Hogan approached Klink, now standing on the porch leading to his office. Klink was observing the men leading Mulvey to delousing. Hogan said, "Apparently Stalag 5 does have bugs."
Klink glared, "Hogan, what is going on?"
Hogan said, "He went to the infirmary to check in and they found lice. Oh, he's not too happy about it. Officers don't get lice."
Klink posed, "Oh really? Is that all?"
Hogan realized Klink was trying to set him up for something. He said, "For the moment."
Klink said, "Hogan, you are up to something."
"Probably," joked Hogan. He saw Klink turn beet red and then returned to the barracks. He sat down to drink some coffee.
When Newkirk returned he said, "I think the new guy doesn't like us."
Hogan said, "Hand it over."
Newkirk produced a wallet. Hogan started going through the contents. It seemed perfectly normal with military identity card, a mixture of American and British currency, and a picture of a woman with two small children. The background of the picture was nondescript and could have been taken anywhere.
Newkirk said, "Maybe he's legit."
Hogan said, "Remember General Walters?"
Newkirk said, "The world's oldest corporal."
Hogan said, "We didn't like him. He turned out to be a good guy." Hogan sighed, "Return the wallet. You did check his clothes for secret compartments, right?"
Newkirk laughed, "I know me job, sir."
Hogan said, "Alright, get going." He watched as Newkirk left and Kinchloe returned.
Kinchloe said, "He is mad as a hornet."
Hogan said, "Eh that just tells me the welcoming committee is doing its job. Are you sure the conversation in Klink's office was normal?"
Kinchloe said, "Basic stuff, you know, name, rank, serial number, and nothing else."
Hogan said, "Klink said he liked the man. He said for now he's temporary but give him a reason and he'll make it permanent. What prisoner doesn't go through delousing? It's standard procedure. Klink was all smiles."
Kinchloe said, "Sounds like if he is a plant then he passed something off to the Kommandant."
"That assumes he thinks the office is bugged," said Hogan. "Still, a cautious man might make that assumption."
Kinchloe said, "Colonel, we all know there's something wrong with this guy. He's got to go."
Hogan said, "The Underground has been infiltrated. I need to know exactly what's wrong with this guy before I send him away."
Kinchloe asked, "How do you plan on sending him away?"
"In a pine box if I have to," said Hogan. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
"Right-o," said Kinchloe.
Hogan said, "Kinch, when he's done being deloused, take him over to Barracks 9. He can bunk with Captain Green."
"The chaplain?"
Hogan said, "He's not very good at keeping secrets."
Kinchloe said, "He also ain't Catholic."
Hogan snapped his fingers and said, "I keep forgetting that."
They had to keep Mulvey away from the central operations of the unit. Hogan usually sent certain men to Barracks 9 who could not be trusted and Green accepted his role as confidant. Such men did not remain long in Stalag 13. Hogan never bothered with a tunnel entrance to Barracks 9 because it was the unofficial holding area for untrustworthy persons. That backfired on him when he needed tunnel access out of Barracks 9. Since its installation, no one used that particular access except in extreme emergencies.
The men slowly returned to the barracks, somewhat agitated. In order to give Mulvey the treatment meant they had to endure the cold showers of the delousing station. However, they felt it was worth it. Hogan made certain to pass out the cocoa for their efforts.
Wilson said, "If he's legit, we're all in a lot of trouble."
LeBeau said, "If he's legit, I'm Hitler's mustache."
Hogan sighed, "Yeah, he needs to go but I need to know what he knows. He must have handed Klink something before I arrived. Tonight, we raid the office."
#HH#
Newkirk stealthily crept around in the dark office. He knew his profession. Klink only had so many hiding places for documents, assuming he did not burn whatever Mulvey passed to him. Newkirk was convinced the man was an agent. He checked the desk: nothing. Then he went over to the safe. He did not even have to listen to the tumblers; having broken into the safe so many times, he memorized the combination.
Reading German was not his forte despite his years as a Jerry guest. Newkirk did not have to steal the right document. He simply had to photograph everything in the safe. He went about his business quickly and secured the safe. Then he made his way back to the tunnels. Most of the men slept so the tunnels were empty with a handful of exceptions.
Kinchloe said, "Right on schedule, old bean."
"Leave the accents to me," said Newkirk.
Hogan said, "Thompson, let's develop a few pictures. Newkirk, did anything jump out at you?"
