Chapter 10

Major Hochstetter stepped into Klink's outer office and smiled at Helga sitting behind her desk. "Güten morgen, Fräulein Helga," he said as he removed his gloves. "Is the Kommandant in?"

"Jawohl, Major Hochstetter," she answered, smiling back at him. "Go right in. He is expecting you."

"Danke," he replied. Hochstetter walked past her desk and opened the door to the inner office. Klink looked up from his paperwork as Hochstetter entered the room.

"Ah, Major Hochstetter," Klink said briskly. "I see it is time for another session with Colonel Hogan."

"Jawohl, Kommandant," Hochstetter replied.

Klink smiled thinly. "I trust that you are making good progress in your interrogation?" he asked, placing a sarcastic emphasis on the word to indicate his scorn for the Major's methods.

"I believe that I am," Hochstetter replied.

"For your sake, I hope you are," Klink replied.

Hochstetter cocked his head to one side as if to question why, but remained silent.

Klink's smile broadened. "I spoke with General Burkhalter this morning," he said. "And we are of the mind that you have had enough time to achieve the results you are after. If you have not learned anything by now, you never will."

Hochstetter tried not to show his concern. If he were not allowed to communicate with Hogan, they would not be able to continue to plan Hogan's escape from camp. "May I remind you that my activities have been approved by Reichsführer Himmler?" he responded.

"The General has already spoken with the Reichsführer," Klink replied. "The Reichsführer has agreed that you will be able to talk with Hogan today. If you do not learn anything at this session, I will accompany Hogan for the next visit and observe. When, or I should say if, I am not satisfied with the methods, I have the authority to end this charade."

Hochstetter stared at Klink. "Based on your words, your observation would be a mere formality," he replied. "You have already made your decision."

"Of course I have, Major," Klink replied with an exaggerated shrug. "I have made no secret of my skepticism for your methods."

Hochstetter stared silently for several moments. Based on what Klink just said, today's meeting with Hogan would be their last – and the last chance to plan Hogan's escape. That meant that he and Hogan must finalize their plans, or the whole scheme to rid Stalag 13 of Colonel Wilhelm Klink would be over.

"Kommandant, this process takes time," Hochstetter replied.

"I have seen how much time it is taking," Klink responded. "And I have seen no tangible results come from that time."

"We are trying to manipulate a man's mind here, Kommandant," Hochstetter answered. "The potential from this more than justifies the amount of time."

"Major Hochstetter, I know that if you manipulate a man's body, his mind can be made to feel pain," Klink replied. "And when the pain becomes unbearable, you will see results." Klink leaned back in his chair, idly tapping his riding crop on the edge of the desk. "I'm surprised at you, Major. A Gestapo officer afraid to use physical interrogation techniques."

Hochstetter smiled mockingly at Klink. "Trust me, Kommandant. I am more than willing to use physical interrogation techniques," he replied. "It's just that we in the Gestapo are smart enough to know when physical interrogation is appropriate and when it is not."

The insult was not lost on Klink – he sat up abruptly. "Major, you might do well to curb your insults," he replied tightly. "Or I might just decide now that your visits with Hogan have ended."

Hochstetter laughed. "I doubt that, Colonel," he replied. "Because if you could do that, then you would not be forced to go through – to use your word – the charade of an observation visit in order to end them." Hochstetter paused. He could see the anger burning in Klink's eyes. "Am I correct, Colonel Klink?"

Klink rose to his feet. "Major Hochstetter, you may go," he replied slowly, unable to keep the anger from his voice.

Hochstetter clicked his heels and saluted. "Jawohl, Colonel. Heil Hitler," he purred smoothly.

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Schultz had come for Hogan when Hochstetter's car pulled into the camp. The Sergeant had escorted him to the Kommandant's office to wait while Hochstetter and Klink talked.

