They arrived too late. The farmhouse was empty of any occupants. The car and truck were both gone. A single candle burned in a window. Hogan and the others searched but there was no trace of the Jaegers or the Merry Men. At least he found his uniform. He could return to camp without suffering the indignity of explaining its loss.
Tiger quietly said, "You are bothered."
Hogan said, "It doesn't make any sense. Why go to all this trouble?"
Tiger said, "It is most peculiar."
Hogan snapped, "Damn it! They used me! And what's worse is that they did it to keep you out of whatever they're doing. This whole damn time I thought they were amateurs. They sure fooled me."
Tiger said, "We have to let it go."
Hogan knew she was right. Tiger was always passionate about her work but this time she could do nothing. One of the men suggested they leave. It seemed unlikely that the Jaegers lived in the farmhouse. The candle in the window was a signal that the farmhouse was a safe haven, but for how long?
Hogan had to get back to camp. He could not rely on the Merry Men to return him, nor could he simply walk up to the front gate and say, "Here I am." There was nothing more to be done. The group quietly returned to the city and arrived at an apartment building.
It was dark enough to provide Hogan cover. For a lone Gestapo officer to arrive at such a place and such an hour was unusual. Fortunately, the halls were empty and quiet. They entered one apartment and sat about the living room feeling extremely dejected. Everyone was tired. The apartment belonged to the cell leader, the one that originally held a gun to Hogan's head. His friend wished them good luck and left.
Tiger took to a guest room and Hogan made do with sleeping on the couch in his underwear. He did not enjoy a restful sleep. He worried for his men. Hogan always came through for London. He did not like failure.
In the morning, Hogan decided to dress in his usual uniform instead of the Gestapo costume. He sat in the kitchen as Tiger prepared breakfast. He learned his host was named Hans Schmitt, a former soldier in the first war. He was a retired police officer. Schmitt waited by a radio for a scheduled check in. When it came, it proved to be a quick series of taps in response. Then he shut down and secured the radio.
Tiger asked, "What now?"
"We get him out of here," said Schmitt. "Don't take it personally, Colonel. You are a prisoner of war. I could get shot just for harboring you."
Hogan said, "I understand. I need to get back to Stalag 13."
"I can arrange it," said Schmitt. "You said they took you out dressed as Gestapo."
"That's right," said Hogan.
Hogan bided his time as Schmitt made the arrangements. He wondered what Olsen did when asked to leave the camp such that a temporary arrival could take his place in the count. He never asked the man. The scenario was different but the situation the same. Did Olsen worry about the Krauts coming for him?
When two men dressed as Gestapo arrived, Hogan felt anxious. He did not know these men, but Schmitt assured him they were his men. Hogan donned a long overcoat to hide his uniform and hid his cap. He went downstairs with the men and exited the building. They had a staff car. Passersby tried not to stare, fearing the Gestapo.
The car departed without any trouble. As soon as the car was safely out of town, Hogan removed the overcoat as instructed by Schmitt's men. The men spoke broken English. Fortunately, Hogan was fluent in German. It was a necessary job requirement. His French needed improvement but he spoke it as a German would.
Hogan thought about the way Brody treated him. Yes, the general spoke sweet nothings to curry favor and trust. Hogan fell for it. The Merry Men used him and it made him angry. Did they operate under London's orders? Tiger referred to them as animals. Was it how they operated or did one of them –? Hogan was afraid to finish the thought.
Without a doubt, Hogan liked Tiger. She was a valuable asset to the war effort. He loved her courage and passion. He was able to lower his guard around her. He liked being with her. He knew when to act with the utmost of professionalism and when he could indulge in a kiss. As long as she operated inside Germany, he knew he would see her again.
The primary focus of the Resistance remained inside of France. Tiger had connections. Hogan knew she was high up the chain of civilian fighters. She never called herself Maquis, a term he once heard LeBeau use to describe the rural fighters. She broke away from family and friends to fight for her beloved France.
Hogan looked out the window. The car was making excellent time. They would arrive in another hour or so. The driver knew how to evade most checkpoints, so stops were infrequent. Soldiers did not question Gestapo transporting a prisoner of war. The scenery was interspersed with war-torn towns and rustic scenery. He felt sorry for the innocent civilians caught up in the madness known as Hitler.
