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As Hogan realised that the guards had retreated, he lifted his head, scanning the person who had just entered.
Black, black boots, black uniform.
His mind combined the facts before Hogan had seen the face of the man. Hochstetter.
Only the idea of his enemy standing near him made him get onto his feet, although his muscles protested with every move.
Concentrating to stand without falling over, Hogan focused on Hochstetter and tried to let his voice sound as ironic as possible.
"Hello major. What a pleasure to see you. I was just having a nice chat with your goons. I must say, they are certainly charming company."
Hochstetter grinned one of his rare grins and replied: "Well colonel, I´m sure you must be terribly sorry, that after tomorrow you won´t have the chance to talk to them anymore, To nobody actually.".
He continued as he saw the rage building up inside Hogan. "You know, you won´t be the last one. I believe there are some others who are very likely to join you sooner or later. For example that black sergeant. Pah, black people have never been any good, no wonder such sad figures as you are have their admiration.".
Hochstetter was so busy making Hogan enraged, that he did not realise that the officer was reaching boiling point. Fists clenched he eyed Hochstetter, his eyes flashing.
"And you know, that other guy, with the cap. He seems quite young to me, so young, so innocent and in the end he will end up where you will be tomorrow. I only need time...".
Hogan breathed hard. Kinch, Carter.
"Tell me how you feel, colonel. Awaiting death and knowing you´ve never accomplished anything. The crew of your plane is dead, your barracks mates will follow. How does it feel to be, let me put it this way, worthless and unable to be in command? What a pity you have been given the command and responsibility. You have failed, colonel, you failed to protect your crew, you are about to fail your men.".
Hogan could not stand it anymore.
Regardless of what happens, he has to stop now, or I will kill him.
He took a deep breath, before he stepped forward and said calmly: "Hochstetter, you are just a poor little bastard.".
Then, with all the strength he had, he punched Hochstetter in the face and sent him flying to the ground.
Getting ready for the consequences, he turned around, facing the guards, but the awaited response did not come.
Hochstetter got up, rubbing the left side of his face. Then he sad with a mad chuckle. "Hogan, how I would like to shoot you on sight, but I will wait until tomorrow, maybe there is some foolish plan going on to save you, than I can line up the others next to you.".
He stamped out of the cell, laughing madly, his guards following him closely. Hogan watched them go, worried.
What have I done? He will have my men as well. Rob, why can´t you control your temper?
When Hochstetter rushed out of the solitary, he ran straight into a general. Eyeing him suspiciously.
"Who are you?".
The general looked at him, as if he were a piece of dirt and then replied arrogantly: "I am general von Kattenscheit, I am inspecting the prison camps in this area by order of the Führer. The Führer wants to be sure, that everything in his prison camp runs smoothly.".
Hochstetter had straightened at the mentioning of the Führer and now he was listening with full attention, trying to draw the respect of the general.
"But of course Herr General. I am here to do investigations regarding the senior POW. He is to be shot tomorrow on suspicion of treason.".
"That is most interesting, Herr Major. I want you to tell me everything about this. Unfortunately, I have to go and see the Kommandant of this camp, a certain Klinik, oh no, Klink. But I want to see you this evening at dinner. I will arrange everything with the Kommandant. I expect you to be there.".
Hochstetter smiled and with a perfect salute marched away.
Carter walked over to Klinks office and stepped inside.
"Kommandant Klink?".
Klink made a small jump from behind his desk and hurried towards the general.
"Heil Hitler, Herr General. What can I do for you? I had not heard of your visit. Can I do something for you?".
The general cut him off with one sharp movement of his hand.
"Enough, Klink. I am General von Kattenscheit and I am inspecting the prison camps in this area. I will only stay this evening, but I´d like to have dinner with you and talk about some aspects of the camp here. Would that be possible?"
"Certainly Herr General. You know, we have got a fantastic cook here in the camp. One of the prisoners is a true chef. He will be delighted to prepare the food.".
"And poison us all, Klink. Do you think I am a fool?".
"But Herr General. The prisoners will be watched closely by my best guard, sergeant Schultz.
Carter nodded, satisfied. Then turning to Klink again, he said in his most arrogant voice: "Klink, I just met a certain major Hochstetter. He will be there as well, I want to talk to him."
Carter ignored Klinks look of disgust and said: "Fine, that is settled then. I will see you tonight. Now, I want a tour around the camp. I want to see the defeated prisoners of the Third Reich, it will demoralise them, to see yet another victorious enemy passing right under their noses.".
Klink nodded, with a feeling of disgust.
What is it nowadays in people, that they seem delighted at the defeat and suffering of other people. What an awful person this general must be.
"Certainly, Herr General. Schultz will take you on a tour.".
Carter, already on his way out, turned around and said: "Oh Kommandant. I had forgotten. I have brought my secretary with me, she will be there this evening as well. She is now waiting in the car and I will take her with me on the tour through the camp.".