Newkirk said, "There was a weird piece of paper in the safe not on military stationery."
Hogan felt a sense of accomplishment. It seemed unlikely that he captured lightning in a bottle but he certainly had hopes. His enemy was too intelligent lately. Hogan wanted his operation to succeed. He waited patiently for Thompson to develop the pictures. Even though he told Newkirk to get some shuteye, the corporal chose to remain to see the fruits of his labors.
When Thompson finished his work, Hogan started looking at the photos. Kinchloe took a keen interest as well, both familiar and fluent in written German. They came across the strange document Newkirk mentioned.
Gestapo believes Corporal Karl Langenscheidt fraternizing with the enemy. Intelligence suggests he is responsible for sabotage activities in your vicinity. May be under the influence of recent arriver known as Monster Grimm. Cooperation mandatory or face the firing squad. Accommodate agent presenting this document. Contact Major Hochstetter twenty-four hours post receipt of document for additional orders.
Newkirk said, "Her cover's blown."
"Not necessarily," said Hogan. "Hochstetter wants her. Burkhalter has her. Klink watches her."
Kinchloe said, "But why push everyone's buttons? If it's his intent to infiltrate, he's not doing a very good job of it."
Hogan said, "Maybe he's not here to infiltrate."
Newkirk asked, "An assassin?"
Hogan said, "Above ground. We're going to Barracks 9."
Newkirk asked, "Not the tunnel?"
Hogan said, "I don't want him to see the tunnel entrance."
The three men made their way through camp, dodging searchlights. They knew the timing of the lights. They quickly entered the barracks. Hogan began rousing men looking for Mulvey. While the usual occupants understood, they slightly objected to the intrusion at the hour. A quick skirmish and Mulvey was detained.
Hogan asked, "How long have you been working for the Gestapo?"
The question caused the usual occupants to take notice and sit up in beds. A couple even stood, offering reinforcements to the core men. Mulvey looked around and said, "I'm not Gestapo."
"SS," said Hogan.
"Not SS," said Mulvey. "I'm just like you, a prisoner of war. You've gone too far, Hogan."
Hogan said, "I see. Looks like you're going to be Klink's first escape from this camp. It'll tarnish his good record but one successful escape compared to over two hundred failed escapes, well, Burkhalter won't demote him for that."
"We'll see about that," said Mulvey. "London will hear about this."
"Down the tunnel," said Hogan.
"Not the tunnel," Mulvey sarcastically said. He changed his tone as the men revealed the tunnel entrance underneath one of the sinks. It was a dangerous move but one Hogan had to execute. If the man truly were an operative, Klink would think nothing of his disappearance.
"Make sure those ropes are tight," said Hogan. "Kinch, this is too good not to tell London."
Mulvey said, "You're making a big mistake Papa Bear."
Hogan said, "What makes you think I'm Papa Bear?"
Mulvey said, "What makes you think I'm Gestapo?"
Hogan said, "You've given me every reason to think you're Gestapo. I could be wrong. You could be SS."
"Major Collins sent me," said Mulvey.
Hogan said, "Sure, a major sent a colonel out on a mission. Why do I have trouble believing that?"
Mulvey said, "I'm here to get Monster Grimm out of the tower."
"Gag him," snapped Hogan. "Kinch, use the emergency frequency."
That cinched it for Hogan. Whoever the man truly was, Hogan understood the Krauts were aware of recent communications. Mulvey was unaware of Collins' recent promotion, yet Hogan unwilling to tip his hand. London instructed Hogan to keep Saunders in the tower when she first arrived. Mulvey also carelessly cited a code phrase, enough to upset Saunders.
Hogan then decided to demonstrate his prowess at obtaining information. He read the document in German to Mulvey:
Gestapo glaubt Unteroffizier Karl Langenscheidt mit dem Feind verbrüdert. Intelligenz schlägt er für Sabotage-Aktivitäten in Ihrer Nähe zuständig ist. Unter dem Einfluss der letzten Ankömmling als Monster Grimm bekannt sein kann. Zusammenarbeit obligatorisch oder stehen vor dem Erschießungskommando. Zubringen Mittel dieses Dokument vor. Kontakt Kriminalrat Hochstetter 24 Stunden schreiben Empfang von Dokumenten für zusätzliche Aufträge.
