Hogan sat still, not wanting to alert Eichmann to Wilson and Jennings cautiously approaching from behind him. He said, "I don't know what's going on here but clearly I'm in the middle of something that I haven't got a clue."
Eichmann said, "I see. This is her operation. I should have guessed."
Saunders said, "Hardly my operation. If I had known you were here, well, let's just say things would have ended up differently."
Hogan asked, "Who are you really?" Eichmann said nothing.
Saunders said, "Germany's second best assassin."
"Soon to be the best assassin," said Eichmann.
Hogan asked, "Who's your target? Henderson? Bradley? Churchill?"
"I am getting out of here," said Eichmann. He turned slightly to the advancing men and said, "Back away."
Hogan said, "Ingenious. You pretend to be a defector. We get you out of Germany and then you try to assassinate one of our leaders. You failed."
Eichmann started maneuvering toward the tunnel entrance. He told Kinchloe, "Step away carefully."
"Be cool," said Kinchloe. He started inching away from Eichmann. With a sudden and unexpected ferocity, Kinchloe decked him with a left hook. Eichmann fell hard and Wilson grabbed him.
Hogan said, "Let's hear it for the Golden Gloves champion of Detroit!"
Saunders said, "Can I eat now? I am positively starved."
Hogan shook his head and said, "Take him down the tunnel and tie him up good. Kinch, radio London that Eichmann is really Crimson Crossbow."
"Yes sir," said Kinchloe.
Hogan watched as the men took Eichmann into the tunnel. He counted on Kinchloe for a great many things. He said, "That was a great left hook." Several of the men laughed. As Saunders sat, Hogan continued, "How do you know that man?"
LeBeau served Saunders some tartiflette. She said, "Thank you Louis. Mm, this smells wonderful. Oh, the Crimson Crossbow, well, he once contacted an agent and claimed he was going to take out Hitler but needed some assistance. In we went. Colonel O'Neil never trusted him. We made it all the way to Berchtesgaden but Hitler wasn't there. That's when the little fink turned on us. He took out two men and injured Colonel O'Neil. I almost lost him."
Newkirk said, "He sure had us fooled."
Saunders said, "He was using the name Roland Schuler. I don't think anyone knows his real name. You should put a bullet in him and be done with him."
Hogan said, "That's not how I operate."
Saunders said, "Please exercise extreme caution with that man. He's dangerous and unpredictable. He's seen your operation. You need to make sure whatever you do that he doesn't get away. Just friendly advice, of course."
"Duly noted," Hogan sarcastically said. He saw Eichmann's satchel on the floor. He picked it up and opened it. Inside was a bunch of papers. As he took out the papers, he realized they were blank. Then he held one near the stove. Letters started to appear. He said, "I'll be damned."
LeBeau said, "Spy."
Hogan said, "Take these down to Kinch."
"Oui, Mon Colonel."
#HH#
Hogan quietly fumed in his room. London wanted him to sit on Eichmann. They were sending in operatives to recover the assassin. London congratulated him on capturing such a dangerous man. It happened entirely by accident. If that woman had not walked into the room…
Hogan had a certain amount of freedom considering his operation but he did not travel to places like Berchtesgaden. Adding insult to injury, Eichmann had the audacity to suggest it was that woman's operation! He lay down for bed. Why did he feel so angry?
He had to wait for operatives the following night. He had to make sure Eichmann did not escape. He had to make sure his men somehow enjoyed Christmas. Hogan knew many things but he had an operative in his camp who also knew many things. Power is knowledge, he thought, but also selfish. It had to be a team effort.
As he lay in bed, Hogan decided he needed to know things. Saunders' unit used different codes. He needed those codes, especially if he was stuck with her indefinitely. Then he had an epiphany. Maybe he deserved to be angry with her, but he should also be angry at the Underground. After all, they shuttled around Eichmann. Where was their security? Eckhart was usually reliable but he was not the first stop.
Things would look better in the morning. Yes, that lie helped Hogan fall asleep. As morning came, he did feel better. His team caught Eichmann. Kinchloe threw the left hook so expertly that it caught the assassin completely off guard. If he could, he would promote the man. The others respected him.