As he recognized familiar sites, Hogan said, "I really appreciate you taking care of me."
"It is no trouble," said the driver. "Hans likes you. That is saying something. When we arrive at your camp, we must act as Gestapo."
Hogan said, "No hard feelings. I understand."
It had to be said and Hogan appreciated it. His thoughts returned to Tiger. Did she ever hear from family? Hogan enjoyed that luxury as a prisoner of war. He received letters and packages as often as possible through the Red Cross system. At least his family knew his fate. Did Tiger's family know her fate?
If Hogan were caught in one of his operations, the authorities would shoot him. Would his family understand why he did it? He only had the word of a British general he never met that yes, his family would hear of his efforts after the war. It had to wait for that conclusion lest others suffer jeopardy.
Always others! Just once, Hogan needed to think of himself. No, he was being selfish. He wanted certain things but now he served a greater purpose. He wanted marriage someday. Had he put it off too long? What if the war endured longer than Allied Command predicted?
Seeing the camp, Hogan sobered his thoughts. This was his command. His men played football in the yard. He saw Kinchloe observing the car. He had the best men. LeBeau was among the earliest prisoners in the camp. He knew the Frenchman wanted to return home to fight. England entered the war earlier than the United States and Newkirk recounted tales of prior kommandants. Hogan was the lucky one. He had Klink. Without that incompetence, Hogan's mission would fail.
Hogan endured the rough handling. It was a show and it had to be good to appease the guards. As he stood before Klink in his office, he managed a wry smile. Klink still looked worried but also somewhat relieved.
Klink asked, "The general is not returning?"
The driver said, "He was called away on other business. Our orders are to return your prisoner. Perhaps another time."
Klink smiled broadly, "I am always happy to cooperate with the Gestapo!"
The second man said, "That's the sign of a man to be investigated."
The driver said, "Indeed. We have other business now. Good day, Herr Kommandant."
Klink maintained the grin until the two men left. Then he let out a heavy sigh. He said, "Sit down, Hogan. Were they rough?"
Hogan said, "No more rough than the Boy Scouts."
Klink shuddered, "Hogan, that's not funny."
Hogan said, "I still don't know what they're after. You run a funny little country."
Klink said, "You look well enough. Still, you seem a little pale. Maybe you should get some rest."
Hogan teased, "Concern?"
Klink said, "Your men clearly disapproved of your departure. Things will return to normal, I should think. You may go."
As Hogan stood he said, "You're all heart, Kommandant."
Strangely enough, Hogan felt at home. He headed straight to the barracks. His team slowly made its way to the common room. Hogan sat at the table and LeBeau poured him some coffee. He saw Kinchloe smile. Then he asked, "What'd I miss?"
"Nothing much," said Kinchloe. "We were worried about you. All we heard was that things got fouled up in Gießen."
LeBeau said, "That's right, Colonel. We know it wasn't your fault. Those fools! We should have gone in to get Mueller."
Hogan said, "They got Mueller."
"Not according to London," said Kinchloe. Hogan shook his head. Kinchloe said, "You didn't know? What happened up there?"
Hogan explained the strange circumstances including his abandonment by the obsessed team. He felt dissatisfied with the events but everyone was convinced the Merry Men caught Mueller. He looked at Kinchloe and the others. He saw worry and concern.
Hogan asked, "What's wrong?"
Kinchloe sighed, "London reported Mueller got away and the team suffered casualties. We don't know the details except that two of them were caught. They were in Kraut uniforms so they're being tried for espionage. We're supposed to stay out of it. We didn't know you evaded capture."
Hogan said, "I see. How's Florence Nightingale taking it?"
Newkirk said, "We decided not to tell her."
LeBeau said, "We figured she didn't need to know."
Hogan said, "She's a lieutenant colonel."
Carter said, "Yeah, but she has girl rank. It's not the same thing as boy rank."
Hogan said, "Tiger knows her. That's got to count for something."
Newkirk said, "Begging the colonel's pardon and all that – does that mean when you're gone the bird's in charge?"
"I didn't say that," said Hogan. "As long as we're stuck with her, we'll use her as we need to but she is still an officer. I don't want to hear anything about girl rank or boy rank again. She's not part of our operation. Still, she knows those men. She belongs to their operation and you should have told her."
