Eichmann said, "This is our destination?"
"Come on," hissed Hogan.
The three men made their way to the tree stump. Hogan easily dismissed the friendly dogs. The men entered the tunnels. There was no one around and the radio unmanned. Hogan silently swore. Klink must have assembled roll call. He and Newkirk were the escaped prisoners.
Newkirk said in English, "Blimey, we're in trouble."
"Englanders," said Eichmann.
Hogan said in English, "He's the Englander. I'm the American."
As the two men changed into uniforms, Eichmann nervously stood with eyes growing wider by the second. He finally said in German, "You're prisoners."
Hogan said, "Don't remind me."
Eichmann asked, "Why did you return?"
Hogan said, "This is home. Relax. We get people out of the country all the time." As soon as he was dressed, he led Eichmann to the guest room. It was not luxurious. It was small and cramped but had a bed. He said, "Stay here. You'll be safe."
Eichmann asked, "What about you?"
Hogan said, "We'll be fine. Try to get some rest. If the lights go, there's a fat lamp on the table."
Eichmann said, "The lights?"
"Jerry cuts the power when there's an air raid," said Newkirk. "You've nothing to worry about. Our side doesn't bomb POW camps."
Hogan led Newkirk away through the maze of tunnels. He did not like leaving a new arrival alone but had to make it topside without alerting the guards. He was uncertain if he could trust Eichmann just yet and did not want the man to see other tunnel entrances.
Hogan decided to enter Barracks 3. Seeing that it was empty confirmed Klink had assembled roll call. He descended into the tunnel and headed towards the motor pool. He carefully spied the area but quickly shut the trap. Guards were preparing to send out the truck. Then he headed towards the Cooler. It was empty. The two men entered and stood near one of the stoves, not for warmth, as the stoves were unlit.
Newkirk asked, "What's the plan?"
Hogan said, "We'll make a run for the barracks like we're trying to blend in with the men but someone's got to get caught."
Newkirk said, "A halted escape?"
"I'll try to keep you out of the Cooler," said Hogan.
Newkirk grumbled, "Thanks a lot, Governor."
The two men carefully made their way out of the Cooler. Guards continued running about and Hogan saw the men in formation. Without hesitation, Newkirk made a run for it but stumbled near a guard. He cried, "Don't shoot!"
Hogan stood from his position and said, "Don't shoot."
Guards excitedly uttered reports and Klink arrived with Schultz. He looked at the two men and said, "I warned you, Hogan. You wanted me to think that you were helping me but instead you decided to make a run for it."
Hogan heard a familiar shrill voice. "What is going on here?" He saw Frau Linkmeyer approach. She said, "Ah, good. You caught them, Wilhelm. Now we can get back to business." Klink shuddered.
Hogan said, "There's no need for concern. I'll take care of Newkirk."
"Thirty days in the Cooler," said Klink.
Frau Linkmeyer playfully said, "Ooh, so commanding. Come, come, dear Wilhelm. Let's return to our conversation."
Klink said, "In a moment. You go ahead. It's cold out here."
"I'll be waiting," Frau Linkmeyer coyly said.
Once she left Hogan said, "Kommandant, thirty days is very harsh. We never left the camp."
"I was going to," said Newkirk. "Bloody hell, can't get out of this place."
Klink feathered like a peacock and said, "No one escapes Stalag 13."
Hogan said, "Newkirk was thinking about it but you're just too efficient. I was trying to get him back to the barracks."
"Ten days," said Klink.
Hogan said, "It's Christmastime."
Klink said, "Very well. I'm a decent man. Schultz! Keep an eye on the Englander. Get them in formation."
Hogan silently sighed in relief. Klink managed to look tough for Frau Linkmeyer but demonstrated leniency for Hogan. He and Newkirk joined the formation outside of Barracks 2. The men were cold, wrapped in blankets to help combat the nighttime chill.