Even if Mulvey wanted to say something, the gag prevented him. Hogan carefully watched the man's eyes. He played it very cool. Hogan ended up pacing the tunnels, waiting for Kinchloe to establish contact. Sometimes he had a good signal and other times it was poor. Hogan rather understood it had to do with atmospheric conditions.
It seemed an eternity before Kinchloe established contact. The clicking codes made little sense to Hogan. He understood Morse code but Kinchloe was rapid with his clicks, as was his counterpart in England. Buried within the Morse code was the coding provided by London. He read over the radioman's shoulders as he transcribed the message.
Mulvey presumed dead, shot down six months prior. No reports of activity or attempts at repatriation of remains. No requests for Red Cross parcels or correspondence. Treat with utmost of caution. Possible attempt at infiltrator.
Hogan returned to the captive and removed the gag. He said, "You're supposed to be dead. London is unaware of your existence."
"You need to talk to Robin Hood," said Mulvey. "Or are you afraid of his Merry Men?"
Hogan said, "Robin Hood is dead." He saw Mulvey's eyes grew wide. He continued, "There are a number of things you don't seem to know for someone who's supposed to be rescuing a certain nurse."
Mulvey just started laughing.
#HH#
Hogan took a big risk not having Mulvey at roll call or even a plausible excuse while the man was absent. Upon hearing there was a missing man, Klink immediately confined prisoners to the barracks. The entire camp went on alert. Hogan listened to the activities in Klink's office by coffeepot and had Kinchloe monitor the switchboard. He abandoned the coffeepot when Schultz arrived to oversee the prisoners.
Hogan asked, "What's going on?"
"I know nothing!"
LeBeau said, "You always say that."
Schultz said, "The Kommandant does not always tell me everything."
Hogan said, "Okay, Schultz, but we all know a man went over the wire. Why the secrecy?"
Schultz said, "Jolly jokers! How could this man possibly escape?"
Newkirk said, "He made it out of Stalag 5."
"Stalag 5? He was never at Stalag 5," said Schultz.
Hogan leaned closer to Schultz and said, "That's what he told us."
"Oh! Stalag 5! Now I remember," said Schultz.
Hogan folded his arms across his chest and said, "He's Gestapo, isn't he." It was a statement, not a question.
Schultz shrugged, "Nobody tells me anything."
LeBeau said, "Since we're confined to the barracks, I think I'll make some strudel. Do we have any apples?"
Schultz's eyes widened and he said, "Apfelstrudel!"
Hogan heard the subtle knock. Kinchloe must have a report. Hogan said, "Why not go over to Barracks 3 and invite the fraulein? She's probably bored to tears sitting all alone over there."
Schultz said, "Ach! I forgot about the fraulein. I'll be right back."
As soon as Schultz left, Hogan activated the tunnel ladder. Kinchloe came up and said, "Something weird is going on."
Hogan said, "Spill it."
Kinchloe said, "Klink called Hochstetter complaining about how his man ruined his perfect escape record. Hochstetter didn't seem to know anything about a man in camp."
Hogan said, "Just great! We have either a rogue or someone from some other Gestapo unit. Get on the radio to Eckhart. I need a man in here to cover for Mulvey."
"Schultz is coming," said Carter.
"Wilco," said Kinchloe as he scurried back into the tunnels.
Hogan trusted Kinchloe to expand on his order to the Underground. If Kinchloe were white, he would have been field promoted to lieutenant. He possessed great intelligence as well as an inner strength. Hogan never cared for the Southern mentalities that polluted mainstream military thinking.
Saunders said, "Hello everyone."
Schultz said, "LeBeau wants to make Apfelstrudel."
LeBeau cheerfully said, "Already on it."
There was nothing more to be done. With Schultz in the room, Hogan had to wait it out until Klink tired of the search. He breathed a sigh of relief when Langenscheidt arrived and told Schultz that Klink wanted to see him. He hurried to his office to listen in to the conversation.
Klink said, "Sergeant Schultz, someone is playing tricks with us."
Schultz said, "I know nothing!"
Klink said, "Ach! I'm tired of hearing that! Major Hochstetter is coming to camp. We have a missing Gestapo agent. And to make matters worse, it's not one of Hochstetter's men."
"It's not?"
Klink said, "He came down from Berlin."
Schultz said, "Oh, it's a sad day when the Gestapo doesn't trust itself!"
Klink said, "He tricked me! Of all the nerve!"
Hogan looked up as Kinchloe entered the room. He asked, "What's wrong?"
