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Weaving A Web To Freedom
Book Three: Fliegerabwehrkanonen Spells FLAK
Chapter 17
Pass The Colonel, Please!
Hildebrand led the way into the room. "Put him there," he said, walking past a metal chair on the way to the phone.
Hogan was spun around and placed in the chair.
One hand was released from the cuffs, and then both were pulled onto the metal armrests and strapped down. A strap was fastened across his lap. He looked around the room. There were no windows and he noticed the door to the room was metal. It was a soundproof room.
Looking over his shoulder he could see the table they would be working from and swallowed.
"He's waiting for you," the Lieutenant spoke into the phone and then stopped to listen. Smiling he looked at Hogan, "Ja," he replied into the phone and then hung up.
"Guards, you are dismissed. There's no reason for you to have to watch this!" he ordered, trying to put a scare into the American.
The Lieutenant then became silent and leaned against the wall on the right of Hogan, observing.
Hogan refused to make eye contact with him. Instead he looked straight ahead and tried to look bored. He wasn't sure if he was being successful, surely they could see his heart pounding in his chest.
I could have just laid my head back down in the water by the river's edge, Hogan thought. Get a grip on yourself!
Hogan nervously twisted his hands in the restraints over his wrists.
Krantz strolled in.
"Well Colonel, I hope you have had time to think!"
Walking up to Hogan he reached toward his prisoner's neck. It took every bit of concentration Hogan could muster to sit without moving as Krantz's hands drew near and he steeled himself for an attack. But instead, they stopped at his shirt collar.
Krantz immediately recognized the shirt and gave a quick sharp look at Hildebrand, who smiled mischievously back at him.
"You said…" the Lieutenant began, before he was interrupted.
"I know what I said!" Krantz snapped.
Lieutenant Hildebrand grinned broadly, while struggling to keep from laughing out loud.
It was the Captain's shirt that was given to Hogan. This little game of "gotcha" had been going on since their youth and had spawned many an argument and a ton of laughter over the years. And now they used it to relieve the tension brought on by the demands put upon them in the line of duty.
Turning back to Hogan, Krantz continued. "You're out of uniform, Colonel."
Krantz began replacing the eagles on Hogan's collar. No matter how highly he proclaimed his loyalty to the Third Reich, or proclaimed the virtues of the SS, destroying or taking a life was not done lightly. It was done, however, and it was done in the belief that it was necessary for the better good of the Fatherland.
"I respect rank, Colonel. I know it does not come without sacrifice. Your country can be proud of you and the way you have handled yourself." Krantz stepped back, looked at the eagles, and then reached to make some final adjustments.
"But make no mistake, I get what I go after, and right now I'm going after you. I want answers!"
Krantz readjusted the collar around Hogan's neck. Walking around behind him, he put his hands firmly and heavily on Hogan's shoulders demanding his complete attention.
"And preferably without bloodshed, but if you do not want to cooperate, I have many unpleasant methods of drawing blood as you can see."
Krantz slid his hands up to either side of Hogan's head, and turned it toward the instrument laden table. Hogan resisted, but force won out.
"This is your first taste of failing to resist, Colonel." Krantz pointed out as he released his grip on his prisoner.
Hogan swung his head back to stare at the wall in front of him. He shook his head once, easing the muscles in his neck and fighting the anger his powerlessness made him feel.
"And although I respect life, I am quite capable of taking a life for the Third Reich."
Krantz walked over and grabbed a chair, set it in front of Hogan, sat down, leaned back, crossed his legs, and lit a cigarette.
"You are completely at my mercy."
Holding his cigarette up, he continued.
"You have until I finish this cigarette to tell me why you were with Dozier at his camp, why you were able to escape being blown up and how you ended up with…" The Captain pulled out the Petri dish lifted the lid and poked at the irregularly shaped, blood encrusted, piece of metal, "…this embedded in your side!"
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Following role call the door to Barrack Two to opened and the camps Medic entered.
"Where's the Colonel?"
"The Colonel didn't make it, Wilson." Kinch cleared his throat.
"What? Did you…?" Wilson stopped.
"How?"
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"…ja, but it is unusual for a prisoner to be removed from our custody once we have processed them." There was a pause, while the SS Major received an earful through the phone.
"Jawohl, Herr Colonel, Heil Hitler!" Major Lustig rubbed his chin and gathered himself together. "It appears Major Hochstetter has some…influential friends!"