"The men are going to catch pneumonia," said Saunders. Hogan saw her shivering despite robe and blanket.
Klink said, "No one escapes Stalag 13. In the spirit of the Yule, I'll forgive this irrational indiscretion. Dismissed!"
The men returned to the barracks. Once the door closed Hogan said, "What happened?"
Kinchloe said, "Klink sent one of the guards for you."
"Damn," said Hogan. "I shouldn't have gone. With Frau Linkmeyer here, he's going to be a nervous wreck. Eichmann!"
Carter asked, "Who's that?"
"Our passenger," said Hogan. He activated the tunnel ladder and descended, followed by Newkirk and Kinchloe. He found Eichmann sitting nervously on the guest bed. Hogan said, "Kinch, light the stove. Herr Doctor, everything is fine. Try to get some rest."
"Amerikaner," said Eichmann.
Hogan reverted to German and asked, "Do you speak English?"
"No," said Eichmann.
Hogan repeated his phrase in German; everything was fine and to get some rest. Kinchloe also spoke in German in reassuring tones. Eichmann looked confused and scared. Hogan told him he would arrange breakfast and toileting in the morning. The scientist thanked him.
Hogan decided to keep a couple of men in the tunnels just in case. Baker had the night radio duty. Jennings agreed to the first watch. Hogan did not like nervous passengers. They had a bad habit of doing stupid things. He returned to the barracks with Newkirk and Kinchloe.
Kinchloe said, "He's an odd one."
"Scientist," said Hogan. "He's a bit too odd. He says he doesn't speak English but exercise caution anyway."
Newkirk said, "Thanks for keeping me out of the Cooler, Governor."
Hogan said, "No problem. Kinch, better contact London and let them know we have the package."
"Right-o, Governor," teased Kinchloe.
Hogan drily said, "Hah, hah."
#HH#
It was difficult to get into the Christmas spirit. Hogan knew those with families would send presents that might arrive sometime in the future. Red Cross parcels had priorities. While the Red Cross parcels were not inspected, (sometimes pilfered but according to the arrangement were standard allowable items) private parcels were subject to scrutiny.
Hogan was surprised to see the Red Cross truck return. He had Carter get Saunders. Perhaps the representative managed something for her, or at the very least brought medical parcels. He escorted her to the truck.
"Guten tag," said the representative. "Ah, you did not expect to see me so soon."
Klink exited his office with Frau Linkmeyer, who seemed curious as to the events. She looked at Saunders and snapped, "Who is this?"
Klink said, "Where are my manners? Frau Linkmeyer, this is Fraulein Oberst Maria Saunders. She is an American prisoner."
"Krankenschwester?"
Klink said, "Yes."
The representative said, "Herr Kommandant, I felt compelled to return. We were unaware that the fraulein was here and did not bring her a package yesterday. I have one for her along with some medical parcels. If you will permit me, my supervisor has asked me to give her some uniforms and a few articles of, well, things the fraulein might appreciate."
"I need to inspect these articles," said Klink.
"Of course," said the inspector. "They are not standard items but I can assure you they come from the Red Cross and you can trust us."
Hogan summoned Wilson and Carter to take the medical parcels to the infirmary. He helped the representative bring into Klink's office two unsealed boxes of atypical marking. It quickly became crowded in the office.
The representative opened one box and pulled out a Red Cross nurse's uniform. He explained the blue blousing with the white pinafore and cap with Red Cross symbol. While he did not have black shoes, he promised to bring some on his next visit, as he did not know Saunders' shoe size. He had five uniforms and hoped they would fit.
Of course, Klink had to permit the wearing of a different uniform, as it was not her military's uniform. His supervisor understood the Convention. To appease any German authority questioning the courtesy, he sewed red triangle badges (uninverted to designate prisoner of war) on the blousing over the heart. Hogan could not tell if this appeased or offended Klink, as the badge was a symbol used in concentration camps.
