After parking the car along the road, Hogan punctured two tires. This way it could be found and the guards would surmise it had been abandoned for later recovery. He and Newkirk returned to the barracks. All was quiet. He instructed Kinchloe to stand by at the radio and then took the tunnel to Barracks 3.
Hogan had to contact London but he needed to talk to Saunders. He knew it was bad form to sneak in during the middle of the night. The very idea of such an act could breed distrust. What could a woman expect if she felt endangered by fellow Americans? He cautiously entered the dark barracks and called out her name.
"This really isn't proper," came the sleepy response.
"I need to talk to you," said Hogan. "It can't wait."
"I'm awake," Saunders said. Hogan heard a match strike and then a candle lit. He saw her sitting up in a bunk wrapped in a blanket.
Hogan asked, "Who's Robin Hood?"
Saunders laughed, "You must be joking."
"Out with it," Hogan sternly said.
"General Frank Brody," she responded. "Did he contact you? He can be nasty. Keep in mind that he despises General Bradley. He feels cheated out of commanding the Allied forces."
Hogan said, "I met Jack Frost. He said Robin Hood already met with him."
Saunders said, "That seems entirely unlikely. He doesn't go anywhere unless he has an entire regiment with him."
"Jack Frost says there were two survivors from the plane," said Hogan.
Saunders said, "That's not possible. Colonel O'Neil burned alive in midair. Even if he wasn't dead, well, without a parachute the landing would have finished him off."
Hogan asked, "How can you be certain it was him?"
"Well, he was right behind me," said Saunders. "Then he pushed me."
"In the back?"
"Of course in the back," said Saunders. "It's too dangerous to push someone out the wrong way. If you start to roll, you can get tangled up in the parachute cords."
"Then you didn't see his face," said Hogan.
Saunders asked, "What are you saying? You know something."
Hogan sighed, "Jack Frost says there was an imposter on your plane, real name Hauptmann Albert Mueller. How well did you know the team?"
Saunders replied, "We've worked together for several months. Obviously, I didn't have an opportunity to know them before my attachment. Still, I don't believe an imposter could have infiltrated the unit."
Hogan asked, "Are you certain no one else jumped from the plane?"
"If anyone did, they could not have survived," replied Saunders. "The plane exploded into a fireball."
Hogan asked, "Did the entire team know the plan?"
"Only what they needed to know," replied Hogan.
Hogan asked, "What about my operation?"
Saunders sighed, "Very well. Colonel O'Neil and I knew. In case something happened to him, I was the back up. I know of many operatives and how to make contact."
Hogan said, "Why you?"
"General Brody felt that I could get away with tears and say that I didn't know anything," she replied.
"Do you trust him?"
Saunders said, "The way that this conversation is going, I'm not sure how to answer that. Now, I don't believe he's in Germany. You must confirm with London. If for some strange reason he is here, there will be hell to pay. He's the kind of guy that shoots first and asks questions later. And sir, he does know about you."
Hogan said, "That's the problem – everyone does."
Saunders said, "I've been an Army nurse for twenty five years. I've been in dangerous places many times. Always they say that I'll be safe but I know they can't guarantee it. My luck has finally run out. There's a target on my back, isn't there?"
Hogan said, "We'll see. Good night." He groped his way back to the tunnel and left. He was in the middle of something particularly nasty and he lacked military intelligence. Saunders said her luck had finally run out. What about Hogan's luck?
As he approached Kinchloe at the radio Hogan said, "I need a minute."
Kinchloe asked, "Is it that bad?"
"Maybe," replied Hogan. "Alright, code and send this message. Believe that operative Robin Hood is in the vicinity, need confirmation as soon as possible. Imposter identified only by German name as member of the team of the downed plane and rumored still alive. Need instructions."
"Yes sir," said Kinchloe.
Hogan returned to the barracks and changed for bed. He lay quietly but sleep refused to come despite his exhaustion. His mind kept reviewing events in a wild race. His operation was too important. Enlisted men often complained of an officer adage rank hath its privileges but Hogan focused on another officer adage: rank hath its responsibilities.
When Hogan relaxed enough and sleep started to fall, a discreet knock on the door roused his attention. He said, "Come in." The door carefully opened and he saw a flashlight. It took a moment for him to realize it was Kinchloe.
