This is the final chapter of this story. I´d like to thank everybody who read and reviewed it.
Hochstetter jumped up with the biggest grin Hogan had ever seen on his face. He reached for the tape recorder, but Wachtelschneider grabbed his arm.
"Can´t you hear, Hochstetter? The tape is not finished yet. Why are you so eager to turn it off, before it has ended? Sit down, now!".
Hochstetter shrugged and sat down. Hogan wondered.
What had Wachtelschneider meant by this comment? What could there be left on the tape?
The tape recorder clicked once more, before Hochstetters voice spoke again.
Thank you, Colonel. This has been very valuable information to us, although it is not true. laughing Here is the money I promised you. My guards will now escort you out off this camp and give you safe passage to Switzerland.
Hochstetters eyes widened in shock. Wachtelschneider eyed him with obvious joy.
"Major, what do you say about this? Manipulating evidence? Giving prisoners the opinion to be released to Switzerland? Interesting methods, I must say...".
Hochstetter wiped the sweat from his forehead.
The men in Barracks Two roared with laughter, as they imagined Hochstetters face. Kinch patted Carter on the back.
"That was a great plan of yours to include the safe passage to Switzerland.".
LeBeau instantly stopped cheering. "Mais Kinch, they will want to check this and Crittendon is still in ´is camp."
Carter smiled. "Let´s say, that the Underground thought it was too dangerous to have him hanging around, so they brought him here yesterday evening. This was supposed to be a little surprise for the evening. The Underground came into Stalag 6 with a few of their men dressed like Gestapo guards, they convinced the Kommandant, that Crittendon was to be taken away by orders of Major Hochstetter.".
Kinch laughed, but then said: "And where is he now?".
"Down in the tunnel. We need to get him back to England as soon as possible. He´s really annoying. Can you imagine, he wants to plant flowers all over the tunnel, says that it will rise our spirits, when we return from our mission.".
Carter rolled his eyes. Kinch smiled. "Let´s continue listening. I want to know what happens to Hochstetter now."
"Herr Obergruppenführer, I have nothing to do with this, I assure you. I am a loyal German, I would never-".
"Major, this evidence of yours is all too clearly about your actions. Actually it is now evidence against you and not against the American Colonel. I think, that we should cancel the whole execution and begin to plan yours?".
Wachtelschneider smiled his ice-cold smile, while Hochstetter was nervously opening and closing the upper button of his uniform jacket.
"Certainly, Herr Obergruppenführer. Colonel Hogan will be released immediately.".
He grabbed the execution order from his pocket and held it out to Wachtelschneider. He took it and tore it into pieces. Major Hochstetter got up and wanted to leave, but Wachtelschneider stopped him.
"Major, don´t you think that you should apologize to Oberst Klink for the insult you placed against him?".
Hogan grinned broadly.
Why is there never a camera around when you need one?
Hochstetter sighed deeply and then turning to Klink, muttered with his head bright red.
"Colonel Klink, I apologize for the-". Hochstetter used all his power to pull himself together and let out the last word "insult".
Then he marched angrily out of the office.
Wachtelschneider got up and shook Klinks hand. "Colonel, I think this has an end now. It was a pleasure dealing with you.".
Then he left as well. Klink sighed.
"Finally, this has an end. Colonel, would you have a drink with me?".
Hogan grinned. "Would be a pleasure sir.".