Kinchloe said, "The agent's real name is Karl Gerber. Berlin's trying to plant him as a double agent." Klink was beside himself.
"He still is," said Hogan.
While Klink continued ranting and raving, Kinchloe continued briefing Hogan on the telephone call. The Gestapo managed to shut down a number of Underground units in the country but someone was on to their scheme. Instead of the Underground completely falling apart, known key leaders disappeared without a trace. Several Gestapo agents were found murdered.
Berlin blamed it on several key units. Hammelburg was a notorious hotspot of Underground activity, so Berlin was not surprised that the unit managed to evade capture. Yet the disappearance of an agent inside a POW camp aroused suspicions. Hochstetter had orders to start the initial investigation but Berlin was sending a specialist.
Hogan sighed, "The place will be crawling with Krauts."
Kinchloe said, "I canceled the orders to Eckhart."
"Good thinking," said Hogan. He put away the coffee pot, knowing he was in a jam. He needed resolution. Mulvey – not Mulvey, Gerber – had to go in such a way that the Gestapo believed it possible. Otherwise, Hogan might as well close up his operation.
Hogan decided to pay the agent a little visit. He descended into the tunnels and saw the agent sitting in the chair. He said, "Karl Gerber, I presume."
"You have an excellent operation here," said Gerber. "I commend you. I could really use a toilet."
Hogan said, "Sure. We'll just untie you and wait for you to try to run free like a bird so you can go singing to your superiors in Berlin. We made you right away."
Gerber said, "I see. What gave me away?"
"You didn't try to fit in," said Hogan.
"You knew the code phrase," said Gerber. "That should have been sufficient."
Hogan said, "It was how you delivered it."
"Pity," said Gerber. "I'll have to remember that for next time."
Hogan walked away. He had to figure a way out of this particular dilemma. With the Berlin Gestapo coming, things became more complicated. He needed a solution. He kept London informed by way of the emergency frequency, fearing his regular frequency compromised.
In the common room, he and his men tried brainstorming different ideas. Then he received a radio message that changed everything. Monster Grimm still in vicinity and able to assist. Awaiting your instructions. Hogan smiled broadly.
#HH#
Olsen said from the window post, "Looks like Hochstetter is early."
Hogan joked, "Doesn't he know that he's early?" He turned around and said, "How's it going, Wilson?"
"Cold shower hasn't woken him up," said Wilson. "I need a different job. I didn't sign up to give grown men baths."
"It's all for the cause," said Hogan. "Newkirk, is that uniform ready?"
"Ready enough for that bloke," muttered Newkirk.
LeBeau said, "Ah, ah, ah – if it's wrong, they'll know it."
Newkirk said, "I still don't understand how we're supposed to sell the idea that he had a uniform in his duffle, especially when he didn't come into camp with a duffle."
Hogan said, "Say it at least three times, and it must be true. Schultz will be the first to swear by it and that's all we need."
LeBeau said, "At least we had those knock out pills."
Wilson said, "He's clean enough. Somebody help me."
Carter said, "Maybe we should start letting those guys use a toilet in the tunnels."
"Thanks for volunteering," said Hogan.
"Aw shucks!" Carter begrudgingly went to the shower stalls.
Hogan listened as the two men debated who should dry what area of the body, as neither wanted anything to do with a certain sector. After a couple of moments of listening to the complaints, Hogan finally said, "Hurry it up in there."
Once Gerber was dressed in Gestapo uniform, Hogan and his men carried him through the tunnels to the Cooler. Still unconscious, they laid him on the floor face down instead of the bed. The nearly empty bottle of wine was placed within arm's reach, uncorked. The men hurried back to the barracks.
Olsen said, "There's another Gestapo staff car."
Hogan took to the periscope and quietly observed. Good, it was Collins in Gestapo attire. He recognized Eckhart but not the two men acting as corporals. He went into his office to eavesdrop and was not disappointed.
#HH#
Hochstetter said, "Agents do not simply go missing."
Klink said, "Well, I have no idea where he is. We've looked everywhere."
Langenscheidt announced the new arrivals. Klink immediately became flustered while Hochstetter looked slightly confused. He said, "Herr Oberst, I can handle this situation."
Collins snapped, "My man is missing. It is my situation to handle. When was Gerber last seen?"
Klink said, "Last night at roll call."