Hogan never concerned himself with skin color until he landed in a POW camp. While born in Bridgeport, he considered Cleveland his hometown. He treated everyone as he or she deserved to be treated. Klink gave it no thought but Burkhalter adopted the fanaticism of the Third Reich. Battling Bruno had to win, lest Kinchloe pay the price.
He took care of immediate needs and checked on his prisoner. Eichmann looked miserable tied to the chair. Hogan thought carefully before he spoke. He said, "I don't know what you're up to but it isn't in the best interest of the Allies."
"I need a toilet," said Eichmann.
Hogan said, "Oh no, you're far too dangerous to untie."
Eichmann said, "So this is how prisoners treat a prisoner."
Hogan said, "You tried leaving the tunnels. I think you were going to report us."
"The Gestapo doesn't trust me," said Eichmann. "Neither does the SS."
Hogan said, "We took you in good faith."
"That is your weakness," said Eichmann.
You should put a bullet in him and be done with him. At the time, it seemed an extremely callous thing for a nurse to say. Hogan was starting to see Eichmann's true colors. He played the nervous wreck well but now that Hogan knew his identity, Eichmann became bold and taunting.
Hogan said, "I see. You want me to distrust every future passenger, possibly even shut down my operation. That way, you win. Carter! Come here! I hear you've been making bombs."
Carter said, "Oh boy, have I! Lots of 'em too. I sure wish the Krauts would hurry up and finish that bridge so we can blow it up again."
"Saboteurs," said Eichmann.
Hogan said, "We're a multi-faceted multi-talented organization."
Eichmann said, "You are no assassin. You are no executioner."
Hogan said, "Then I expect you won't be pleading for your life."
"No," said Eichmann.
Hogan said, "We've been reading your papers. You have lists of various agents and Underground persons. You even indexed us. Were you really going to England?" Eichmann just laughed.
Hogan walked away. If the Gestapo and SS truly did not trust him, why did the man bother recording the names? Hogan decided the man was playing games. Hogan knew a number of names on the lists. Others he did not know.
LeBeau quietly said, "Roll call."
Hogan shook his head and said, "Jennings, stay with him."
LeBeau said, "That will put us a man short."
Hogan said, "If we're lucky, Schultz won't notice."
It was a calculated risk. Hogan was not going to leave Eichmann unattended. He joined the assembly for roll call and hastily relayed his instructions. Schultz was coming. The men engaged in their usual tomfoolery but this time with a purpose to disguise a missing man. Then he noticed a subtle perfume and saw Saunders arrive.
Schultz smiled, "Guten Morgen Fraulein Oberst."
Saunders said, "You are in a delightful mood this morning, Sergeant Schultz."
Hogan started singing and the men joined in.
Over hill, over dale,
We will hit the dusty trail,
And those Caissons go rolling along.
Up and down, in and out,
Countermarch and left about,
And those Caissons go rolling along.
For it's high, high, he,
In the Field Artillery,
Shout out your numbers loud and strong,
For where'er we go,
You will always know,
That those Caissons go rolling along.
"Report!" Klink approached, looking somewhat angry at the display.
Hogan said to Schultz, "All present."
Schultz took his position and said, "All present, Herr Kommandant."
"Excellent," said Klink. "My, we are in an energetic mood this morning. Perhaps a work detail is in order to burn off some of this enthusiasm."
Hogan said, "Just warming up the Glee Club. You are coming tonight?"
Klink shuddered, "The Glee Club."
Saunders indignantly said, "Well! If that's what he thinks of the Glee Club then maybe I…"
"Don't get your knickers in a knot," said Hogan. "Do you really care what the enemy thinks? Just sing your little heart out and have some fun."
Klink smiled, "Oh, the fraulein is going to sing tonight. Well, that should be interesting. Perhaps I'll take a moment."
Hogan quietly smiled. Operatives arriving tonight, Klink distracted with the performance, now all he had to do was keep Eichmann secure. Klink dismissed the men and returned to his office. Schultz lingered with the men.
Saunders said, "I know another song. Sergeant Baker, I believe you know it too."