The representative opened the next box. It contained various undergarments along with stockings and socks. The representative seemed slightly embarrassed but promised on his next visit that he would have a nurse accompany him to assist with measurements as needed. He also brought an array of makeup and hair care items. He pulled out an atomizer and sprayed a mist of perfume to show it was harmless.
Saunders smiled, "Perfume."
The representative said, "We expect the fraulein will be treated in due consideration of her gender."
"You have my word," said Klink. "She may have these items. Thank you for your generosity."
The representative turned to Saunders and asked, "Do you have any patients at the moment?"
Saunders said, "Not at the moment. We did a couple of weeks ago. There was a forest fire. Some of the men suffered burns and smoke inhalation."
Klink said, "Yes. She took excellent care of all."
The representative said, "Prisoners?"
Klink said, "Not just prisoners. It was a combined effort."
"Very good," said the representative. "We shall see what we can do to help you keep your hospital supplied." With that, the representative took his leave.
Hogan helped Saunders with her parcels to Barracks 3 and said, "He's a nice guy."
Saunders sulked, "The red triangle winkel. It's insulting. The Krauts tried making me wear one at Ravensbruck. I was in uniform. That should have sufficed."
Hogan said, "Just go along with it. I know it's insulting but think of it like this. If I ever need to take you out on a mission, I can do so with you as a Red Cross nurse. Just unstitch the triangle."
As Saunders entered the barracks she said, "Take me out on a mission – I thought you didn't trust me."
Hogan said, "I'm not holding anything against you for what the Merry Men did. In case you forgot, London assigned you to this command."
Saunders said, "I didn't forget. He's a curious little man. Are you sure he isn't an agent?"
Hogan said, "If he is, he's playing it cool. Aw, you just don't know the Red Cross types. They're neutral. He's Swiss. I think he just felt bad. We don't get women here."
Saunders laughed, "He thinks we have a hospital. If you're lucky, maybe we'll get a doctor. Even I can only do so much."
Hogan said, "I'm sorry you're stuck here. We'll make the best of it. The Red Cross knows you're here and that's a good thing."
"Thank you," said Saunders.
Hogan left, not wanting to linger too long. Part of him liked the idea of a woman at camp but his command sense indicated it was an inherently bad idea. For now, everyone was on best behavior. He just had to keep her safe. Klink had his orders and Burkhalter wanted her in camp. Hogan did not know much about Ravensbruck except that it housed primarily Polish women and children. It was a camp exclusively for women and maintained aufseherin.
His thoughts returned to Tiger. If she were ever captured, she would end up in that place. Hogan dreaded the thought of Tiger suffering at the hands of the SS. Yet Tiger chose her life as a Resistance leader. He more than admired her for it. He loved her, and not in the same manner in which he loved women in general with kissing and seduction plans. Hilda wanted a diamond engagement ring. Even if Hogan could manage such a feat, he knew Hilda was not the one for him.
Schultz said, "You look troubled, Colonel Hogan."
Hogan said, "Huh? Oh, sorry. I was just thinking."
Schultz said, "The Kommandant does not want herren in the frauen barracks."
Hogan said, "I know but I need the ability to check on her and discuss things privately. I wasn't in there too long."
Schultz laughed, "I know that. Who knows? Maybe we get more frauen?"
Hogan said, "In this God forsaken place? I hope not."
Schultz said, "It is not so terrible. I keep an eye on her too. Oh, not like that, Colonel. If she has to be a prisoner somewhere, it may as well be here. We will treat her nice. Remember, no funny business Colonel Hogan."
"Right," said Hogan.
Hogan returned to Barracks 2. He had a passenger to look after and he took the reports. Eichmann was very skittish. At one point, he tried one of the ladders to climb out of the tunnel but Olsen stopped him. Was he claustrophobic? LeBeau managed in the tunnels. Hogan prided himself on the tunnels. He remembered the beginning days when they just had the one tunnel and radio room. Currently, he had a complete system underneath the entire camp.
