As he watched the Gestapo staff car leave, Hogan had a strange epiphany. Over the last several months, Hochstetter seemed preoccupied that Hogan must be Papa Bear. This was a rare occasion that someone else was suspect. As long as Hochstetter concentrated his efforts on Wagner, Hogan had everything to gain.
Hogan wanted Wagner neutralized. The regular infantry stationed in the area conducted simple operations such as guarding important facilities. Wagner led a training company and aggressively used the woods as proving grounds. Newkirk was right; Hogan needed Wagner's training schedule.
Then he watched as Schultz approached Barracks 2 while Langenscheidt pulled up front driving a truck. It must be time for Crittendon to return to Stalag 9. Hogan enjoyed Crittendon's lack of interfering but definitely preferred his departure. The longer the man remained the more potential trouble he might cause.
Hogan casually asked, "Is someone leaving?"
Schultz laughed, "Ja. The Kommandant wants Crittendon out of the camp. Stalag 9 refused to send a truck. For now, he's going to Oflag 13. They can't refuse to accept an officer."
Hogan laughed, "Want to bet on that?"
Schultz innocently asked, "You would rather he stay?"
Slightly exasperated, Hogan said, "That isn't what I meant."
"Then I go get him," said Schultz.
What a time for Schultz not to grasp the English language, thought Hogan. He watched as Schultz entered the barracks and then exited a moment later with the ersatz officer. In gratitude for the man not interfering, Hogan stood at attention and saluted Crittendon. The RAF officer returned the salute and gave a raucous laugh as he headed to the truck.
Schultz said, "I get the feeling we'll see him again."
Hogan asked, "Why is that?"
Schultz laughed, "He's a lot of trouble, but this is one camp he can't escape."
Now would be a good time for a heart attack, thought Hogan. There was a disadvantage to running an escape proof camp. That was how he became stuck with the nurse. No, that was why the Krauts chose to imprison her here. He could violate London's orders and send her away, once the patient recovered and was on his way. Yes, he planned the argument in his head. The patient needed nursing.
As soon as the truck departed, Hogan returned to the barracks and descended into the tunnels. He saw Jack Frost and the younger man eating some breakfast. Sometimes not knowing names was better. Maybe a night's rest focused Hogan. He noticed the men had similar features. He asked, "Your son?"
Jack replied, "Ja."
Hogan said, "I'm surprised he wasn't drafted into the Wehrmacht."
Jack said, "Willie had to leave Universität München when the Gestapo started rounding up members of die Weiße Rose. Ah, to be young and idealistic! That's what you get for going public with your views. I will face a firing squad for what I am doing. I fear the Gestapo will do far worse to you."
"No one dares speak out against the party," said Willie. "We tried. We wrote pamphlets."
Jack said, "This is not the same but I am proud of you for working with me."
Hogan said, "For now, you're safe. As soon as we can, we'll get you out of here. The question is where do you want to go?"
Jack said, "I am fighting for my country. I will go to Gießen."
"As will I," said Willie.
Hogan shook his head in agreement. He said, "We'll see what we can do." He left the two men. The son was a dissident in the eyes of the Gestapo. Hogan did not know much about the White Rose Movement. As a military man, he staged tactical operations. Trying to sway opinions among a firmly embedded doctrine was a different line of work. The students went about it in such as manner as to invite the anger of the Gestapo.
As Hogan approached the underground infirmary, he saw Saunders with the patient. She had him propped up on some pillows and helped him with his broth. Hogan asked, "How are things?"
"Good," said Saunders. "Corporal Walter Sharp, meet Colonel Robert Hogan. Don't try to salute."
"Good morning sir," said Sharp. "Thank you."
"It's all part of the five star service," said Hogan. "You look a hell of a lot better."
Sharp said, "I feel better."
Hogan said, "Good. I'm sorry the accommodations are unusual but we'll look after you. As soon as we can, we'll get you on your way to England."
Sharp asked, "Is it true we're underneath a POW camp?"
