".
The guard Hogan called Bruno, glanced at, Karl, the other guard before nodding to Steffan. Then they all turned their attention to the man in the cell.
Karl took the keys and opened Hogan's cell door.
"Captain," Hogan called out, "I see you and Major Hochstetter have returned from your quest!"
Steffan lifted the whip from Karl's belt.
Hogan was talking as fast as he could because as he was talking, "Bruno" was dragging him toward the bars of the cell to secure him there.
"Where is the Major?" Hogan prodded.
Bruno shoved Hogan face first into the bars and yanked his jacket off.
Hogan turned back around to face Steffan. "I know he must be here. You wouldn't dare start without him. He would not allow anyone to crack the whip on my back until he has had his fill. Hochstetter has waited to long for this."
The second guard came and placed his hands on either side of Hogan's shirt to rip it open while Bruno stood behind the Colonel and pinned his arms to his back.
The smirk faded from Steffan's face, "Halt" the Captain yelled.
The guards stopped and took a stance on either side of Hogan, each restraining an arm, as they awaited orders.
Hogan breathed a short-lived sigh of relief.
Steffan gritted his teeth. The American was right. Major Hochstetter wants this man and he wants to be the one to break he won't have that opportunity if I don't get a confession from him.
Steffan stared at Hogan sizing up his options. Although I have nothing to loose, if I get the confession but deprive Hochstetter, I will be no better off than I am right now.
Stefan approached Hogan like a cat stalking his prey. He could see the guards had not yet used any of their implements. There had to be a reason for that. He would follow their example and use his bare hands.
"You are quite clever, Colonel Hogan. Tell me, how did you arrange for the phony evidence."
Hogan didn't have to play dumb, he had no idea what Steffan was talking about.
"Snap!"
The first blow landed firmly under Hogan's chin.
"Don't play innocent with me." Steffan yelled as he struck the second blow to Hogan's face.
The larger of the guards stepped behind Hogan and acted as a support to keep the Colonel from moving out of range of the onslaught.
Hogan took the punch without a sound and brought his face back to meet Steffan's gaze.
"Did it ever dawn on you, Captain, that you didn't find anything because there was nothing to find? I'm not involved in this."
The other fist came from the opposite direction.
"Don't play with me Colonel. You know perfectly well the problem isn't that we didn't find any evidence; the problem is the evidence we did find. You want us to believe the prisoners were headed in the opposite direction. I worked with those men, they were coming here and you are involved. I know it!"
That last bit of information set off alarms in Hogan's head. He worked with he a spy, a mole, or a traitor? What else did he know?
Hogan spat the blood from his mouth and chided. "Since you're here alone, it would appear Major Hochstetter doesn't agree with you."
This last statement lit a fire in Steffan's eyes. He grabbed Hogan's chin and held his face up and within inches of his own. The heat of his breath and the spatter of his anger washed over Hogan's face.
"You have discredited me in front of Major Hochstetter. I worked hard to get where I am. I will prove your involvement Colonel Hogan. Now one more time, how did you get word out to plant the phony evidence?"
This time Steffan's fist found its mark in Hogan's stomach.
The pain radiated past the already cracked ribs forcing the breath out of his lungs and his knees buckled. The guards pulled Hogan back up into a standing position.
"Is your memory getting better yet, Colonel? You can end this anytime. All I need is a signature. I have already written your confession."
Hogan fought for air, "It...ugh…didn't happen."
"Oh, I have first hand knowledge that it happened."
Steffan answered with a grin, and then he stepped in close as the next punch was delivered full force and again found its mark in Hogan's stomach.
"So you see, you can't lie to me and expect me to believe it. Your feigned innocence is falling on deaf ears. I don't have to drag the truth out of you. I already know it and by the time I'm done with you I will have a signed confession."
Bruno offered to the Captain that he might find Hogan's left side particularly useful in persuading him. Steffan landed his next two punches in rapid succession right on target.
Hogan gasped, momentarily closing his eyes, and then clinched his jaw trying to steel himself for the attack that would follow.
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Klink had just removed his uniform jacket and sat down with a glass of wine when there was a knock on his door.
Now what? Klink reluctantly set his wine down. Opening the door, he was greeted by an excited Corporal Langenscheidt.
"Kommandant, General Burkhalter…"
"I see them!" Klink interrupted as the Luftwaffe General stepped onto the porch followed by Major Hochstetter.
"General, Major, won't you come in. May I get you a glass of wine?" Klink quickly replaced his uniform jacket.
"Yes Klink that would be nice," said the General. "We have had a long day. Haven't we Major?"