Hogan asked, "What is it, Kinch?"
Kinchloe said, "Sir, London reports Robin Hood is in Sherwood Forest. Don't ask me. They're using a code set I don't have. However, his Merry Men are foot loose and fancy free. They used three names: Little John, Will Scarlett, and Friar Tuck. The imposter is someone named Little Ogre who was in the cauldron. The Merry Men have orders to eliminate Little Ogre without prejudice. Our orders are to stay put and keep Monster Grimm in the tower."
Hogan sat up and said, "Just dandy. I think it's obvious whoever these guys are, they're going to kill the imposter."
Kinchloe asked, "Who is Robin Hood?"
"Some big shot general with the 82nd Airborne that has a chip on his shoulder the size of Cleveland," said Hogan. "I don't care if they are hotshot paratroopers. They're lousing up the espionage and sabotage business."
Kinchloe said, "I wish they'd send us a codebook."
"Let me have that flashlight," Hogan said as he stood. "Maybe Florence Nightingale knows what the hell is going on. Damn female messing with my camp!"
As Kinchloe handed Hogan the flashlight he said, "You can't blame her. She doesn't know what's going on any more than you do. She's in a situation cut off from her chain of command and she's counting on us."
Hogan said, "Her unit is acting like a bunch of amateurs tossing gasoline on a fire. Follow me."
Yes, amateurs, Hogan thought. Rogue operations endangered legitimate operations. Maybe the mission originally started out with the best of intentions but it soured quickly and it was up to Hogan to pull a rabbit out of the hat. Unlike Newkirk's former stage act, if the rabbit no-showed the audience merely suffered disappointment. In the real world, men's lives were at stake.
Hogan rarely felt such rage. Several men stirred as the tunnel ladder activated. Kinchloe hurried to keep pace. Hogan needed answers. He made no effort to stifle his entrance into Barracks 3, causing Saunders to panic.
"Talk to me," Hogan snapped.
Saunders asked, "What's going on?"
Hogan asked, "Who are the Merry Men?" He watched her eyes open wide in sheer terror. He mocked, "You won't know me until I know you know who I am."
"They're assassins," said Saunders. "Colonel, you must believe me. I did not betray our country. I've got to get out of here. If they find me…"
Hogan snapped, "What are you babbling about?"
Saunders said, "General Brody sends them in to tie up loose ends. Please, I need your help. I can't escape on my own. Why me?"
Hogan said, "They're looking for Little Ogre from the cauldron."
Saunders said, "Little Ogre? The cauldron? That's not possible."
"Talk to me!"
Saunders said, "Little Ogre is Captain Paul Winslow. The cauldron is a plane. Colonel, no one else made it out of that bird. Where are the Merry Men? I have to make contact."
"You're to stay in the tower," said Hogan.
Saunders said, "But Colonel, they'll be on a merry chase looking for a dead man. Why don't you believe me?"
Ignoring the question Hogan asked, "Who are Little John, Will Scarlett, and Friar Tuck?"
Saunders replied, "Major John Collins, Sergeant Bob Anderson, and Corporal Henry Hall. They should have been code named the Golems. Stick a scroll in their mouths and they'll do exactly what their orders say. Get in their way and they'll make you regret it."
Hogan said, "Right now they're in my way. Damn it all to hell! Someone else made it off that plane. You said you were right by the drop door. Now think!"
Saunders snapped, "Damn it! I've replayed it in my mind numerous times since you told me someone else claimed to make it off the plane! There is no way."
Hogan warned, "If I find out you're holding out on me, you'll regret it." He saw no reason to linger and hastily withdrew.
In the tunnel Kinchloe asked, "Don't you think you were a little hard on her, sir?"
Hogan said, "This is men's work. What a bunch of amateurs!"
#HH#
Sleep came but far too late to benefit the exhausted commander. Hogan felt worse than a hangover. If Klink wanted a work crew, Hogan might just deny the request. Looking around the main barracks room, he saw icy stares.
Hogan grumbled, "Something wrong?"
"We were about to ask you the same," said Newkirk.
Hogan said, "Someone's trying to compromise us. Now's not the time to go soft." The mission had to come first. Hogan could not afford weakness. He knew his men would understand.