"It's disgusting but we call it home," replied Hogan. "Normally we'd swap you in for another man but even I can't explain a gunshot victim to the Krauts. The Gestapo has already been sniffing around the camp. You're safe. They'll never find the tunnels."
Sharp said, "I don't mean to be a burden, sir."
Hogan teased, "Burden? Hardly! You have no idea how many guys are jealous right now that you're getting all of her time and attention."
Saunders said, "Now don't start that."
Hogan said, "Just get better – and that's an order."
"Yes sir," said Sharp as he managed a weak smile.
Somehow, Hogan managed the impossible. This man was going to make it. He needed to work on the escape but had to wait until Sharp recovered enough for transport. He might be able to get him out with Schnitzer in the truck using a litter. As he returned to the barracks, his mind worked on the problem. It would be days before Sharp could travel.
Hogan's mind returned to the task of discrediting Wagner. The man was a career officer. He served the Fatherland, a distinction from serving The Third Reich. To him, country was more important than politics. That did not mean he lacked politics. He had a sense of honor and duty. He scoffed the Gestapo.
Many Germans gave appearances to prevent imprisonment at the growing number of concentration camps. Some like Jack Frost openly did what was expected but he also secretly operated a cell. His son became involved in a rare open movement in defiance to the regime and became a wanted man. Klink often boasted support of The Third Reich but usually in vain attempts to endear himself with superior officers.
There was something calculating about Wagner. Every man has a weakness. Hogan remembered when the man brought Saunders back to camp. He was amused at how easily he subdued her with the beer. For a cavalryman, such hubris made sense. Wagner was accustomed to moving through rugged terrain. The cavalry went where ground troops could not, but modern warfare created new mechanisms that antiquated the horseman.
As long as Wagner remained in the vicinity conducting his training exercises, Hogan's operation felt impacted. Hogan tried to ascertain the training routine. The Third Reich embraced rigid timetables. Did Wagner hold to the same inflexibility or had twenty plus years taught him variance?
"Colonel," said Kinchloe as he stood at the office doorway. "I think you need a vacation."
Hogan said, "Oh, sorry. I'm working on the Wagner problem."
Kinchloe said, "You know the rules for a gunfight. Bring at least one gun; two guns are even better. Bring all of your friends who have guns."
Hogan laughed, "In his case, bring your swords and yell charge."
It was a daunting task. Hogan had to eliminate the cavalry threat. Wagner was good – too good, and interfering with his operations. If he could not sell the Gestapo that Wagner was Papa Bear, then he had to dispatch otherwise the man. Wagner might even enjoy the Eastern Front.
Newkirk stood at the doorway and asked, "Begging your pardon sir, but hadn't we better get those Underground blokes away?"
Hogan replied, "Wait until dusk. Make sure they're comfortable and fed."
"Yes sir," said Newkirk.
A thought struck as quick as lightning. Hogan smiled. Yes, when Hochstetter set his eyes on a target, the man proved ruthless. A couple of telephone calls, seemingly accidentally made statements, and some interesting manipulated situations in town could work.
#HH#
Business was too good. Hogan saw off his two guests, still holding the small piece of paper in his hand that he read three times so far. Now, his third guest rested comfortably under the watchful eye of his staff. He could not evacuate Sharp until the young man recovered. He unfolded the piece of paper and reread it.
Carter asked, "What's the mission?"
Hogan sighed, "Impossible. Once again, London forgets that we're prisoners."
Carter said, "Well sir, that's probably because we spend a lot of time outside the wire."
Hogan said, "Blowing up stuff is easy. This one takes the cake."
Carter said, "Boy, uh, sir, we've taken plenty of cake too."
Hogan said, "Upstairs." He made his way into the barracks. Soft groans expressed irritation at being roused as he assembled his cadre into his office. He knew the men were tired. Kinchloe understood the dilemma, having been the one who received London's message, but a professional, and not sharing it with the team.
As Newkirk rubbed his eyes he asked, "What's wrong, Governor?"
Hogan sat on the edge of his bed and responded, "London wants us to shut down." He saw the shocked looks and allowed the brief protests. He said, "Pipe down, will you? Goldilocks is concerned because of all the recent betrayals. We're to shut down and await evacuation orders."