Major Hochstetter groaned, "Yes. But I am still not totally convinced that everything is as it appears."
"Major, the only thing that doesn't feel right is that you jumped to conclusions." Burkhalter chided. "You can not prove something that did not happen."
Hochstetter looked away and shook his head negatively. "No, General. Someday I will prove that you have a fox in your den. And when I do, we will see who has the last laugh."
Klink had been watching and listening trying to put it all together. "Am I to assume from all this, that Colonel Hogan has been exonerated?"
"Yes Klink." Burkhalter sat back and sipped his wine. It was good to have Hochstetter off his back. "We can release Colonel Hogan from the cooler."
Klink was also breathing easier knowing that he was not about to be charged with incompetence. But he would wait to release Hogan until after the General left. Knowing Hogan as he did, he feared he might start complaining to the General about "false accusations". No, it would be better for all concerned to wait.
Klink handed a glass of wine to Hochstetter and decided that since the General was in a good mood for a change, to sit and discuss with them their investigation. He was curious as to what evidence Hochstetter thought he may have had against Colonel Hogan.
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"Hey, General Burkhalter just arrived with Major Hochstetter." Carter called from the door of Barrack two.
Newkirk and LeBeau got up from the table to join Carter at the door.
"They just went into Kommandant Klink's quarters," Carter added.
Kinch rolled out of his bunk and joined the others at the window.
"Ok, heads up. Klink should be learning the Colonel's fate about now." This was the moment they had been waiting for. They would soon know the fate of their operation. It could set everything else into play. "Is everyone in position?"
"Yup, everyone is ready to evacuate if necessary. They're just waiting for the signal. And Newkirk and I have intercepted the letter to the Red Cross that Klink dropped into the outgoing mail on Helga's desk. So we're ready either way it goes!" Carter answered.
Kinch nodded. "Good job guys."
"Kinch, how will we know what they are telling Klink," LeBeau asked?
"I'm counting on the Kommandant not wanting to keep Colonel Hogan in the cooler any longer than he has too and sending a guard to release him."
Newkirk threw the butt of his cigarette into the belly of the stove as he asked, "And if he decides to wait until morning?"
"Then we'll have to hold it together a little longer." Kinch sighed. He was okay with that. It would give him more time to think through his one man plan to get Colonel Hogan out of the cooler and take him with them if they had to evacuate.
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Captain Steffan filled a tin cup with water from the bucket sitting on the floor next to the cell door. Throwing it on the prisoner's battered face, he slapped him in an attempt to bring him back to consciousness. Colonel Hogan slowly opened his eyes and tried to make sense out of his surroundings. "Welcome back Colonel. Have you thought of the answer yet?"
Hogan tried to focus his eyes on his surroundings and choked out, "Wha…question?"
"Come now, Colonel, you must pay attention." Steffan cooed, as he brushed the hair out of Hogan's face. "What are the names of your Underground contacts? We have the first two but tell me the third name again?" Steffan lied. He was trying to get Hogan off balance and trick him into giving a name.
"I..." Hogan began coughing, which set his battered stomach and ribs on fire. He grit his teeth and moaned. He could feel the darkness settling in around him again. But it wasn't to be. His tormentor would not let him escape back into the comfort of unconsciousness. He was confronted with a face full of cold water and a slap on the cheek once more.
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Sergeant Schultz completed his rounds and went to check on Captain Steffan, to let him know that Major Hochstetter and General Burkhalter had made it back to camp. But when he arrived at the officer's barrack the Captain was nowhere to be found.
Schultz stepped back out into the compound, and looked around in an attempt to spot him. His eyes stopped on the cooler. No, he would not be there. Not without Major Hochstetter. Everyone knows how possessive the Major is of his prisoners. Schultz headed for the cooler.
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Hogan's men had been looking out the window of the barrack, keeping an eye on Klink's quarters and praying that the Colonel would be released and end this ordeal.
Suddenly they saw Schultz heading for the Kommandant's quarters in what was for him a distinct run.
Newkirk looked over at Kinch sitting at the table. "Kinch, somethin's up!"
Jumping to his feet, he joined the others at the door. "What direction did he come from?" Kinch asked.
They all answered in unison. "The cooler!"
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"There was a knock on Kommandant Klink's door a second time, followed by Shultz bursting into the room. "I am sorry, Herr Kommandant, but I beg to report that Captain Steffan has gone to the cooler and is interrogating Colonel Hogan."
"What? Why didn't you stop him? Klink demanded.
"Herr Kommandant, I…I."