While Hogan sat and waited, Schultz spent the time talking with Helga, who seemed to make an obvious point of ignoring Hogan. Hmmph, Hogan thought. Such a nice girl, too. Well, doll, there are plenty more fish in the sea! He almost laughed. Then again, being stuck in this camp kind of narrows it down to a goldfish bowl!

Just then, the door to Klink's private office opened and Hochstetter emerged with a smile on his face.

Schultz immediately snapped to attention and saluted. "Herr Major, I have brought Colonel Hogan for you," he said smartly.

Hochstetter returned the salute casually. "Danke Sergeant," he replied. "Colonel Hogan, come with me."

Hogan rose to follow Hochstetter out of the office. He spotted Helga looking at him – she still had a slight look of disapproval. Hogan had a sudden thought. He knew it was childish, but he couldn't resist. Looking back at her, he scrunched his face and stuck his tongue out. He saw her gasp in surprise, and then quickly cover her mouth to try to hide the smile that she couldn't stop from forming.

Hogan noticed Schultz staring at him with wide eyes. "See ya, Schultz!" he said lightly.

Satisfied, Hogan turned and followed Hochstetter to the waiting car.

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Hogan waited until Hochstetter had entered the interrogation cell and closed the door behind him before speaking. "Did you look over the site?" he asked.

Hochstetter nodded. "Yes, but before we talk about that, there's something else that you need to know," Hochstetter replied. "Klink's arranged it so that this will be our last meeting."

"Oh?" Hogan asked.

"Yes. You know he hasn't been very excited about our meetings from the beginning, but since I've had the backing of Reichführer Himmler, neither he nor Burkhalter could really stop them," Hochstetter explained. "It seems he's been able to convince Burkhalter to press the issue and force Himmler to renege on his support unless I learn something at today's meeting."

"Which you won't," Hogan stated.

"Which I won't," Hochstetter agreed.

"I guess that means I'll have to make my escape soon," Hogan said.

"I think we have a problem with that," Hochstetter replied.

Hogan's brow furrowed with concern. "You can't set up the diversion?" he asked.

"No, that's not the problem," Hochstetter responded. "The diversion is doable."

"Well then what's the problem?" Hogan asked. "If the diversion is set up, I'll be able to slip away."

"That's the problem," Hochstetter replied. "You are going to try to slip away from armed guards in broad daylight and avoid being either shot or recaptured."

"Yeah," Hogan replied warily. "That's the plan."

"And do you think you have any possibility of being successful?" Hochstetter asked.

Hogan stared silently at the Gestapo Major. So Hochstetter doesn't believe that I'll be able to slip away, he thought. I'll have to admit that my chances of successfully getting away are about fifty-fifty – less if I don't have the diversion. Plus Carter is going to tag along, which lowers the odds a bit. Inwardly, Hogan laughed at that last thought. That sounds like something Newkirk would say. But having two people slip away undetected is harder than a single person. But this is probably the only shot we'll get – which makes it worth the risk. I can't have Hochstetter backing out of it now. Rob, old boy, it's time to pull out that used-car salesman charm of yours and really sell him on this plan.

"Major Hochstetter, I think there's a greater chance of doing it this way than any other way," he replied.

Hochstetter laughed. "You very conveniently avoided answering my question, Colonel," Hochstetter replied. "What do you think your chances are with this plan?"

Hogan shrugged. "I figure fifty-fifty," he answered calmly.

Hochstetter's eyes widened in surprise. "Fifty-fifty?" he asked. "And you stand here calmly arguing that we should be doing this?"

"Of course, Major," Hogan replied. "Maybe you can't understand it because you are in a different position than I am."

"How so?" Hochstetter asked.

Hogan chuckled. "I didn't think you'd get it," he replied. "Let me put it this way. When we leave this cell, where will you go? What will you do?"

"I'll go back to my office and take care of my duties," Hochstetter answered.

"Now compare that to where I'll go and what I'll do," Hogan instructed.