Carter cried, "But they can't do that!"
LeBeau scoffed, "Of course they can! Andre, do you really want to stay?"
Carter said, "Yes – no – I mean, who wouldn't want to go home. Sure beats a firing squad – and let me tell you, we all know that's how it's going to end for us, but who cares? This war can't last forever."
Newkirk said, "Of course it's got to end that way if we go numpty. Me? I ain't about to abandon me mates."
Kinchloe said, "Colonel, we'd all like to go home but the fact is we're here, we're good, and we're making a difference. Okay, so we shut down for a few days or even a month if that's what it takes. You know Crittendon is all talk. He'll never set up anything like we've got here."
Newkirk cried, "Him? Do you mean to tell me London wants him to do what we're doing here?"
Hogan sighed, "We know he can't. Oh, maybe he can get some guys out of Germany but the truth is an antiquated glue rider who happens to be very good at shooting has invaded our little paradise. We can handle the camp guards. We used to be able to navigate around that old training site. Wagner's made that difficult, and worse! He's entering our perimeter."
LeBeau said, "Colonel, Hochstetter thinks le cavalier is Papa Bear. Maybe if we do things wherever he's in the vicinity that would convince the Gestapo that Wagner is a traitor. He goes away, the boche put some loser in charge of that camp again, and we're back in business."
"He's too good," said Kinchloe. "The Krauts stuck him here for a reason."
Hogan considered the situation. Wagner survived the Russian front, something few men managed. Even if the career officer refused to give up his horse, the High Command should have a different post other than a training camp in the middle of Germany. Wagner wanted to fight. The man took his current duties with extreme severity.
Wagner must have done or said something that merited elimination. Whoever sent him to the Russian front did not expect him to return alive. He could have gone to Africa. German regiments still utilized horses as well as camels to a limited extent. The man lacked connections in the current regime but someone remained unprepared to falsify charges leading to a firing squad. All that person needed was something credible.
Shutting down the Stalag 13 operation left a bad taste in Hogan's mouth. He wanted back in the air. He arrived early for the war as an American advisor with Royal Air Force and met the commander of Eagle Squadron Number 71. At first, he felt a slight sense of disgust with the notion of men abandoning their citizenship to join the RAF. The men did not have college degrees and some had 20/40 vision corrected with glasses. Few had actual prior flight experience. He thought them misfits.
Sooner rather than later, Hogan realized he was wrong. Only a small handful washed out of the program. The rest proved valiant warriors, demonstrating courage as well as cunning. They enjoyed wins and suffered losses. He taught them the book but they taught him determination in the face of insurmountable odds.
Hogan finally said, "Kinch, see if you can get a hold of Danzig. Arrange a meeting for tomorrow night at the Hofbrau."
"Yes sir," said Kinchloe before he left the room.
Newkirk asked, "What's the plan?"
Hogan said, "I'm not sure. Wagner is our problem. We have to take him out. I want it done in such a way that it doesn't send Hochstetter after our people."
#HH#
Working with Underground units often proved tricky business. If they have to clear out, it could take days before they set up a new base of operations. Sometimes, they just disappeared without a trace. Hogan did not get his meeting with Danzig. At least he knew the man remained alive but was unavailable due to another assignment.
Olsen casually said, "Yee-haw."
Saunders laid her playing cards on the table and said, "Gin." Instead of collecting winning or tabulating points, she headed for the door. Hogan intercepted and grabbed her wrist. She asked, "I just want to see the horsy."
Hogan looked at her in deep thought and said, "Yes, look at the horsy – I mean horse. Do me a favor. Ask Wagner if he has a message for you. Make sure someone else hears you ask." He released the nurse's wrist.
Saunders said, "That could get him shot."
Hogan raised an eyebrow, "Do you object?"
Saunders scoffed, "I doubt he has the right saddle for me but I'll make do."
After the nurse left, Hogan and his men casually strolled outside and waited by the barracks. Wagner was still by his horse, securing the rein to the post that supported the overhang of the Kommandantur post. The man eyed the smiling nurse, cooing over the horse.