Kinchloe said, "We're sorry, Colonel. It's just that she is a woman and she did just get here. It's a major adjustment for anyone. We didn't want to worry her."
Hogan nodded his head, "Okay, that I can accept. Where is she?"
LeBeau said, "In the infirmary. I think she's trying to get it hospital clean. Wilson says she's a tough old nurse."
Part of Hogan did not want to talk to the nurse. He was doing it again, referring to her as the nurse. He did not want to form bonds with her. Hogan hoped to manage her escape out of Germany. She was in way over her head. The Merry Men used her but she was not an operative of their caliber. Hogan doubted she truly ran any operation, considering the prejudices of her being a woman.
As he entered the infirmary, Hogan saw Wilson storing some supplies and Saunders making fresh beds. He asked Wilson to leave. He noticed Saunders maintained a poster image of what an Army nurse should be. He sat down in a chair and said, "There's been a problem."
Saunders said, "I'm well informed."
Hogan said, "But the guys said…"
Saunders quietly said, "Wilson told me. Do you have any idea who was captured?"
Hogan said, "Not a clue. The guys – they should have told you. They just didn't want you to worry."
Saunders said, "I'm sure of that. Colonel, I know your reputation. You don't know the meaning of the word fail. There must be something you can do."
Hogan said, "My hands are tied. London told us to stay out of it."
"You managed to escape," said Saunders.
"I wasn't with them," said Hogan. "The damn idiots! They used me as bait to lure away the Underground. They had Mueller; at least that's what everyone thought. They abandoned me. If it weren't for the Underground, I'd still be stuck in Gießen. Thank God for Tiger."
Saunders cried, "Tiger? You saw Tiger? How is she?"
Hogan replied, "Well. She doesn't like your team."
Saunders said, "At the moment, I don't think I like them either. Depending on your point of view, they're either the best soldiers or the worst soldiers. Every war has that type. Every military organization has that type. They're the elite. They do the nasty work and they're good at it. Tell me what happened."
Hogan did, and he surprised himself with the attention to detail. He saw a glimmer of recognition when he mentioned Schmitt's name. There was no such hint when he mentioned the Jaegers. Perhaps he underestimated Saunders. She was a walking little black book of espionage and saboteur contacts. She knew Schmitt was formerly a police officer.
It confirmed Hogan's theory that Brody used him as bait. As to what he wanted, neither Hogan nor Saunders could determine Brody's true intentions. It seemed irrelevant as the team suffered losses. Brody's arrogance and reputation led to his downfall.
Carter entered excitedly and said, "Colonel, you're never going to guess who just arrived."
Hogan sternly said, "Who?"
Carter said, "Colonel Crittendon."
Hogan smacked his right hand against his forehead and said, "Not that idiot."
Saunders said, "I specialize in distracting idiots."
Carter said, "Really? That sure would be swell. I mean, gosh, you're so pretty and…"
"Down Carter," said Hogan. "Where is he?"
"In with Klink," replied Carter.
Hogan said, "I hope this is temporary."
"Kinch is on it," said Carter.
As Hogan walked to the barracks, Carter and Saunders followed him. Wilson looked slightly relieved as he stood on the compound. He decided to follow as well. Clearly, work in the infirmary was considered complete for the moment. Hogan found the men anxiously listening in on the conversation.
Hogan snapped, "Report."
Kinchloe said, "The dear colonel was picked up by our good friend Colonel Wagner. He flew the coop from Stalag 9."
Hogan said, "I'm sure that it's a complete coincidence that he decided to head to our neck of the woods." The men laughed.
Saunders said, "He sounds British."
Newkirk said, "I'm ashamed to confirm that astute analysis."
Hogan was uncertain if Newkirk made mockery of Saunders or Crittendon. He said, "He's actually a group captain but the Krauts keep calling him colonel. We just go with the flow."
"That's terrible," said Saunders.
As Hogan listened he said, "That's good. Klink's only keeping him a couple of days until he can get him back to Stalag 9. All right, we don't want him interfering. For those of you who don't know him, he's a jinx. Strange things happen when he's around." The men laughed, recalling some of the tricks they played on Crittendon.
