Hogan normally trusted his men to meet and greet couriers but a general required his personal attention. He felt reluctant to go alone, not trusting the leader of another operation – particularly one where the operatives failed to observe certain rules of engagement. He and Carter made good time to M14.
Hogan's first mistake was scanning the skies for an airplane. When he and Carter heard a truck, the two climbed a tree to ascertain the situation. The German truck had some difficulty navigating the woods but managed and parked. Four men exited the vehicle, dressed in Gestapo uniforms.
"They should be around here somewhere," one man gruffly said. Hogan trained his binoculars on the man and noticed he wore a general's uniform.
Another voice called, "Come on out, Papa Bear. We won't hurt you."
Hogan felt a chill run down his spine. He continued observing the men and realized three were extremely familiar to him. Carter whispered, "Friendlies?"
"Not in the usual sense of the word," said Hogan.
Collins snapped, "Amateurs! They're late."
The general smacked him and said, "That's for not seeing them up in that tree, you idiot. Come on down. Well done, Papa Bear. I'm taking a big risk coming out here so the least you can do is accommodate me."
Hogan wondered if it was a ruse. Had the general guessed he was in a tree? It was not yet dawn. The waxing gibbous moon offered some light. The general suddenly pulled out a pistol and fired. The bullet struck a branch close to Hogan and Carter. The general said, "You're good but I'm better, now both of you get your asses out of that tree."
"Come on," Hogan said.
It felt surreal. The men spoke English despite their Gestapo attire. After his initial encounter with the Merry Men, Hogan did not relish another meeting. He had to see it through. Hogan stood face to face with the general, an older man with grey hair. Hogan said, "Robin Hood, I presume?"
"We need your help," said Brody. "These idiots lost Mueller."
Hogan said, "Why me?"
"This is your area of operation," said Brody. "It was a mistake for us to come in here without first checking in with you. The Underground is unwilling to work with us. They find us too abrasive."
Hogan sarcastically said, "Gee, I wonder why."
"You can get off your high horse," said Brody. "You've made some mistakes too. I disagree with the orders posting Saunders to your command but I will enforce those orders. I need your radio."
"Follow me," said Hogan. Wary about this team, yet Hogan had no choice and escorted them to the emergency tunnel. Carter looked at Hogan but said nothing. Hogan remained deep in thought. Captain Paul Winslow allegedly was Hauptmann Albert Mueller. Was he SS? Brody emanated a sense of danger despite his advanced years.
Too confusing! Hogan needed time to think – a luxury he could not afford. Instinctively, he did not want to reveal the emergency tunnel to this team of amateurs. These men went wherever they dared. To deny the general meant trouble. One by one, the men descended into the tunnel.
Once inside Brody said, "Would you look at this set up? I am impressed – not bad for a plane jockey. Where is she?"
"In her barracks," said Hogan. "It'll be a couple of hours before roll call. Carter, get some shuteye. General, follow me."
Hogan led the men to the tunnel trap leading into Barracks 3. He heard the familiar this is not appropriate comment. The dim candlelight was not enough to distinguish figures.
Saunders anxiously whispered, "Who's there?"
"Robin Hood," replied Brody.
"Cover the windows," said Saunders.
Hogan understood. Any trace of light bleeding out of the barracks was suspect at such an hour. The dim candle offered little assistance but quickly replaced by the overhead light. It felt awkward in the room.
Brody said, "What a dump."
Saunders said, "Hey! You're the one who's making me stay here."
"Not me," said Brody. "I should take you out right now, damn the whole Goldilocks operation. You're in over your head."
Hogan said, "I can work on getting her out of here without endangering my operation."
Brody said, "And disobey London? Maybe there's hope for you yet, plane jockey."
Hogan was uncertain as to how to take such a comment. He said, "Be about your business quickly."
All Hogan could do was sit as Brody reviewed the events prior to the downing of the Gooney Bird. Brody kept firing questions about Winslow, the suspected double agent. How did O'Neil get along with him? Did Winslow make an effort to curry favor with O'Neil? What about currying favor with Saunders? How did he get along with the other team members?