Hochstetter was silent while he grasped the comparison. "I see what you're trying to say," he replied. "But even so, you're alive in Stalag 13 as opposed to being dead outside of camp."

"But what kind of life is that?" Hogan countered. "You can't forget that we are fighting a war, and if I have a chance to do something that could greatly disrupt the enemy war effort, it's my duty to my country to do it – even at the risk of my life."

"I can understand that," Hochstetter agreed. "But we need to make sure that the chance is a good one, not a foolhardy one."

"So you think the plan is foolhardy?" Hogan asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I think it has little chance of succeeding," Hochstetter replied. "I'm sure we can find a better plan if we think about it."

"Major, if we are going to find a better plan, we need to do it in the next hour or so," Hogan retorted. "Otherwise, it'll be up to me to find a plan for myself. After this meeting, we'll most likely not have a chance to talk to each other. That means I'm on my own and my chances of any success are greatly diminished."

"Hogan, there's a lot at stake here," Hochstetter countered. "You …"

"Major, I know there's a lot at stake here," Hogan interrupted. "But it seems that I am the one that is taking the risk, not you. And I think there's a chance to pull this thing off, as long as you do your part – without the diversion, I have no shot at succeeding."

Hochstetter stared silently at Hogan, as if he were sizing up the American officer. After a moment, he gave a slight nod. "You are committed to this," Hochstetter stated. Hogan nodded. "And you're correct – you don't have much of a chance without some outside help. But this is a very brazen escape attempt, Hogan."

"All the better," Hogan replied with a smile. "They won't expect something like this. The guards are keyed up to keep the prisoners from escaping. The first part of the diversion will draw their attention away from me, and the second part of the diversion will prevent them from bringing their attention back to me."

"And if it fails to do so?" Hochstetter asked.

"Then at best I'll remain in Stalag 13 to try to escape again another day," Hogan replied. "At worst, you won't have to argue the foolhardiness of another of my plans."

Hochstetter sighed. "I suppose you're right," he said. "If we're going to do something, now's the time to do it. This move by Klink is most likely the beginning of his power play to try to get rid of me."

"Then let's quit arguing about why we're doing it and discuss how we're going to do it," Hogan replied.

"Let's start with when we're going to do it," Hochstetter suggested.

"I don't think it can be any earlier than the day after tomorrow," Hogan replied. "If I get back to camp and immediately ask for a work detail, Klink will be suspicious."

"True," Hochstetter agreed. "The wait would also give me time to set up the diversion."

"Okay, I'll talk to Klink tomorrow to set up another woodcutting detail for me and my men," Hogan replied. "I'll try to get it to start the day after tomorrow, but there's no guarantee Klink will go along with that timeframe."

"Everything will be ready by then," Hochstetter replied.

"What will you be setting up?" Hogan asked.

"Do you have your map?" Hochstetter asked in return.

Hogan nodded and removed the map from its hiding place in his hat. He unfolded the paper and placed it on the small table in the room.

Hochstetter immediately started pointing to various spots on the map. "We'll set everything up here where the trees are cut into logs. When you are ready, you can trigger the diversions from there. The wires will be hidden inside a hollow log at this end of the area." Hochstetter pointed to the location on the map.

Hogan nodded. So far, so good, he thought.

"The first diversion will take place in the woods on the opposite side of the clearing," Hochstetter continued, pointing at the map. "The second diversion is also triggered by wires from the hollow log."

"How will I know which wires are which?" Hogan asked.

"They'll be marked with a one and a two," Hochstetter replied. "Simply touch the two matching wires together."

Hogan nodded. "Okay so far," he responded. "Now what about the second diversion?"

"As I said, you trigger it the same way," Hochstetter went on. "And that'll trigger the charges set here and here. After that, you will find two smoke grenades in the log – they'll screen your escape."

"Perfect," Hogan commented.

"My only concern is the proximity of the charges in the second diversion," Hochstetter added. "It's very close to where you and your men will be."