Dresdner's questioning look changed to one of relief. "Ja, the Major is not without influence! I take it I am to receive my prisoner?"
Lustig sat back, not willing to admit defeat.
"The SS has decided to assist in your investigation."
"Call it what you will, but take me to my prisoner!" Dresdner replied.
"Wait here Lieutenant." Lustig stood and exited to talk to Captain Krantz.
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Dirk watched Wilson going through his daily routine, but it was different this time.
"Klink should have never allowed him out of camp! Where's your common sense Kommandant?" The medic was mumbling to himself nonstop. "You knew he was having were you thinking?"
"What did you say Wilson, I didn't hear you?" Dirk asked, not sure if the medic was expecting an answer.
"Huh?" Wilson turned to look at Dirk, and the underground agent could see the deep concern in his face.
"What…did I…sorry, my mind is someplace else." Wilson offered a weak smile.
Dirk had learned to be very observant since he had gone underground and he began to put two and two together. His eyes saddened. He looked at Wilson shaking his head.
"No, Wilson. Tell me I'm wrong." He knew he was right, the Colonel had promised to come by and tell him all about the night's activities…and he hadn't shown.
"I'm not supposed to say anything until the Gerry's tell us, but since your not really here anyway…Kinch just told me a little while ago. The Nazis were taking him across the bridge the guys had wired when it went up." Wilson shook his head, "He shouldn't even have been there!" The anger was apparent on his face again.
"You get some rest, we'll be moving you back downstairs in a little while, just as soon as I get these last two guys looked at and out of here." Dirk fell back on his pillow staring at the ceiling. Wilson pulled the covers up on Dirk and turned to walk away.
The mumbling began again.
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"You're not going to believe me."
Krantz cocked his head, "Try me!" The Captain stopped to look at his cigarette, "You're running out of time, Colonel!"
"Like I told you, Dozier came and insisted we go to dinner with him. After dinner he dropped the Kommandant off at Stalag 13 and he took me to his camp. We walked to the guns and he tied me to them."
Hogan figured that the guards at Dozier's camp would tell the SS what they heard and saw. If he followed that line he would have collaboration.
"What reason did he give for taking you to dinner?" Krantz tilted his head back and pursed his lips letting the smoke spiral from his mouth in a stream.
"My men and I had helped the injured and put out fires after the camp was peppered with flak from the fallout from the Eighty-eights. Dozier said to consider it a reward."
Hogan purposely left Hochstetter out of this telling.
"He was rewarding you?" the Captain asked, looking at the cigarette as he rolled it between his fingers keeping this glaring symbol in view.
"I didn't buy it either! But he wouldn't let me deny the invitation."
"The sand is running out, Colonel. It's time to step things up a little!"
"I see it! You're going to hyperventilate if you keep inhaling like that! But then that's the name of the game isn't it?"
"Oh, it's no game." Krantz answered, as he looked at the stub of the cigarette he had been smoking. Drawing in one last mouthful of smoke, he dropped it on the floor, crushed it with his foot, and stood to walk to the instrument-covered table.
Hogan's mouth went dry as his anxiety climbed.
"I guess I'll start making my selection. You're not going to give up any information without a little help. I didn't expect that you would, but I wanted to give you that opportunity."
Hogan tensed, getting ready for what was to come.
"Why did he tie you to the guns?" Krantz continued, still hoping Hogan would decide to cooperate.
"I…um…am a little hesitant to tell you."
Hogan momentarily closed his eyes. He was not going to tell him Dozier's theory about Biedenbender. That story was too plausible even if it was wrong.
"We got into a discussion about his Eighty-eights and I said some things…he didn't like."
"What kind of things?" Krantz asked. Picking up an item and examining it, he laid it back down and exchanged it for another.
Hogan couldn't make out what Krantz was looking at. The German had his back to him and only allowed indistinct glimpses of the items he was toying with. Krantz played his psychological game with skill.
Despite the fact that Hogan knew Krantz's actions were part of the show to scare him into talking, it was impossible not to feel the stress and he struggled to keep his uneasiness hidden. His muscles were tightening as the tension inched its way through his body.
"This might be a good place to start," Krantz mumbled just loud enough to be overheard as he picked up his first instrument of choice.
Hildebrand watched intently the finesse of his friend and superior, and the effect it was having on the American. From his vantage point he could see Hogan's fists tighten and relax repetitively.