Collins started pacing the room. He said, "I should have known better than to use him. He is a coward. He wanted one chance to disprove that."
Eckhart said, "Coward is putting it mildly."
"Mind your tongue," said Collins.
Hochstetter said, "Ah, I see."
Collins stood inches away from Hochstetter and asked, "What do you see, Herr Kriminalrat?"
Hochstetter gulped but finally said, "We once had a coward. He was fonder of the drink than anything else."
Eckhart said, "Forgive me, Herr Oberst, but he may be right. You tried to make a man out of him."
Collins vocalized the checklist of where Gerber might be if he had indeed returned to the bottle. It had to be somewhere quiet and free of activity. Various locations were considered. Silent during the conversation, Schultz finally said, "I know! The Cooler!"
Collins asked, "Are there any prisoners in the Cooler?"
Klink said, "Why no, not at the moment."
Hochstetter snarled, "Does anyone else see a problem with that?" The remark was intended as a slight against Klink, who looked extremely dejected.
Collins said, "Follow me."
The strange entourage went to the Cooler and began the search. When they found Gerber, he was still unconscious. Collins picked up the wine bottle and handed it to Klink. Then he spat on the floor in disgust.
Klink said, "This is from my wine cellar."
Hochstetter asked, "Why is he in uniform?"
Collins sighed, "A last attempt at dignity, perhaps."
Klink asked, "But how did he get it in here? He didn't have any bags when he arrived."
Schultz said, "Of course he did, Herr Kommandant. He had a duffle bag. I saw it with my very own eyes!"
Collins said, "Very well. Take him to the car."
Hochstetter said, "I am sorry, Herr Oberst."
Collins sternly said, "Never apologize. This man will suffer the consequences."
#HH#
Olsen said, "They're taking Gerber to the car. He's still out like a light."
"Good," said Hogan. "Carter! Newkirk! Into the tunnel!"
The two men knew their roles and hurried through the tunnel systems. They had to meet Collins at the intersection. Dressed in the familiar black garb, the two men raced through the woods. They knew what to find, but still gasped at the sight. The car from Berlin was wrecked against a tree and its occupants dead from gunshot wounds.
"Those guys don't mess around," said Carter.
Newkirk said, "Get on with it and plant the bomb. She has to blow before Hochstetter arrives."
"Right," said Carter.
If war was hell, what was espionage and sabotage? Carter rationed it must be the lowest form of the afterlife. He had a job to do and Hogan counted on him to do it well. He hurried as Newkirk signaled the approaching car.
Collins said, "Thanks for inviting me to your tea party. I really enjoyed the crumpets."
"Anytime Governor," said Newkirk.
Carter said, "She's ready to blow."
Eckhart and one of his men loaded Gerber into the wrecked vehicle. They backed away. All stood as Collins fired his sidearm. He said, "Car's coming. Move out! Carter! Blow this carriage."
Carter and Newkirk took cover while Collins and the local Underground sped away. Carter detonated the explosives and the wrecked car lit up brighter than an exploding artillery shell. The two men watched as Hochstetter's car pulled to the side of the road. Hochstetter and his man exited the car but stood helpless. The smell of burning flesh infused the air.
The man asked, "What should we do, Herr Kriminalrat?"
Hochstetter sighed, "There is nothing we can do for them except return to headquarters and send a recovery team."
Newkirk and Carter waited until the staff car left. Newkirk said, "Time to go home."
"To England?"
Newkirk hit Carter on the head with his hat and said, "No, we'll swim across the pond and head to the old colonies. Back to camp."
As Carter followed Newkirk he said, "Wait a minute. I outrank you."
Newkirk said, "Just figuring that out Andrew?"
The two men hurried back to camp and rendered a report to Hogan, who listened intently. He knew war was ugly. While Newkirk and Carter debated who killed the original Gestapo team, Hogan decided that it did not really matter. The Underground had stake. Collins wanted Gerber for impersonating an American officer.
LeBeau said, "Who wants some strudel?"
Hogan said, "Be sure to save some for Schultz."
"But of course," said LeBeau. "What do we want in return?"
Hogan said, "He's done his part – unwittingly, but he helped sell the idea. He can have this one on the house."
The men assembled at the table and LeBeau passed around strudel. Carter and Newkirk quickly changed into their normal uniforms and joined the men. Hogan looked around and saw the best team a commanding officer could hope for, so he felt renewed determination to keep them out of the hands of the Gestapo.