"It should be fine," Hogan assured. "We'll be sure to stay clear. Now what about after the escape – what's the plan for that?"

"Same as last time," Hochstetter replied.

Wonderful, Hogan thought. Same as last time – but I wasn't the one making those plans. "Not really," he replied. "This escape is in broad daylight – so there'll have to be a place to hide until it gets dark."

"I hadn't thought of that," Hochstetter admitted. He paused while he worked over the alternatives. "Here's something. There's an old abandoned mine a few miles east of the clearing."

Hogan knew the mine he was talking about. It's good to see that some things are still the same! We've used that abandoned mine as a pickup point. He nodded. "I know the place," he replied.

Hochstetter looked surprised. "You do? Where'd you hear about it?" he asked. "If you heard it from a guard, they might think to look for you there."

Hogan shook his head. "No, it wasn't a guard," he responded. "I was told about it by a flyer was able to hide for a few days before getting captured."

Hochstetter eyed him skeptically.

"So I hide in the abandoned mine …" Hogan prompted.

"Hide there until dark and then meet Erika at the barn at 2200 hours, as before," Hochstetter continued. "I'll also come by to talk to you before she takes you into hiding."

"She'll hide me?" Hogan asked.

"Naturally," Hochstetter replied. "I won't know where you are. When it is time for me to capture you, I'll contact her and she'll bring you out of hiding."

"How long will that be?" Hogan asked.

Hochstetter shrugged. "Depends on Klink," he responded. "He'll have to report you missing in his weekly report, so you must be gone longer than that. But I'll most likely hear about the escape since it will look as if the Underground was involved. I can speed up that process by reporting it to Berlin myself."

"Sneaky, Major," Hogan replied.

Hochstetter smiled. "And when Klink starts feeling pressure from Berlin, I'll show up with you in tow, and I'll have the leverage I need for the Gestapo to take over the camp," he added.

"Just like that?" Hogan prompted.

"There is a lot of fighting in Berlin for control of the camps," Hochstetter responded. "The Gestapo has managed to take over several camps and free up the guards for the fighting at the front. Klink has proved to be a difficult problem for us."

"Yeah, he's pretty difficult these days," Hogan muttered.

"One more thing," Hochstetter added. "If you can't pull it off on the planned day, keep trying. I'll tell Erika when to be at the barn."

Hogan nodded. "I plan to," he replied. "Oh, and one more thing for you."

"Yes?" Hochstetter said.

"There'll be two of us escaping," Hogan said.

Hochstetter shook his head. "Absolutely not," he replied. "One is dangerous enough – two would be impossible."

"No, just more inconvenient for you," Hogan replied. "But also more damning for Klink."

"How so?" Hochstetter asked.

"This other prisoner, Carter, is a flyer that I met before I was recaptured," Hogan explained. "He was captured with me and Klink has been trying to get information out of him – with no success. If the camp's senior officer disappears, along with a new prisoner that Klink has been unable to get any information from, it'll further weaken him with the brass in Berlin."

Hochstetter looked thoughtful. "You have a point there," he replied. "All right, I'll tell Erika to expect two of you." Hochstetter glanced at his watch. "And now it's time to get you back to camp – and for me to report that I've obtained no information from you."

Hochstetter pounded on the door to signal the guard outside that they were finished. The door opened and Hochstetter went to leave. He turned in the doorway and looked back at Hogan. "I'm sorry, Colonel," he said.

Hogan looked back at Hochstetter and had a momentary twinge of fear – could Hochstetter really have been out to trap him instead of help him?

"I am going to have to report that we've made no progress in these sessions," Hochstetter continued. "Kommandant Klink won't be pleased."

Hogan could now see the mirth in Hochstetter's eyes and knew that this scene was simply for the benefit of the guard by the door. "Screw that bastard," Hogan replied defiantly.

Hogan heard the guard snort at the remark – obviously the guard understood English. Hochstetter closed the cell door and left Hogan to await his escort for the ride back to camp.