"Hmph!" Klink moaned as he swung his fist through the air at Schultz. The Kommandant grabbed his coat and ordered. "Get Corporal Kohler and meet me in the cooler."
"Jawohl!"
"What is Captain Steffan doing here, Klink!" Burkhalter yelled.
"He stopped by to tell me about the escape from Stalag 3 and that you would be by later. Naturally when he asked to spend the night I assumed…"
Hochstetter was already out the door. He had stopped listening as soon as Schultz had said Steffan was interrogating Colonel Hogan!
Burkhalter pushed past Klink and followed Hochstetter with Klink on his tail.
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Within a few minutes, Hogan's men saw Schultz again on the run. Only this time he headed for the guards barrack.
"What's going on?" cried Newkirk.
Soon Hochstetter, Burkhalter and Klink, scurried out making a beeline for the cooler.
"What's happening?" LeBeau shoved his way closer to the crack in the door.
Before anybody could answer, Schultz and Corporal Kohler were seen heading for the cooler.
"Something's wrong," said Newkirk
"Yeah something. And it doesn't look like it was expected. They wouldn't be rushing over there like they were being shot out of a cannon if they were going to charge Colonel Hogan with running an underground escape system. They already have him locked up under guard. We better go down in the tunnel and check this out before we make a move."
Carter shut the door. "You don't suppose the Colonel's escaped?"
LeBeau answered as he followed Kinch down into the tunnel, "No, they would have released the dogs and sounded the alarm."
"Besides," added Newkirk, throwing his foot onto the first rung of the ladder. "How do you escape when you have two Gestapo guards who never take their eyes off of you?"
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The three German officers rounded the corner to Hogan's cell just as Captain Steffan delivered another blow to Hogan's stomach.
"Umph" Hogan groaned. He was sagging and being held upright between his two guards.
Hochstetter stood momentarily transfixed at the sight. A smirk was clearly visible on his face. The only thing that would have made this scene better was if he were throwing the punches himself.
Clearing the corner Klink stopped short, momentarily stunned at the sight.
"Enough!" cried, Burkhalter. "Captain Steffan, what are you doing?" Steffan turned around, sweat pouring off his face. The blind rage subsiding as his eyes focused on the officers.
Schultz arrived with Kohler and Klink overcame his shock. "Schultz, you and Kohler stop this!"
Kohler stepped between Steffan and Hogan.
Seeing Major Hochstetter, the guards, released Hogan and snapped to attention.
Hogan sank to his knees, his left arm supporting his ribs and stomach, his right hand on the floor to help steady him. Taking in a ragged breath, he bit his lip to contain the moan hanging in his throat and fought to stay conscious by focusing on the voices that were ringing in his ears.
Hochstetter took in the entire seen. His respect for Captain Steffan just went up a notch.
Steffan's senses were coming back to him. He had to act quickly. "I only came here to ask Colonel Hogan some questions, but he was arrogant, belligerent and degraded the Fuhrer. I will not stand for anyone to say the things he said."
Klink's shock wore off as he listened to what the Captain was saying. He could very easily picture that scenario. Colonel Hogan could be quite verbal. But the beating administered appeared to be more than disciplinary! It appeared to be fueled by rage and quite personal.
Hochstetter stepped into the center of the room as Hogan was attempting to struggle to his feet. The voices were starting to form words and the Colonel could tell he was the topic.
"Kohler, assist Colonel Hogan to stand." Klink ordered.
Kohler grabbed Hogan under his left arm and lifted him. Hogan was grateful. He wanted to face the enemy on his feet.
"I know this man." Hochstetter stepped up to Hogan. "He has a way of goading that forces people to the limits of their endurance. He is an arrogant American and was obviously in need of a lesson on German superiority. Captain Stefan was within his rights to discipline him."
As difficult as it was, Hogan kept his mouth shut. The case had been made, the trial completed and hopefully the punishment rendered.
"Is that what happened, Captain?" Burkhalter asked.
"Jawohl, Herr General."
Burkhalter looked at Hogan. "What do you have to say to this, Colonel Hogan?"
Hogan with a swollen lip and blood spattered face thought of plenty to say, but realized it would do more harm than good.
"I have nothing to add General." Hogan spat out.
"Very well, Captain, you may go. I will see you tomorrow as ordered."
Clenching his jaws, Hogan watched as Steffan turned to leave. He needed to keep his mouth shut. He was already on thin ice with Burkhalter, thanks to the Captain's accusations. But…anger continued to grow in the pit of his stomach and …
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Hogan's men hiding behind the drain watched the events unfolding in the cooler. After the Colonel was helped to his feet, Kinch caught Hogan's expression change as his doggedness came back. The Colonel had had enough over the last 24 hours and was going to give some back...if it killed him. When Captain Steffan began to take his leave he, like Klink, could see it coming.