"I…asked him how he got stuck being in charge of the guns and insinuated…" Hogan watched as Krantz seemed to settle on a device. "…they were inefficient. I also questioned his…bravery," Hogan explained, trying to keep his voice calm and slow. He could feel beads of perspiration forming underneath his shirt from the energy he was using to keep up the charade.
Hogan began to play out worse case senarios in his head. What's the worst that can happen? I'll die and be out of this lousy war. But It's not death I'm worried about. It's my men, if I crack!
The Captain turned to look at the man with the gall to insult a German officer in the middle of Germany and had no trouble believing the American did as he said. Just from the short time he had known the Colonel, he had been on the receiving end of his verbal insults.
"You certainly are an expert at talking and saying nothing, let's see if we can get you focused."
Krantz took a step closer. He did not look directly at Hogan but made adjustment to the item in his hands.
"So he brought you back to his camp to punish you," Krantz affirmed, nodding and thinking.
He looked intently at the American as he took the final step closing the distance to begin his work.
"I can see you are struggling with trying to remember.-everything. With all you have been through, it is understandable. Let me see what I can do to help."
Hogan stiffened and swallowed in anticipation of receiving Krantz's beginning offering.
"Tell me about the bullet."
Krantz reached out with the intention of tearing Hogan's sleeve open at the shoulder when the door opened.
"Captain Krantz, I need to have a word with you!" The Major paused, as he registered that Krantz was just about to become physical with his interrogation.
Krantz did not immediately turn to look at his superior. He had worked hard to bring the prisoner to this state of apprehension, and the heightened anxiety would be lost if he did not act now. The American would have time to think and bring back his resolve. Krantz would also lose the momentum his own adrenalin was providing as he prepared to do what was necessary to obtain the information he wanted.
"Now, Captain!" The Major, demanded.
Krantz, finally broke his gaze and turned toward the door. His shirt became damp with sweat as the moment was lost and he took a calming breath before following the Major out of the room. Hildebrand followed close behind the Captain and closed the door behind them.
Hogan didn't realize he was holding his breath until the German officers stepped out and he found himself closing his eyes and exhaling. There was a pounding in his head with each heartbeat as a bead of perspiration ran down from behind his ear to his shirt collar. He was alone. He tested the arm and wrist cuffs again. He struggled against the strap across his lap, trying to loosen it.
There's got to be something I can do. Think!
The door opened and the three officers returned followed by two guards.
Too late! Hogan sat still and tried to deny any emotions.
"I'm sorry, Colonel, we're going to have to interrupt our discussion. Something has come up." Krantz was obviously annoyed. He walked over to the table and slammed the instrument down. Krantz looked at the guards he had brought back with him and ordered, "Get the prisoner out of the chair!"
Hogan was afraid to feel relief. This could just be another method in Krantz's psychological game. Give the prisoner hope and then yank it away. Maybe he was just going to be repositioned for the "fun" to begin.
The guards set to work but before Hogan had time to stand, the Gestapo Lieutenant entered the room followed by two of his guards. They walked straight to Hogan, stood him up, and pulled his arms behind his back, cuffing his hands again. Hogan's apprehension changed to surprise. Gestapo? Don't tell me…I guess I should have figured Hochstetter would be vying for me.
"I told you, this was our jurisdiction!" Lieutenant Dresdner commented.
I think my heart is starting to beat again. Hogan thought. It may be short lived, but I'll take what I can get!
"Don't damage him beyond use; this isn't over yet!" Krantz threatened.
Dresdner looked at the table and then walked over to Hogan, grabbing his chin firmly, he turned his face from side to side as if looking for something.
Looking back at Krantz, he released Hogan and said, "We are not as gentle as the SS…but then…we also get results! Do you need a demonstration on how to use your equipment or is it just for show?" Dresdner asked with a sneer.
Hogan straightened raising his right eyebrow. He did not want to be the subject of this type of discussion.
Hogan turned his gaze to the Gestapo Lieutenant, "I was beginning to think the SS had out maneuvered you. But then I guess Major Hochstetter can't be expected to stay ahead of the game while he is resting."
Hogan hoped the Major's name would remind the Lieutenant who was waiting and prompt him to get him out of there before the SS changed their minds. Moving to a Gestapo jail was not any better but at least it bought time.
