It was too quiet. Hogan did not like idleness. He refused relaxation until the stretcher was loaded into the truck. LeBeau and Wilson had no trouble with Sharp. The guards remained distracted with the overacted argument between Carter and Newkirk. Once clear, Hogan nonchalantly broke through the crowd and ordered the two men to break it up.
Schultz heaved a great sigh, "Oh thank you Colonel Hogan. I did not want to have to put them in the Cooler."
Hogan said, "I think this place is starting to get to them."
Schultz said, "Colonel Hogan, you know and I know that when this place starts to get to them that they start zip, zip, ZIP! Thinking about going over the wire. Please, I beg of you! It would be worth my life."
Hogan stared hard at Schultz. It was an officer's duty to escape, and in the process harass and harangue the enemy as much as possible. If London shut down the operation, Hogan had to evacuate the men. He did not care what might happen to Klink, but he felt a pang of guilt as he looked at the overweight sergeant of the guard. He said, "If we ever escape, we'll take you with us."
"Jolly joker," said Schultz. "Maybe I don't want to go to England."
Hogan said, "Alright, we'll drop you off in Heidelberg so you can be with your wife and children."
Schultz thoughtfully said, "I always did want to meet King George."
Despite himself, Hogan laughed. Schultz was a decent man. Hogan felt another pang of guilt as he remembered several occasions where he used Schultz. Then he remembered the Jewish women. Schultz willingly revealed that he had a hand in their escape. It was one thing to help fellow countrymen and another to help the sworn enemy.
Hogan said, "Well, I can't promise King George but at least it's a good thing LeBeau's making strudel today."
"Apfelstrudel!"
Hogan shrugged, "Depends what he can get."
"Hogan!" The officer looked over at the Kommandantur porch and saw Klink standing with his left middle finger pointing straight in the air. Klink continued, "This is digitus impudicus! This is the shameless, indecent, offensive finger."
Hogan casually strolled toward the porch and asked, "So why are you using it?"
Klink lowered his hand and replied, "One of your men was walking just outside my window and used it. Now I want that man found and confined to the Cooler at once."
Hogan wryly asked, "How do you know it was one of my men? It could have been one of yours."
Klink descended the steps and snapped, "No loyal German soldier would even think of such a childish thing!"
Hogan shrugged, "Maybe it was a disloyal German soldier."
Klink clenched his fists, "I'm warning you, Hogan. If the man is not found, I'll take away your Rec Hall privileges for one week. Then everybody suffers. Dismissed!"
Once Klink withdrew to the building, Hogan turned to Schultz and asked, "What's gotten into him?"
"Maybe it was Donnervetter," suggested Schultz. "He likes to do that and the Kommandant did take away his pass."
Hogan did not need a broken Klink. It was a fool's errand to convince Klink that it was a guard. Hogan knew several of his own men who would indulge in such a childish prank. He made his way into the Kommandantur. Hilda looked somewhat worried. Hogan approached her and gently asked, "What's wrong with Klink?"
"I honestly don't know," replied Hilda. "Maybe he's just tired."
Stealing a quick kiss, Hogan removed the worry from Hilda's face. He approached Klink's door, knocked, and unabashedly entered. Klink slammed his hand on top of his desk. Hogan felt it was more than the typical weariness of completing inane reports to satisfy regulations. He said, "I've come at a bad time."
Klink angrily stood and said, "Hogan, you are up to something. I'm warning you – no funny business."
Hogan folded his arms across his chest and asked, "Who's coming that's got you so rattled?"
Klink's faced turned ashen as he slowly returned to his chair and replied, "General Burkhalter."
"What? Him? He's been here before," said Hogan. "Wait a minute – is he bringing his sister?"
"NO!"
Hogan asked, "Then what?"
Klink sighed, "I can't tell you."
While Hogan could usually suss out certain things, the conversation went downhill. Klink remained closemouthed and bitter. Hogan did not enjoy the satisfaction of stealing any cigars as Klink ordered him out of the office. He looked at Hilda and said, "I wonder what Burkhalter said that has Klink so bent out of shape."
Hilda said, "I don't know."
Hogan said, "Well, this will blow over, I'm sure." He stole another kiss before leaving. Walking across the compound, he felt an icy gust of wind. Looking at the sky, he saw darkening clouds rapidly moving. The thought of another storm concerned him. He hurried to the barracks and found an animated game of Old Maid in progress. The Queen of Clubs rested in the fold of Newkirk's wool service dress hat.
Kinchloe casually said, "Have a seat. We'll deal you in next round."
"No thanks," said Hogan as he poured a cup of coffee. "Klink's upset. Burkhalter is coming."
"I thought he was going over to Wagner's neck of the woods," said Kinchloe.