The mouth, that nine times out of ten kept him and his men out of trouble, was about to explode! Kinch closed his eyes and waited.
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"Captain," Hogan called out.
Steffan, surprised, turned around and looked at his victim.
"Keep in touch. Won't you? I'm saving a punch in the mouth for you for after the war."
Klink grimaced and pinched the bridge of his nose. Not now, he thought. Not in front of General Burkhalter
Burkhalter exploded in a tirade. "Insolence!" Colonel Hogan, you are disrespectful and out spoken. I can see why Captain Steffan felt you needed disciplined!"
Hogan clenched his jaw to keep from saying more.
Captain Steffan executed a smart salute to Burkhalter and exited the cell. He was thankful for Burkhalter's support as well as Hochstetter's support earlier, but puzzled as to why.
Without a pause, a red faced Burkhalter continued, "Hogan, we came to tell you that you were exonerated from having anything to do with the escaped prisoners from Stalag 4, however, your current actions are not to be tolerated!"
Hogan tried to stand as tall as his aching gut would allow, facing whatever was coming at him next.
"Klink, I want this man punished for being impertinent, aggravating a German officer and disrespecting the Fuhrer."
"Jawohl, Herr General!"
The Kommandant was fuming at the position his senior POW officer had put him in with Burkhalter. "Colonel Hogan, 30 days in solitary, sentence to begin immediately! Schultz, move Colonel Hogan to solitary and post a guard."
FINE... I'd say it again! Hogan thought while fighting to keep these words away from his tongue.
"Jawohl!" Schultz barked, letting his eyes drift from the Kommandant back to a beaten, and furious Colonel Hogan. Putting his finger to his lips, he admonished his prisoner to, "say nothing!"
As Klink and Burkhalter left the cooler together Hogan sagged. Schultz went to support Hogan from one side while Kohler continued to give support from the other. It was obvious the Colonel was losing the battle to stay on his feet.
Major Hochstetter remained and picking the whip up off the floor, he waved it under Hogan's nose. "It appears that you talked your way out of a whipping tonight, Colonel Hogan."
Blood was working its way down Hogan's face and Hochstetter couldn't resist. Wiping off several drops and rubbing them between his fingers, he smiled.
Then his face took on a determined look. Placing the butt of the whip handle under Hogan's chin, Hochstetter looked resolutely into Hogan eyes. "You may have gotten out of it this time Colonel, but I will be watching you closely. One day I will administer that whipping!
Snapping the whip down, Hochstetter spun around and ordered, "Guards, come with me. We are leaving."
As Hochstetter turned to walk away, the Colonel opened his mouth to throw a parting "shot".
"No!" Schultz growled, as he placed his hand over Hogan's mouth. "You calm down. Or I will put a gag in that mouth before you get us all into trouble!"
Seeing Schultz so out of character surprised Hogan. "Schultz, I…"
Schultz' anger softened; he didn't need an explanation. Instead he asked, "Colonel, what just happened here?"
"Captain Steffan was trying to beat a false confession out of me. I know I don't look like it, Schultz, but I think I just won this one. My trip to Berlin with Hochstetter has been cancelled."
"Ja, Colonel Hogan. It looks like you won," Schultz shook his head.
Hogan, supported by the two Luftwaffe guards, was helped to the corridor containing the solitary cells. Schultz chose one of the two cells with a small window next to the ceiling for Hogan's next term of incarceration.
"Hey, Schultz, do you think I could have some water? I'd like to wash up."
"I think you need more than water. I will ask the Kommandant if I can get Wilson back in here for you. The guards deposited the Colonel on the bare wooden bed frame inside the cell. Just sit there."
"No Schultz, please don't bring Wilson back. I don't think I can take anymore today." Hogan begged.
Schultz stopped for a minute and looked at Hogan as if considering his request, shaking his head he headed for the cell door.
Hogan watched as Schultz and Kohler lumbered out of the cell. He was finally alone for the first time in over 24 hours. Relief flooded over him and his body began to tremble while his thoughts became erratic. My men have been busy. We need to call London and find out what those twelve men from Stalag 4 know about Captain Steffan. When did Burkhalter get involved?
The adrenalin "rush" that had been keeping Hogan on his feet finally ran out and he allowed himself to lie down. His eyes closed and he slipped into unconsciousness.