Chapter 3: Who's Coming to Town

Maria was in the kitchen making her something to eat, when she heard the front door open. She grabbed a knife and crept into the living room. There she saw a man going down the hall. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

The man turned around to find a knife pointed at his face. Maria then realized he was wearing an American uniform. This must be the downed flier. Maria started to lower the knife when the American knocked it out of her hand and tried to push her out of the way. The knife dropped to the floor, but when he tried to push Maria, she grabbed him by the arm and threw him on the ground. "Hold on Pacos. I'm an American also. I'm not going to hurt you."

"Yea right. So tell me what is an American doing living in the middle of Nazi Germany? If you are an American, who is the President of the US?"

"That's a dumb question. I suppose if I tell you who the leader of Italy is, you would think I am an Italian. If I were a Nazi, I would have killed you when I had the chance. I am actually a POW at the local Stalag."

"Yea right. They make it a habit of housing prisoners outside of camp in houses."

"Whatever. I suppose you are hungry. It has been a while since you were shot down. Come. I was making dinner."

Cautiously the American fallowed Maria into the kitchen. "My name is Maria Crockett. What's yours?"

Cummings, Donald, Corporal. US Air Corps Serial number…"

"Look Corporal, I am not Gestapo or interrogating you. I was just wondering what to call you. This is Robert. Have a seat." Maria set another plate cup, knife and fork on the table. "It's not much, but I was only cooking for one." After Maria started eating, Cummings started eating.

"Not bad. Thanks. What was that? You expecting some one?" Cummings jumped up when he heard a car door slam shut.

Maria went into the living room as Shultz was coming in through the door. "The food smells wonderful. I don't suppose you made enough for me?"

"Shultz there is never enough food for you. It's all right Corporal. Nothing to worry about."

"Who else is here? Maria you are not suppose to be having visitors."

Shultz followed Maria into the kitchen. There he saw Corporal Cummings trying to get out the back window.

"Corporal it's alright. It is just Shultz."

"Is that the downed flier? I must report this."

"Sure Shultz you do that. While you are at it you might want to tell Klink why we were late getting back from the dentist." Maria was in the process trying to pull the Corporal back in.

"I hate it that you and Colonel Hogan are always doing stuff like this to me. You never let me be on my side."

"Colonel Hogan?"

"You know him?" Maria asked

"I have only heard of him. He is a legend."

"He would get a kick out of hearing that." Shultz commented.

"Shultz just do what you always do and know nothing. I will keep him out of trouble. By the way was their something you wanted?"

"Oh yea. Colonel Hogan sent something for Robert." Shultz went out to the truck and returned with a beautiful cradle.

"Its beautiful! Tell him thanks."

"Your welcome."

Maria and Shultz turned around and saw Hogan standing in the doorway. "What are you doing here? You are not allowed to be out of camp. I am going to have to tell Kommandant Klink about this." Shultz said as he started waving his finger at Hogan.

"Go ahead Shultz. While your at it, you might want to tell him about the poker game where you lost all of your money and gave us some secret information."

"I haven't given you any secret information during a poker game."

"Maybe not yet, but you will."

"Are you the real Colonel Hogan?" Corporal Cummings asked in awe.

"In the flesh. Who might you be? Let me guess the downed allied flier that everyone is looking for?

Cummings came to attention and saluted. "Corporal Donald Cummings Sir."

Hogan returned the salute "At ease Corporal. Um Shultz can you go into the kitchen for a moment. I need to talk with the Corporal about something you don't want to hear."

"Thank you Colonel Hogan. I like it when you warn me ahead of time." Shultz walked into the kitchen. "Ummm Food"

Maria and Hogan looked toward the kitchen and shook their head "So much for me eating dinner tonight."

"Why do you say that?" Cummings asked

"When Shultz is around food, there is none left when he leaves." Hogan answered."Maria what is your opinion?"

"Not sure. He seems to be real enough. We can keep him here until you know for sure."

"Very well, Corporal you will hide out here for a while. After things die down, we will see about helping you. Now I expect you to be on your best behavior. And don't underestimate this woman."

"Sir yes Sir!"

"Oh and stop acting so militaristic. We are pretty informal around here. Shultz you can come out now and take me back to camp. Enjoy the cradle."

"Maria is the guard on our side?" Asked Cummings curiously.

Maria laughed, "Shultz doesn't like to take sides. But he is more on our side than theirs. I will get you a blanket and pillow you can sleep on the couch. But first can you move the cradle into the bedroom for me."

STALAG 13

"Kinch run a check on Corporal Donald Cummings and see what London has on him. I think I have found our downed flier. He is with Maria and I want to check him out first to be sure. If all checks out tell them we have a pick up."

"Colonel Hogan Kommandant Klink wants to see you in his office." Shultz announced as he stuck his head in the door.

"Ok Shultz, I'll be there in a minute."

"Hey Carter Mate, what are you making there?" Newkirk asked as he sat beside Carter.

"It is a good luck medicine pouch for Maria to hang on Roberts bed. My ancestors use to hang a dream catcher and a good luck medicine pouch on the bed to protect the little ones."

"That's right nice of you. I'm sure the lad will love it."

"Thanks Newkirk."

KOMMANDANTUR

"Hi Helga. I hear the Kommandant wants to see me. Do you know what about?"

Helga only shook her head "Why is it Colonel, you assume I tell her everything?" Klink asked coming out of his office.

"You know Kommandant, you really need to stop listening in on other peoples conversations."

It's the only way I can stay ahead of you "Please come in. Colonel. There are some important people coming here in two days. I want you and your men to clean up the camp."

"So who's coming?"

"None of your business. Just make sure the camp is clean."

"Sorry cant help you Kommandant. You know we don't have to clean up the camp.

"Can you please give me a break? I am running out of things to bargain with. If your men would hurry up and make the other piece of furniture, I could sell it and get something to bargain with, like paper or bread. How about an IOU?"

"Sorry Kommandant no deal. Tell me who is coming and I might reconsider."

"Why is it so important that you know"

"I'm board and curious."

"General Burkhaulter is bringing by a man named Count Philippe Leroux who wants to open a plant near here."

"What kind of plant?"

"Doesn't concern you. Just get your men out their cleaning or all of them will be in the cooler for two weeks. Dismissed Colonel."

"I will see about getting the men to finish the rocking chair." Hogan left the office and winked at Helga on the way out.

BARRACK TWO

"Colonel, everything checks out with Corporal Cummings. A sub will be at the usual place and time." Kinch informed Hogan as he walked in the door.

"Good. Newkirk tonight you are going to tell Maria the news andbring Corporal Cummings back here to get him processed. I believe our long awaited guest will be arriving tomorrow. His name is Count Philippe Leroux."

No it cant be LeBeau thought. He can't be coming here. I hope Newkirk doesn't find out the truth. It could jeopardize the entire operation.