Schultz summoned the men for morning roll call. After the usual tomfoolery of interfering with the guard's count, Klink arrived. Hogan was surprised that Klink expected the prisoners to return to a normal routine including athletic events, parade, and chores around the camp. Klink politely thanked the prisoners for their labors the last several days.
Hogan knew the woods required more husbandry. At the conclusion of roll call, he followed Klink into his office and asked, "Don't you need any work details for the woods?"
Klink teased, "I see you enjoyed the jaeger schnitzel." He sat behind his desk and folded his hands together.
Hogan teased back, "Please sir, I want some more."
Klink said, "I appreciate your interest in work but the SS has brought in other prisoners to assist with the cleanup." Hogan gave him a quizzical look. In a serious tone Klink said, "Undesirable civilians from Dachau."
Hogan said, "You don't sound happy."
"Dissidents and thieves," said Klink. "You are a prisoner but at least you have honor."
Hogan did not know how to take the compliment. He realized Klink avoided mentioning Jewish prisoners. As loyal as Klink was, he was also old guard trying to survive in the new regime. Hogan finally said, "I see."
Klink said, "I know why you're here." Hogan raised an eyebrow. Klink continued, "Oh, now really, Hogan! I want the cockroach to cook dinner for a special guest."
"Colonel Wagner," said Hogan.
"He is an important man," said Klink. "Very brave, too. He is curious about our operation."
Hogan said, "I'll ask LeBeau."
"Good," said Klink. "By the way, Hogan – do you think the fraulein might be interested in joining us?"
Hogan raised an eyebrow, "Why?"
"We Germans are not barbarians," Klink coyly said.
Hogan realized that Klink wanted to fulfill his orders from Burkhalter, to win over the nurse to the German side. While he did not entirely trust Wagner, he did need to find out more about the man. He finally said, "I'll ask her, but it really is up to her. I can't order her to fraternize with the enemy."
Hogan first went to talk to LeBeau. As expected, the corporal expressed indignity at the prospect of cooking for the filthy boche. LeBeau, of course, finally agreed and said, "I shall prepare cheval à la mode."
Carter asked, "What's that?"
LeBeau said, "I shall cook the best meat and fry it with lardoons in horse grease. Then I will put it in a casserole with onions, carrots, and a bouquet of herbs including a bay leaf, thyme, garlic, cloves, salt, and pepper. Pour in a glass of water, a half-glass of white wine and then cook over a small fire for about six hours."
Hogan asked, "Horse grease?"
"He is cavalry," LeBeau shrugged.
"Better get to it then," said Hogan. "Now for the annoying part."
Kinchloe asked, "What's that?"
Hogan said, "Klink wants the fraulein to attend."
Newkirk said, "Well that can't be too awful. A charming lady can find out information."
Hogan said, "She's not part of our operation. Worse, her operation is interfering with our operation.
Carter said, "Boy, you sure are mean."
"She doesn't belong here," Hogan said. "As long as we're stuck with her, we'll make sure she's comfortable but no monkey business."
Hogan abruptly left. When the three USO performers ended up at camp, both prisoners and guards acted like high school boys. Even Klink saw fit to bring a bottle of wine. While this nurse was somewhat older, she retained a figure that clearly delineated her from the men. Was Klink putting on the moves?
As he entered Barracks 3, Hogan saw Saunders playing a casual game of solitaire. He said, "I didn't know you had cards."
Saunders said, "I would prefer to play next door but apparently I'm not welcome over there."
Hogan scoffed, "And who told you that?"
She replied, "Does it really matter? You don't like me and that's fine. I'm not here so you can like me. In fact, I think it would be rather nice if you arranged for me to get the hell out of here as soon as possible."
"Maybe after dinner," Hogan said. "Klink's putting on a little dinner party and you're invited."
Saunders asked, "What's the uniform?"
Hogan said, "Military. Your flight uniform should suffice. Colonel Wagner will be there."
"I'll find out what I can," said Saunders. "Colonel, don't forget about the Merry Men. They're operating in the vicinity."
"Let's hope they've cleared out," said Hogan. "You can come over and play cards with the boys."
"Yippee," came the sarcastic response.