There was little Hogan could do. The man was too skittish; otherwise, he would send out Olsen and let Eichmann take his place. Schultz would not care as long as the count was correct. A skittish man was too much of a risk. He had to get the man out of camp. Schnitzer was not due for a week.
Hogan carefully said, "Kinch, send a message to London. Let them know the package is too hot to handle. See if they can get in someone tomorrow."
Carter chimed in, "I don't think he'll make it."
Hogan said, "He'd better make it. I don't want our operation going under because the man lacks nerves."
Newkirk asked, "What did the bird get from the Red Cross?"
Hogan laughed, "Things of little interest to you." Sobering his tone he said, "They brought her Red Cross nurses' uniforms. It might come in handy. I think the guy went out and bought the other stuff."
LeBeau asked, "Like what?"
Hogan said, "Hair cleaners, soaps, perfumes, makeup – you know, stuff for women."
LeBeau scoffed, "As long as it's not from Schueller, that collaborator! I don't care if it those things are from France. Schueller is Vichy."
Hogan said, "Let's concentrate on the problem at hand. Eichmann is extremely skittish. He can come up for air if it's all clear. I don't want him wandering around the camp."
LeBeau said, "Time for Glee Club practice." Hogan watched the great egress. He sighed.
Olsen said, "Yeah, that went well."
Hogan said, "I have got to get that woman out of camp."
Wilson said, "I don't know, Colonel. We finally have a decent batch of medical supplies. It still ain't enough but maybe London can fill a few requisitions too."
Hogan sighed heavily. He lit a cigarette and realized he had to go easy. He gave up his parcel. He said, "Look after Eichmann."
#HH#
Hogan decided to walk about camp to check up on things. It was strange. Frau Linkmeyer kept Klink extremely busy. What little Hogan observed, the woman kept digging her claws into the Kommandant. Hogan almost felt sorry for the man. She seemed intent on pressuring Klink into marriage. Hogan had no advice for the man. He tried in the past to dissuade the woman from pursuing a marriage proposal.
One time, Hogan suggested that Klink volunteered for the Eastern Front. That worked for a while, but Klink never volunteered nor went. Hogan would do almost anything to keep Klink at camp. Klink had a perfect record, and that was why the High Command rejected the application (so Frau Linkmeyer was told).
Hogan sat down for second dinner. First dinner was the traditional thin soup and black bread. Second dinner was tartiflette, a casserole made with bacon, potatoes, and soft cheese. LeBeau complained he did not have reblochon cheese but he managed to get his hands on a fontina cheese.
With the coast clear, Hogan invited Eichmann into the barracks for dinner and explained if needed the man had to return quickly to the tunnels. Eichmann smelled the wonderful aromas and reluctantly agreed. The men enjoyed the meal despite LeBeau's complaint about the cheese. Hogan appreciated the gesture. LeBeau made every effort to make the men happy with his cooking.
Olsen stood by the window maintaining watch. He said, "Looks like Florence is coming."
LeBeau said, "Good thing I saved some."
"You're a gentleman," said Newkirk. "Better make room for the bird."
Hogan saw Eichmann's confused look but he reassured the man in German all was well. His men enjoyed second dinner. Other barracks managed using parcel items and commissary purchases. Sometimes, Hogan felt selfish having a French chef.
Saunders entered and said, "Hello."
Eichmann immediately grabbed a knife and stood. He had a wild look about him. He began speaking in English despite his earlier claim of not knowing the language. He said, "I congratulate you, Colonel Hogan. You had me convinced you did not know who I really am."
Hogan looked at the stare down between passenger and nurse. He said, "Well things just got interesting. Just put down the knife and we'll sort this out. I don't know who you are."
Eichmann said, "Hello, Monster Grimm."
Saunders said, "The Crimson Crossbow!"
Carter exclaimed, "The who?"