Carter said, "I don't like it. She ought not to be so friendly with him."
LeBeau said, "She's just trying to get the horse."
Hogan said, "That's a lot of steak tartare right there."
"Oui," said LeBeau. "Oh, I have several exquisite recipes!"
Hogan watched the curious exchange. He was too far away to eavesdrop. He saw the mouthing of the question and then the subsequent hardy laugh from the horseman. Langenscheidt seemed keen to eavesdrop, not something the corporal usually fancied, but timing proved fortuitous to the man. Hilda exited the Kommandantur and took interest in Wagner.
Carter asked, "What is it with women and horses?"
"Time to break up this little party," said Hogan as he started walking towards the Kommandantur. Only two women in camp and both chose to fawn over the four-legged beast. He stopped when he realized a staff car arrived and approached the building. Upon stopping, a very angry Hochstetter exited the vehicle.
"There you are," snapped Hochstetter as he pointed a finger at Wagner. "I'm keeping an eye on you. Making friends with the prisoner?"
Wagner said, "I believe your car is illegally parked. Why don't you write yourself a ticket?"
"Bah!"
Hogan sidled up next to Hochstetter and said, "I think Herman's got a point. Why, I'd be willing to testify in a court of law that I saw you illegally parked."
Hochstetter cried, "What is this man doing here?"
"Well," shrugged Hogan, "I was just curious if the lady here was going to make good on her promise to steal that horse. Guess since you're here, she'll have to wait another time."
Saunders huffed, "Of all the nerve! I can't ride a horse using a man's saddle! It's perfectly indecent!"
Softly chuckling at the performance, Hogan watched as the insulted nurse marched away to Barracks 3. He folded his arms and said, "She's just saying that, you know."
"You seem unusually interested in her preoccupation with my horse," said Wagner.
Hogan said, "No, just her preoccupation with you." Walking away from the scene, Hogan hoped he planted a seed. Before entering Barracks 2, he surreptitiously glanced at the Kommandantur porch. Hochstetter was speaking with Langenscheidt. Wagner presumably entered with Hilda. Hogan understood the cavalryman had an appeal. He did not want to lose Hilda. Setting up the coffeepot, he eavesdropped.
#HH#
"Herr Oberst, I'm glad to see you!"
Wagner said, "This is just a simple visit. Perhaps it is a complicated visit. General Burkhalter contacted me."
Klink said, "Oh? Well, he must have a good reason."
"He wants me to meet his sister Gertrude," said Wagner.
Klink shuddered, "My sincerest condolences. You see, I have great respect and admiration for General Burkhalter, but his sister, well, he's been trying to marry her off for some time."
"Go on," said Wagner.
Klink went to the bar, poured two schnapps, and said, "I don't wish to speak ill of his sister." He handed one of the schnapps to Wagner and continued, "She's not my type. In fact, she's not anyone's type. He tried marrying her off to Oberst Burmeister of Stalag 10 and Oberst Bussie of Stalag 19."
Wagner asked, "What happened?"
"He sent them to a firing squad!" Softening his tone, Klink continued, "Oh, not for refusing her advances, but they dared conspired to discredit the general by falsely accusing him of making the Kommandants give him forty percent of the prisoners' food allowance. Gertrude is a strong woman but definitely wants to wear the pants in the house."
Wagner laughed, "I see. Your secret is safe with me."
Hochstetter barged into the office and snapped, "Herr Oberst! Tell me why you've come to this dreary little pathetic pitiful excuse of a camp."
"A quick visit," said Wagner.
Hochstetter teased, "Are there no telephones at your camp?"
"My horse must be ridden daily so that he remains fit for duty," replied Wagner. "Besides, what concern of it is yours? Shouldn't you be searching for that despicable Underground?"
"I am," snarled Hochstetter.
"Very well," said Wagner. Turning to Klink he said, "Thank you, Herr Oberst, for your hospitality." With military precision, Wagner took his leave.
Hochstetter said, "Klink, you are a fool to ally with him."
Klink said, "Nonsense."