This was not Hogan's interrogation and he resented being on the sidelines. The court of 82nd Airborne already had tried and convicted Winslow; now the team intended to render the final justice. Did they have the right man? Hogan knew from personal experience the problems with false assumptions.
The conversation quickly changed from interrogation to search and destroy. Brody said, "Get me to Gießen."
Collins said, "That's a good hundred miles away. What's in Gießen?"
Brody smacked Collins and said, "A trap, of course. The road isn't safe to Gießen but we're going."
Hogan said, "Well, looks like my part is done."
"Hold on," said Brody. "You ain't done plane jockey. Winslow knows us. He doesn't know you."
Hogan said, "That's a few roll calls I'll have to miss."
Brody said, "You say that like I'm supposed to care." As the Merry Men snickered, Hogan decided he did not like this general. Brody turned to Collins and said, "Quit that. He still outranks you. Colonel, your pumpkin carriage arrives later this morning. See you later."
Hogan looked dumbstruck as the four men hastened into the tunnel. Saunders said, "Uh, they're probably leaving the camp." Hogan scrambled into the tunnel. The four men hastened to the emergency exit. All Hogan could do was watch as they left. When he recovered his composure, he realized they did not use the radio after inquiring about its location.
#HH#
Hogan felt uncertain with the arrival of the Gestapo. Knowing they were American did not set his mind at ease. He did not like this rival unit taking the proverbial dump in his front yard. Where was the water hose when he really needed one? He listened through the amplifier in his office.
"This is most unusual," said Klink. "First your men arrived wanting to take away an important prisoner. Now you show up wanting to take away Colonel Hogan."
Brody snapped, "Do you dare question my orders?"
Klink said, "Of course not, Herr General."
Brody said, "Indeed, I would like the fraulein, but the High Command has other intentions at the moment. I don't believe you're up to the task of properly interrogating her and as for the seduction plan I think it's absolutely ridiculous."
Klink asked, "What do you want with Hogan?"
Brody handed Klink written orders and said, "His former unit has been involved in some questionable activities recently. We believe he has important information. We have new and improved interrogation techniques. It is only for a few days. You can have what's left of him back once we're done."
Klink said, "Now see here, Herr General. There are rules under the Convention."
Kinchloe quietly said, "I think Klink likes you, Colonel."
Hogan said, "Shh. This is getting interesting."
Brody said, "While he is under your watch, you do what you must. As of this moment, he is my prisoner."
Klink sighed, "Very good, Herr General."
Brody teased, "Fondness for your enemy?"
Klink said, "If he were on the right side of the war, I would gladly call him friend."
Brody laughed, followed by the laughter of his men. He said, "Pilots! What a strange bunch!"
Klink called, "Langenscheidt!"
Hogan disconnected the amplifier and said, "Kinch, I don't know what's worse – going with the real Gestapo or going with these guys!"
Kinchloe said, "Be careful, Colonel."
Hogan said, "Take charge of the team. Don't let anyone do anything stupid."
When Langenscheidt nervously arrived, Hogan began packing. Brody managed to get him out of camp a few days without missing roll calls. Maybe the man was not an amateur after all. He knew he had to cooperate. He felt unsettled at the idea of riding in a back of a truck with Anderson and Hall. The two played their roles expertly, including at a checkpoint when the guard inspected the back of the cargo truck.
The notion of carrying on a conversation while the truck moved was a myth. It was too loud. Hogan did not feel like making friends with the two men. Something about them unsettled him. They were more than simple soldiers were. They were stone cold killers. Brody and Collins were the judge and jury; Anderson and Hall were the executioners.
It took several hours before they arrived in Gießen, a medium sized town with plenty of farms around its central core. The town was divided east and west by the Lahn River. It was a historic town dating back to the Twelfth Century but with a modern troubling history of housing a sub camp of Buchenwald.
While Hogan was relieved the ride was over, he felt concern at the destination. It was a barely functioning farmhouse. Anderson and Hall parked the truck inside a barn. Brody and Collins led him inside the house, which was sparsely furnished. An elderly couple willingly cooperated with the strangers.
Brody introduced Hogan to Gottfried and Elsa Jaeger, members of the local Underground. The farm was inactive in the wintertime because of the cold. They had a bad harvest due to the worker shortage. Gottfried supplemented his meager income with homemade crafts while Elsa picked up odd jobs around town waitressing.