Klink nodded again. "Very well Herr General. Schultz! Guide Herr von Kattenscheit around the camp and tell corporal LeBeau and the other men from Barracks two that they have to organise the dinner for this evening.".
Schultz saluted and headed out with the general. Eyeing the general closely, he suddenly made a discovery. His eyes widened. "C-c-carter. What are you doing in the uniform?".
Carter blinked. "Saving the colonel, Schultzie. Now play along, will you.".
Schultz turned away. "I don´t see anything...".
Then he turned back. "Her von Kattenscheit, would you please follow me?".
With a grin, Carter followed Schultz to the car, where they met Tiger. Then they began their tour around the camp, which ended in Barracks Two.
Kinch, grinned as he saw Carter and a troubled Schultz appear through the door.
"Right, so this part has gone well. Newkirk, have you got the tapes ready?"
Newkirk nodded.
"Okay, the bombs are in place and the timers are set. Klink always has dinner at six o´clock so that´s an easy one.".
He glanced at his watch. Five o´clock.
"LeBeau, get over to the kitchen and prepare a meal.".
LeBeau nodded and wanted to leave, but was stopped by Carter.
"Louis, I know how you like to put dog food and things like that into the food for the Germans, but please, not this time. I have to eat it as well...".
The others laughed out loud, as they saw the look on Schultzes face. LeBeau grinned.
"Okay, Carter. Not this time.".
Kinch continued his orders. "Carter, get back outside and have a chat with Klink or something. Maybe you could demand to see the colonel, I want to know if he´s been treated all right since yesterday. Newkirk, get some kind of clothes which let you look as a waiter, you will do the waiting this evening. I will go to see if Wachtelschneider has already left, because if he hasn´t...".
His sentence was left unfinished, but they all knew, that future looked dark if the Obergruppenführer was dead, or wounded by the bombing.
Carter and Schultz left, followed by Tiger. Kinch watched them as they made their way towards Klinks office.
So many things have gone well and the most important thing of all is missing. It´s not fair.
Then he rushed down the stairs, to their radio. He contacted the underground, but they had no news of Wachtelschneider.
Where is he?
Meanwhile, Carter and Tiger had convinced Klink to let them visit Hogan.
Hogan was woken out of his memories by three people entering the room. One, he identified immediately, it was Schultz. But the other two?
Blinking against the light from the corridor, he tried to make out their faces, but Schultzes explanation came first.
"Colonel Hogan. These are Herr General von Kattenscheit and Fräulein Hegelsberger, his secretary. They wanted to see you.".
Hogan smirked. "A high ranking general? Out to visit the wild animals in the zoo?".
The voice that came back from the man was cold and threatening. "Herr colonel, you´d better not mess with me, this could bring you in serious, serious trouble.".
Hogan laughed a humourless laugh. "Threatening me, Herr General? Funny, threatening men who are already condemned.".
The bitter tone in the voice pierced Carters heart. Why can´t Schultz go away?
Resolutely, he turned to Schultz. "Sergeant, you will leave me and Fräulein Hegelsberger alone for a moment. I want to talk to the prisoner. And don´t worry, if he gets aggressive. I can care for myself.".
At these words, Carter pulled a revolver out of his pocket and eyed it with satisfaction.
Schultz nodded. "Of course, Herr General.".
As he had gone, Carter stepped towards the colonel.
Hogan shot a glance at him, but pretended to ignore him. Then, Carter sat down next to him on the bunk.
Hogan, who had still not recognised him slid away. "Hey, don´t get touchy. I´ve had enough of this. What do you want from me?"
"Just asking, how you are, boy, I mean, colonel.".
A smile appeared on Hogans face, as he recalled the familiar voice. "Carter! It´s you?".
Carter smiled. "Of course, colonel. And guess, who is this?".
Hogan eyed the woman, immediately recognising her. "Tiger! How...".
Carter shook his head. "It´s a long story. We just wanted to ask if you´re al right?".
Hogan nodded, slightly irritated.
No coddling, okay?
"We are trying to get a hand on Hochstetters tapes this evening. Thought this would rise your spirits a bit.". He grinned as he explained a few details about their plans.
Hogan did not know what to say.
They are really going to do it and they can. I´m so proud of them...
He blinked the emotions away and said. "Then I won´t hold you up in your preparations. Carter, be careful, please.".
Carter nodded and turned towards the door. "Schultz, open, please!".
As Carter wanted to walk outside, he was held back by a hand on his shoulder, Hogans. He said. "Carter, I was going to say this after we had al come home, but I am not sure we all will. Carter, I am so proud of you all and I want you lot to know, that you are the best friends one can have.".
Carter turned around, smiled a faint smile and said. "We will, colonel... We will come home."