Hogan looked at Baker who joined Saunders with the 82nd Airborne Division Song.
Put on your boots, boots, boots
Then your parachutes, chutes, chutes
We're going up, up, up
And then coming down, down, down.
We're All American and proud to be
For we're the soldiers of liberty.
Some ride their gliders to the enemy,
Others are sky paratroopers.
We're All American and fight we will,
'Til all the guns of the foe are still.
Airborne from skies of blue,
We're coming through – Let's Go!
Put on your boots, your parachutes,
Get those gliders ready to attack today.
For we'll be gone into the dawn,
To fight them all the 82nd way – Hey!
Schultz said, "You're supposed to be signing Christmas carols."
"Deck the halls with boughs of holly…"
Hogan said, "Take it to the Rec Hall." He watched as the Glee Club made its way to the Rec Hall. He said to Schultz, "They might even have a chance at a record label."
Schultz said, "I don't remember the Glee Club being that big."
Hogan said, "You know, neither do I. Oh well, it'll provide a richer harmony."
With that, Schultz seemed satisfied and decided to go about his business. Hogan returned to the tunnel to check on his prisoner. Yes, things were going his way again. He needed to bide his time until the courier arrived.
#HH#
Hochstetter meant trouble. When the friendly neighborhood Gestapo arrived, Hogan played it cool. He went into his office to listen in by coffee pot.
"Who is this woman?"
Klink said, "Frau Linkmeyer, this is Major Hochstetter."
"I don't care who he is! No one talks to me like that," snapped Frau Linkmeyer.
Klink said, "She is General Burkhalter's sister."
Hochstetter said, "I don't care. I have important business to discuss. Leave."
Frau Linkmeyer said, "Albert will hear of this and deal with you." Hogan heard the sound of a door slam.
Klink asked, "What can I do for you today?"
Hochstetter said, "British commandos are in the region. They parachuted in almost two hours ago. We think they intend a last minute hurrah for Churchill before Christmas."
Klink said, "Interesting. We'll keep our eyes open."
Hochstetter said, "Parachutists reminded me of the fraulein. Has she said anything yet?"
"Nothing," said Klink.
Hochstetter teased, "How's the romancing going?"
Klink sighed, "Frau Linkmeyer is determined."
"I don't care about that woman!"
Klink said, "Of course not!"
Hochstetter said, "I still think it is a mistake to keep her here."
Klink said, "General Burkhalter arranged it with the High Command. The Red Cross was here yesterday and brought her parcels."
Hochstetter asked, "Isn't that a bit unusual?"
Klink said, "Well, yes, but they came the day prior with the Christmas parcels for the prisoners and the man felt so bad he had nothing for the fraulein that he made a special trip."
"Bah," said Hochstetter. "Sooner or later you'll be begging me to take her off your hands. Stay alert. Commandos are dangerous. I'm not sure why they're in the area. The Underground keeps blowing up important resources."
Klink said, "Perhaps the Bad Kissingen Bridge?"
Hochstetter said, "Bah. They always wait until we finish rebuilding it and then boom!"
Klink laughed, "How would commandos know such a thing?"
Hochstetter said, "You idiot. They regularly communicate with each other. Our radio detection truck is sweeping the city as we speak."
Klink said, "I see. Well, the Underground is your problem. I have other concerns."
Hochstetter asked, "Like what?"
Klink said, "Prisoners wanting to escape to get home by Christmas. I'm doubling the guard tonight. My men aren't too happy but it's a necessity."
"I see," said Hochstetter.
Klink said, "They're doing a Christmas show tonight. That should keep them occupied for a while."
Hochstetter said, "Perhaps the show is a diversion."
Klink said, "Funny you should say that. Frau Linkmeyer said the same thing. I don't agree."
"But you doubled the guards anyway," said Hochstetter.
Klink said, "It's a Christmas tradition."
Hochstetter said, "I'll be on my way. There's hope for you yet, Klink."
Hogan sighed. Klink doubled the guards. Hochstetter was alerted to commandos in the area. He needed a vacation. No, he needed to blow up something. It was Christmas Eve. The Bad Kissingen Bridge was not finished but the workers would not linger. Well, it was ahead of schedule, but worth the distraction.