While their Jewish history remained secret, they practiced Lutheranism. The family converted several generations ago, but the Nazis did not always see things in gray areas. If discovered, they would be troubled for having tainted blood.
Hogan asked, "What's the plan?"
Brody said, "A man of action. I see you don't like hurry up and wait.
Hogan said, "Well?"
Brody said, "We believe Hauptmann Albert Mueller will be at the Pub Schloss tonight. Word around town is that he's on military leave but about to be decorated. Your role is simple. Lure him out to us."
Hogan asked, "How will I know him?"
Brody said, "He has a nasty scar on his left cheek."
Hogan looked at Brody. Something did not feel right about the way Brody said it. Hogan asked, "How did he get that scar?" The four men laughed.
Collins replied, "He tried getting a little too frisky with a certain nurse."
Anderson laughed, "Thou shalt do no harm went right out the window." Hogan disliked the team even more, especially how lightly they treated the situation.
Elsa said, "Tsk, tsk; such terrible men!"
Gottfried said, "Elsa, please."
Brody snapped, "That's enough." Softening his tone as much as a general dare, he said, "I should have moved him to another unit."
Collins said, "You didn't know he was double."
Hogan tried to infer what was not said in the conversation. He had an epiphany. Perhaps the general was more involved with the nurse than he willingly displayed. At the very least, he had interest – even if it went unreciprocated. Brody was a professional. He sent in his team member aware of the danger and possibly regretted that decision for personal reasons.
Hogan said, "The sooner I can get back to camp the better."
Collins teased, "A prisoner wanting to return to a POW camp? Now that is amusing!"
Brody said, "Knock it off. He has a command. He is responsible for the men under his command. Let's get to work."
Hogan knew the team had to focus on the mission. Brody had him change into a Gestapo uniform, which Elsa tailored. Despite the presence of a local airfield, Brody felt there were too few Luftwaffe personnel for Hogan to risk impersonating one of the officers. As well, a Gestapo officer would have an easier time encouraging Mueller to leave the pub.
At least Elsa prepared some dinner. Hogan was starving. He wondered if the team was unnecessarily depleting the couple of vitally needed food resources for the winter. He felt guilty yet had not brought any German currency (real or counterfeit).
Gottfried willingly allowed the men to borrow his car. He tried to give Brody some money for fuel but the general handed the elderly gentleman a stack of cash. Hogan realized by the look on the man's face that it was real. There was a polite bickering. Gottfried voluntarily offered his assistance. Brody knew they used supplies the couple counted on to survive. So – the man did have a heart.
The drive into town was quick and easy. Brody gave Hogan some currency before he exited the car one block from the pub. His instructions were simple: lure Mueller out the back door. Hogan entered the pub and opted for a table along the wall. He had a good view of both the front and back doors. A small stage area hosted a local ensemble playing festive folk music. The clientele was primarily civilian but there were a few infantrymen and one Luftwaffe sergeant.
It was impossible to relax. Sitting alone, Hogan felt foolish. He looked as if he was waiting for someone. He tried to immerse himself in the music. He tried not getting drunk. If he were not careful, he could easily overdo it. He looked around for any sign of Mueller.
"We don't usually get Gestapo," said the waitress when she arrived with another beer. "You seem concerned."
Hogan sighed, "It was a busy day. I just can't relax. Ah, you are so pretty! But it would be rude of me to make false promises, knowing that I am only in town a few days."
The waitress said, "I see. I appreciate your candor. The night is still young."
Hogan smiled, "You are very kind, Fraulein." He watched as she went about the room taking orders. What if Mueller did not come? He slowly sipped his beer and continued listening to the band. Minutes turned into hours and Hogan had the sensation that everything slowed. Then he felt nothing except darkness.
When Hogan awoke, he heard the faint sounds of the band playing. He was tied to a chair. An older gentleman trained a pistol on him. He looked around and saw two other men. He asked, "What's going on?"
"We are in control," said one man. "You're very foolish to come in here alone."
"We should kill him and be done with it," said another man.
Hogan realized he was in a bad situation. An Underground cell thought he was the enemy, or at the very least, men impersonating a cell treated him as such. He said, "I am not who you think I am."