"Nobody out maneuvers the Gestapo!" the Gestapo Lieutenant loudly proclaimed still looking at Krantz. Then, facing Hogan, he assured him, "The Gestapo never rests, as you shall soon experience!"
Dresdner jerked his head toward the door and Hogan found himself being propelled out of the room.
"Thanks for everything, Captain! Maybe I can do the same for you sometime," Hogan called over his shoulder.
Glad to be out of that room, he paused just for an instant outside the door to let the twinge in his side pass and was treated to a rifle barrel in his back.
"Raus!" the guard demanded.
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As Hogan was moved down the hall, he could hear the Gestapo and SS officer still arguing as they followed behind. Entering the foyer near the front door he was stopped by the guard's hand on his shoulder, while they waited for the German officers to catch up.
Hogan's body began to tingle and was beginning to feel lightheaded.
As Krantz and Dresdner faced off for their parting "shots", the front door burst open and a soldier rushed in.
"Achtung!"
All eyes turned to see who was arriving. General Kaltenbrunner, Burkhalter and Klink burst in on the scene.
"What is going on here?" General Kaltenbrunner did not appear pleased with the spectacle of the two officers at each other's throats.
Hogan was caught off guard. He had hoped to never see General Kaltenbrunner again!
Klink did not miss the momentary shocked look on Hogan's face as he recognized the General that presided over his last visit to Hohemark.
"Explain yourselves!" Kaltenbrunner demanded
Now it was Krantz's turn to squirm.
"General, I was just explaining to the Lieutenant that I wanted time to talk to my superiors about the removal of my detainee before they began their own interrogation of their prisoner."
"Their prisoner? I thought he was the prisoner of the SS?" the General questioned.
"Ja, Herr General, he was until I arrived and the call came from Berlin to release him to me, Major Hochstetter is waiting for him." Dresdner explained.
Everyone's attention was on the General and the explanation being laid out in front of him.
Hogan took advantage of the distraction and sat down in a wooden chair that was against the wall next to him. His legs seemed to be getting a little rubbery. Hanging his head, he closed his eyes, taking advantage of the brief respite.
I guess Klink had to bring in the big "guns" to get past both the SS and the Gestapo. But that means they must still have an interest in me. Great! And how did he get them here so quickly…they would have had to have been close by for some other reason…
The tingling in his arms and legs was going away now and his head was clearing as he listened intently.
The explanation to Kaltenbrunner finally got around to why the SS had an interest in the prisoner, as Krantz explained Dozier's disappearance and the fact that Dozier and the American Colonel were last seen together fleeing the Eighty-eights before they exploded. Now it was Hogan's turn to be the center of attention.
"What do you say to this, Colonel Hogan?" Burkhalter asked.
Hogan snapped his head up at the mention of his name.
The guards having been distracted by the Generals' entrance, returned their attention to Hogan and were alarmed to see that their prisoner was sitting. Grabbing his shirt, they yanked him back to his feet.
Hogan pulled his cuffed hands in close to his body, and tucked his left elbow over his side for support as he stumbled to catch himself. Bending slightly forward at the waist, he waited a heartbeat for the room to stop moving before answering.
"I've been trying to explain that…" he paused "…but I keep getting interrupted."
"Well, you are going to have that opportunity now." The General informed him.
Kaltenbrunner looked Hogan over, then looked back at the German officers standing at attention.
"It appears Colonel Hogan has already been introduced to SS hospitality! Captain, we will use the conference room. I want you and the Gestapo Lieutenant first. We will bring Colonel Hogan in after you have explained what you know.
"Jawohl, Herr General!" Krantz answered and then turned to his guards and ordered. "Take the prisoner back to his cell!"
"Nein," the General countered. "It will not be necessary to take him all the way back to a cell. Don't you have an office you can hold him in for a few minutes while we talk? How about your office, Captain?"
"Jawohl!" Krantz agreed.
"Lieutenant Hildebrand, have the guards take the prisoner to my office."
Hildebrand stepped forward, "Jawohl, Herr Captain!"
The ensemble began to move toward the meeting room.
Krantz glanced at Hogan, who appeared to be expending a lot of energy to try and stay on his feet. Specks of blood were beginning to pop through his shirt over his left side.
Krantz turned and quietly whispered to Hildebrand, "Have his side looked at, quickly and quietly. If he was important enough for the General Staff to come for him, I'd better not return damaged goods!"