Olsen entered the doorway and said, "Schultz is coming."
As Hogan put away the coffee pot, the men dispersed. He entered the main room and saw Newkirk started the shell game. He gave his usual advice to remember how much money they put in so they could get it back after Schultz left.
As Schultz entered he cried, "Raus!"
Hogan sighed, "Roll call? Isn't it a little early? You know, that's the trouble with you Germans. You run things on a schedule that a man can set his watch to and then you change your minds."
"Jolly jokers," said Schultz. "Colonel Hogan, gambling is forbidden."
"We're conducting experiments in ESP," teased Hogan.
Schultz sighed, "Not again. Raus!"
There were the typical protests but Hogan ordered his men out of the barracks. They lined up with the usual tomfoolery, switching places to make Schultz restart the count. Hogan saw Crittendon exit the office with Klink, who gestured for the man to join ranks with Hogan.
As Crittendon approached, he smiled, "Well, I must say, this is most unusual."
Saunders smiled, "You can stand next to me if you'd like."
Hogan said, "Colonel Rodney Crittendon, meet Lieutenant Colonel Maria Saunders."
"A must unusual pleasure," said Crittendon as he took his place in the rank. "Whatever is a woman doing here?"
Saunders said, "My plane was shot down a couple of weeks ago. I'm a flight nurse."
Schultz laughed, "That's a good one. The Gestapo thinks you are an American Mata Hari."
Hogan said, "Schultzie, don't be rude. She still outranks you." Schultz laughed boisterously until Klink demanded a report.
Schultz said, "All present and accounted for, Herr Kommandant."
"Excellent," said Klink. "I'm sure you're all wondering why this special roll call. The Fuhrer will be making a very important announcement and the High Command has granted permission for all prisoners to listen to it. We shall broadcast it over the public address in an hour. I expect your full attention."
Several men rendered the traditional raspberry, which upset Klink. Hogan once explained it was actually a Bronx cheer, leaving out the sarcastic meaning of the phrase. For a while, Klink accepted it as a good thing but had difficulty appreciating the sound. He grew tired of it and demanded a more proper gesture. Then he dismissed the men and returned to his office.
Saunders said, "Group Captain, if I may be so forward, I have some tea in my barracks. Would you care to join me?"
"Yes," said Crittendon. He offered his arm. Hogan was impressed that Saunders rose to the challenge of occupying the man's interest. It allowed him the freedom to find out information concerning the Fuhrer's speech.
Yet it seemed a day of failures. Hogan did not find out about the planned speech before its presentation. He settled for the rendition broadcast over the address system. It was in German. As the men stood in formation, Klink rendered interpretations. He continued merrily as a staff car arrived – Burkhalter.
While the general usually considered Klink an idiot, he seemed mildly impressed with his interpretations of the Fuhrer's speech. Burkhalter was almost proud. Klink had an excellent command of the English language, a rare talent the Kommandant displayed that suggested he might not be an idiot.
There was nothing special about the speech. Hogan tried to glean some reason for the High Command's orders for prisoners to listen. It ended and Klink boisterously praised the Fuhrer with Burkhalter wholeheartedly supporting the effort. Then he dismissed the men. Hogan watched as the two entered the Kommandantur. He scrambled inside to eavesdrop.
Burkhalter said, "Well done! There is hope for you yet, Klink."
"Thank you, Herr General," said Klink.
Burkhalter said, "I suppose you're wondering why I'm here."
Klink said, "I am a little curious but you go where you must, Herr General."
Burkhalter said, "We've made an interesting breakthrough concerning a group of saboteurs operating within the Fatherland."
Klink said, "Really? How dare they!"
Burkhalter said, "It's been taken care of. We managed to capture a general and a major."
Klink said, "A general? Why would England send in a general to conduct sabotage?"
Burkhalter said, "He's American. He's a most unusual general. We had a double agent infiltrate the 82nd Airborne. They've been operating a sabotage and espionage ring for quite some time. He's the reason you have the fraulein. Hauptmann Mueller managed to escape the plane before our fighters destroyed it."
Klink said, "But that doesn't make sense. If we had an agent on board, why would our fighters want to destroy it? I saw it explode. It was nasty business."