Hochstetter said, "One of your own guards told me that the fraulein asked him if he had any messages for her. By the way, Klink: why do you insist upon addressing her as fraulein? It's not appropriate considering her age."
"General Burkhalter's idea," replied Klink. "He believes it appropriate because the Americans address unmarried women of her age as miss. He seems to think it would encourage her to be friendlier to our side. Besides, what message could Oberst Wagner have for her?"
"That is precisely what I want to know," said Hochstetter. "We know a great deal about her. She is a walking black book of Underground and Resistance contacts. She knows many working as part of the Special Operations Executive. Don't you find it peculiar that he gets assigned to Hammelburg within a day of her capture?"
"Coincidence," replied Klink. "If he were an operative, which I find insulting, he wouldn't be bringing me prisoners from other camps that escaped and he personally recaptured."
"It may be an elaborate ruse," said Hochstetter.
Hogan could not believe his ears. He continued listening to the strange conversation. He wanted Hochstetter thrown off the trail. Klink was scared but unwilling to discredit a rare friend. Hochstetter could not explain a rare Klink postulation: Papa Bear was rumored active in the area for months, while Wagner only recently returned from the Russian Front. It was unexpectedly clever for the Kommandant.
Hochstetter started backing down from the idea that Wagner was Papa Bear, something that concerned Hogan. Yet the police officer entertained the idea that Wagner was involved. He speculated that maybe Wagner was a new Papa Bear. Mueller provided some information but had not been properly debriefed before American spies eliminated him.
Wagner was supposed to apprehend the commandos sent in to rescue Saunders but the team escaped. Briefly, Hogan felt anger. Wagner killed Brody. Klink demonstrated his cowardice by offering to report anything unusual. It convinced the police officer that he won. Hearing the traditional Heil Hitler, Hogan disconnected the coffeepot.
The next stage proved challenging. With prisoners safely tucked away in bed for the night, Hogan donned a fake mustache and made his way to the Hofbrau in business attire. He saw Herman tending bar. A simple nod was all it took and Herman went into the supply room. Hogan discreetly made his way.
Herman asked, "Colonel, what are you doing here?"
"I need a favor," replied Hogan as he handed an envelope to Herman. "After I leave, I want you to contact the Gestapo."
Herman exclaimed, "The Gestapo?"
"Shh," cautioned Hogan. "We're doing a little housecleaning. Colonel Wagner's been making life difficult for us lately. He's got to go."
"That's too bad," shrugged Herman. "He's one of my best customers – always bringing in his men and pays cash. If he's got to go, he's got to go."
"We'll make it up to you," said Hogan. "He's already killed one of our friends and seriously wounded another."
Herman asked, "What do you want me to do?"
"Call the Gestapo and tell them someone was here looking for Wagner," replied Hogan. "You thought they were acting strange, trying not to be noticed. Tell them the man dropped this envelope."
Herman asked, "Why can't it be a woman?"
Hogan said, "Okay, fine, a woman; just make sure she's a blonde not a brunette."
Herman smiled, "Ja, a pretty fraulein."
Hogan said, "Don't get lost in the daydream. Any idea how soon until Danzig is back in town?"
"Difficult to say," replied Herman. "He's doing everything he can to reorganize the Underground."
Hogan sighed, "I know. It's been bad lately. Good luck. Oh, one more thing. If there's any way that you can lay your hands on Wagner's training schedule that would be much appreciated."
Herman said, "I'll see what I can do."
With that, Hogan discreetly exited using the back door. He hoped the ruse would work. He was unafraid of dying but preferred to live. Wagner was a true patriot. Hogan understood that could be utilized to make the man switch sides. Love of country sometimes proved stronger than desire to serve Hitler. The man epitomized the zealous officer performing his duties as his country required. Hogan could not ascertain if Wagner supported Hitler's platform.
Then his thoughts turned to Sharp. Hogan had to get out the man while he still had a chance. Schnitzer could take care of the man providing Sharp was stable enough to transport. Hogan refused to accept that his luck ran out. It was a bad series of events and he was going to use all of his skill to change that situation.