Carter relished the idea of blowing up the bridge. He had timers. It was an easy job. Hogan wanted to go but after the incident the other night, he dared not risk it. Klink was too unsettled with Frau Linkmeyer in camp. He dispatched Carter and Newkirk. Hogan needed Kinchloe at the radio.
Then he thought about the singing. Hogan knew songs were an important part of morale. Soldiers needed that lift. That was why certain songs bothered Klink. The Kommandant wanted the men defeated. As long as the men did not overdo it, Hogan saw no harm. He knew other POW camps regularly conducted parade. Crittendon once criticized him for not parading the troops.
Hogan had too many things occurring to have the men constantly on parade. They kept fit with football games and tunnel digging. At times, he did parade the men. A small group of dedicated cadre conducted the bulk of the sabotage operations. The remainder of the men went along with it, not escaping so Hogan could conduct his missions. He managed to provide certain rewards and luxuries.
"It's all set," said Carter as he came up from the tunnel.
"Beautiful," said Hogan.
Kinchloe came up from the tunnel and said, "Sir, the commandos will arrive eighteen hundred."
Hogan said, "Excellent. It'll be dark then. That's winter hours for you."
Saunders entered the barracks carrying a Red Cross parcel. She said, "Ah, Colonel Hogan, I'm glad you're here."
Hogan said, "That's your parcel."
Saunders said, "Perhaps but you did give me your parcel when it appeared there wasn't one for me." She set the box on the table and continued, "You're a good man, Colonel Hogan. Thank you."
Hogan watched as she left the barracks. He said, "Funny. I thought she didn't trust me."
Newkirk said, "What bird in her right mind should?" The men laughed.
Hogan said, "I think I found a volunteer."
"Bloody hell," said Newkirk. "It's getting cold outside."
Olsen said, "I'll take care of it. I can't sing anyway."
Hogan said, "Neither can Newkirk." More laughter. Hogan continued, "Alright, since you're volunteering. I wonder what LeBeau is making tonight?"
Yes, things were going very well. Hogan knew not to get cocky. He could relax after Eichmann was away. His operation must do more than survive – it had to thrive. He knew if he were careless, he would face a firing squad. He could try to bargain for his men's lives to be spared but if he were dead, he had to rely on a dreaded enemy to honor such a bargain.
At the appointed time, Hogan joined the exodus of men. He saw the Gestapo staff car arrive. Hochstetter got out and Klink rushed to greet him. Then he noticed the two men heading in the direction of the Rec Hall. Frau Linkmeyer quickly joined them, somewhat irritated that Klink neglected her. Well, there was no harm in Hochstetter attending the show. It meant he would not be snooping around the camp.
Hogan was always impressed with the array of talents his men possessed. It would not be a show without the tacky men in hula skirts and coconut bras. A string quartet played a boisterous hoe down. The Glee Club stole the show with the Christmas carols, inviting everyone to sing along in solidarity.
For a moment, Hogan forgot the war. Then he heard the thunderous detonations that indicated the disintegration of the Bad Kissingen Bridge. He listened as Klink hurled insults concerning the barbarians that dared attack on such a night. Klink ordered everyone back to the barracks. Hogan briefly considered snatching up Hochstetter in the frenzy but decided against it.
Once outside, Hogan saw the glowing fire in the distance. He said, "Looks like they got the Bad Kissingen Bridge again. I thought the Underground usually waited until it was finished."
"Hogan," Klink glared.
Frau Linkmeyer hissed, "Totally barbaric. Albert shall hear of this too!"
Schultz continued herding the men to the barracks. Hogan was eager to comply. He wanted to make sure Eichmann was away. He found Olsen casually laying on his bunk. That was a good sign.
Hogan asked, "How'd it go?"
"Splendidly," said Olsen. "Those commandos were much obliged. They even overlooked Eichmann soiling himself."
Hogan laughed. Yes, a good day indeed for the Allies. He did not want a page in the history books. His men deserved one, but Hogan longed for the chance to see Berlin from the air. This crazy war cannot last forever, he thought. However, he could do all within his power to hasten victory.