Burkhalter said, "It was a lucky shot and they were carrying a large shipment of thermite explosives. The fraulein knows more than she's saying. There's a reason we left her here instead of moving her to Ravensbruck. We wanted her unit to try a rescue. We underestimated the Americans. They tried capturing Mueller. They very nearly succeeded."
Klink said, "But they didn't."
Burkhalter said, "No. They did catch him but we were aware of their plans. The SS moved in. There was a nasty firefight. Two of the Americans were killed in the attack. Unfortunately, so was Mueller. The Americans saw to that."
Klink asked, "What's this got to do with Stalag 13?"
Burkhalter said, "The Americans escaped. I think they'll make an attempt to rescue the fraulein."
Klink exclaimed, "They're coming here?"
Burkhalter said, "We can't be sure. They have a policy of not leaving behind their men. I rather doubt they'd leave behind a woman."
Klink said, "I'll double the guard."
"No," said Burkhalter.
Klink said, "No?"
Burkhalter said, "Colonel Wagner is combing the woods as we speak. I heard he found an Englander earlier today."
Klink shrugged, "It's only Colonel Crittendon. I'm sending him back to Stalag 9. He fancies himself an escape artist and he tries in the most bizarre ways. He's a buffoon."
Burkhalter said, "I see. I want these two Americans. It's one thing to kill a man in the heat of battle. They outright killed Mueller in the back of the head. They are assassins and must be dealt with accordingly. In order to get the fraulein, they have to break in here first…unless that Englander is helping them. Colonel Wagner captured him so easily."
Klink said, "I'll have Schultz keep an eye on him."
"Her," said Burkhalter. "She's the bait."
Hogan listened for another moment as Burkhalter discussed some trivial matters before excusing himself to leave. He waited for confirmation that the general left. He indulged in a quiet laugh recalling Klink's comment about Crittendon being a buffoon. Then he thought about what Burkhalter said.
Could it be possible? Not that Crittendon would have been sent out on such a task on orders, but he constantly attempted escape. If he did succeed and Brody perchance ran into him, he might consider it. Yet Crittendon seemed genuinely shocked to find a woman in camp. Hogan decided he should make an inquiry.
Hogan asked his men, "Has anyone seen Crittendon lately?"
LeBeau said, "Barracks 3. Officers have ALL the luck."
"That's why we're officers," said Hogan as he exited the barracks. He had to make sure. He saw Schultz talking with Langenscheidt and remembered Klink intended the guard to look over Saunders. He hurried to Barracks 3. As he entered, he saw Crittendon and Saunders playing cribbage.
Crittendon cheered, "Ah, another player!"
Hogan sat at the table and said, "I'm here on business. When you were in the woods, did you run into any Americans?"
"My word no," said Crittendon. "The woods are crawling with Jerry."
Hogan said, "So you just happened to be coming my way."
"As a matter of fact yes," said Crittendon.
Hogan looked at Saunders and said, "He knows about our operation."
Saunders said, "I see. Well, I'm terribly sorry they caught you. It's rotten luck."
Crittendon donned a look of acceptance and said, "There will be another opportunity." Then he returned to a more chipper tone and said, "We've got to get you out of here. Hogan has the tunnels. Once Jerry calms down, he can easily away with you."
Saunders said, "Once you're assigned here, whether by London design or German command, there is no escape. I can't just walk out. It jeopardizes his operation."
Hogan said, "Trust me, I want her out of here. Once this business with her unit is over, I'll start working on it."
Crittendon asked, "Don't they have a special camp for women?"
Hogan said, "Life is cheap there. One false move and they'll shoot. Klink is many things but at least he's trying to be decent with her. Burkhalter thinks your men will try to rescue you. Two of them are on the lam. That's why he's keeping you here."
"I'm the bait," said Saunders.
Hogan said, "Yes. The time will come – just not now."
Schultz entered with his usual excitement, personally selected by the Kommandant to guard the fraulein. He did not object to the company, but Hogan had other matters needing his attention. If Brody and his man were on their way to the camp, they were brazen enough to enter through the emergency tunnel.
Brody's plan could not have been going the way he intended. He lost two men. He eliminated his target but he remained in country. Why did a general take charge of the operation? It made little sense. The man had thousands of troops under his command. Hogan felt a headache.