The first man said, "Whatever business you have with Hauptmann Mueller will have to wait until you both reach Hell."
Hogan said, "I see. I'm the one who's supposed to send him there. If it's your intent to kill him, so be it. I won't interfere. He's a traitor."
It was a bold and daring move on Hogan's part but he also knew it could easily backfire. He had no way of knowing if it was a legitimate cell. He lacked recognition codes. Why would Brody send him in to an establishment that catered to the Underground? The waitress must have drugged his beer, but because he was drinking so slowly, he did not get the full dose.
"You wish for us to believe that," said the first man. "We know different." He pressed the barrel of the pistol directly against Hogan's left temple.
Someone entered from another room in a hurry. Hogan could only tell it was a woman wearing a coat and scarf. The man lowered the pistol. When the woman turned to face the group, Hogan felt his jaw drop. He cried, "Tiger?"
Tiger said, "Colonel Hogan, you shouldn't be here."
Hogan said, "Tell me about it! This guy wants to kill me."
The two henchmen looked slightly confused. The first man said, "You know this man."
"He is Papa Bear," said Tiger. "Untie him. I have no idea why three units are operating in this town tonight. It is most bizarre."
The first man said, "Three?" He started untying Hogan from the chair.
Tiger said, "Ours, his, and those dreaded Merry Men." She removed her coat and scarf. "Honestly, who do they think they are?"
Hogan said, "Mueller betrayed their team." He stretched his arms to restore circulation.
Tiger said, "I see you are well informed."
As Hogan stood he said, "Monster Grimm is back at camp."
Tiger said, "I see. Colonel Hogan, you must understand we want Mueller brought to account for what he has done. Those renegades intend on doing it with a quick bullet to the back of the head. We need answers first. How is Marie?"
Hogan was uncertain how to answer until he realized Tiger inquired about Saunders, using a French form of the first name. He said, "Well, considering circumstances."
"At least next time I come to visit I will have a place to stay," said Tiger.
"Don't count on it," said Hogan. "Look, you've been to the camp. It's no place for a woman. For now, I have to bide my time, but I will find a way to get her out without jeopardizing our operation. Now then – what's the next step?"
Tiger said, "We wait for Mueller."
Hogan sat in the chair and sighed. The situation was too complicated, even for his liking. He typically ran complex schemes but tonight he saw a competition between the Underground and the Merry Men. The Resistance was involved as well. He was caught in the middle. One of the men returned to the bar to keep an eye on things.
Tiger asked, "Why did you come?"
Hogan said, "I didn't have much choice. The Merry Men masqueraded as Gestapo and pulled me out of camp."
"You are working with those animals?"
Hogan sighed, "I don't know what's going on, but I do know that it's jeopardizing my operation."
Hurry up and wait. Hogan had to bide his time. He did not trust the new team. He did not know if he could trust this particular Underground cell or the one that helped the Merry Men. He did know he could trust Tiger. He summarized the strange events that led to his current involvement.
Tiger was patient and non-judgmental. She did not know Gottfried and Elsa Jaeger. That did not surprise Hogan. The cells did not maintain regular contact and only a handful knew the leaders. It prevented accidental betrayal forced by brutal interrogations. Somehow, Hogan hoped Tiger did know the Jaegers. It would have reassured him that he had been with trustworthy persons and the only ones who felt comfortable working with such a lot.
The man returned from the bar and quickly closed the door. He said, "Mueller didn't make it. Gestapo arrested him on the street. They're getting away."
Tiger said, "Gestapo? Here?"
Hogan asked, "Was it a marked staff car or just a plain cabriolet?"
The man said, "Cabriolet."
Hogan said, "That's it. The Merry Men have Mueller."
Tiger said, "We have to get to that farmhouse."
Hogan said, "I think I can get you there. Where's a car?"
Hogan left with Tiger and two of the men while the last man remained to continue monitoring things at the pub. He thought it an odd move. He was supposed to lure out Mueller to the Merry Men. Instead, they grabbed him before he set foot inside the pub. Hogan realized the Merry Men used him as a diversion to get the local Underground cell out of the way. Did Brody know Tiger was in the area?