Hogan asked, "What do you know about it?"
"Well," shrugged Kinchloe, "Burkhalter called Klink this morning and asked if Wagner was acting strange. Seems like your plan to discredit him is working. Hochstetter called Burkhalter about that note found at the Hofbrau."
Hogan sipped his coffee then said, "Strange. Wagner isn't under Burkhalter's authority." Kinchloe coughed as Saunders took a card from Carter's hand and set down a pair of jacks. Hogan said, "Oh, I see."
Carter cried, "I'm the old maid!" After a few seconds sporting a broad grin, Carter frowned and said, "Wait a minute! I can't be an old maid."
Newkirk declared, "Well today you are!"
The last thing Hogan wanted was Burkhalter intervening on Wagner's behalf. Hindsight was 20/20; he should have realized using the nurse was a mistake. The general went to unusual trouble to keep Saunders in camp. Hogan was uncertain how much longer he could suffer words like horsy.
LeBeau said, "When I was growing up, we didn't take out the Queen of Clubs. We took out three jacks but left in the Jack of Spades, the vieux garçon."
"Ah, the confirmed bachelor," smiled Kinchloe.
Newkirk dealt the next round. Pairs immediately were placed facing up on the table. Then the game began. No one wanted the Queen of Spades as long as the Queen of Clubs stared at the group from her tower in Newkirk's hat. Various feints were attempted, coercing players to take cards standing up from the hands, or choosing the cards in the lowest positions to break up potential pairs.
Olsen said, "I think we've got trouble."
Hogan turned around and saw Olsen at the window. He walked over and looked outside. Standing next to a cabriolet was Collins dressed as a Gestapo colonel. Hogan watched as the errant officer entered the Kommandantur. He went into his office and immediately set up the coffeepot.
"Herr Kommandant, something strange is going on," said Collins.
Klink asked, "Where? Not here, I assure you."
"Yes here but also not here," said Collins.
"Herr Oberst, you're not making sense," said Klink.
Collins said, "Someone is trying to implicate Oberst Wagner as the mysterious Papa Bear. I want you to know that is a falsehood. He is a loyal officer. I have sent Kriminalrat Hochstetter to Nuremberg to meet with an informant that has evidence to the contrary."
Klink exclaimed, "That's wonderful news!"
Hogan snapped, "That dirty fink!"
Collins said, "I want you to have this."
Hogan heard the sound of rustling papers. His heart pounded wildly. Collins was selling him out. The entire time everyone assumed Mueller worked alone while undercover with 82nd Airborne. How long had Collins been a traitor?
Klink said with astonishment, "This is Oberst Wagner's training schedules. Herr Oberst, I don't understand. What would I need with this?"
Collins replied, "In case any of those filthy prisoners of yours get it in their thick heads to try and escape. Your guards need to know when Oberst Wagner's men are conducting night trainings and in what places. They are not to pursue the escapees into those areas at those times. Oberst Wagner will take care of the problem for you. It is good training."
"But his men likes to shoot first and then ask questions," cried Klink.
Collins said, "You misunderstand, Herr Kommandant. They shoot first and then bury the bodies."
Hogan listened to an extremely sinister laugh that made the hairs on his neck stick out and sent chills down his spine. Collins was evil incarnate, a dangerous man. Heil Hitler, Hogan ran to the window and pushed Olsen aside. He stared at the man exiting the Kommandantur. Collins opened the driver door, looked at Hogan with an ice-cold stare, smiled, and entered the car. After the car drove away, Hogan went back to his office and sat at the desk.
LeBeau asked, "What's wrong?"
Reality returned to Hogan and he said, "Newkirk, see if you can get assigned to clean Klink's office. Collins left Wagner's training schedule with the Kommandant. We need it."
"Right away, sir," said Newkirk. "Louis, Andrew, let's go."
Extreme dread returned to Hogan. He rested his elbows on the desktop and pressed his palms to his forehead. Collins was in the area, voided suspicion of Wagner, sent away Hochstetter, and obtained Wagner's training schedule. The man was supposed to be back in England. Hogan wanted Wagner gone but Collins changed the situation. At least Hochstetter was on a wild goose chase. Soon, Hogan would have Wagner's training schedule. How did Collins know?
Hogan felt hands massaging his shoulders so he leaned back in his chair and said, "Thanks. I needed that."
Saunders said, "Tight muscles – you'll get a headache too if you're not careful."
Hogan turned around and snapped, "Shouldn't you be playing Old Maid?"
"They went to clean the Kommandant's office," replied Saunders. "Something's troubling you."
"Your former unit," said Hogan. "Collins is parading around as a Gestapo colonel. Someone told him what we were up to. You?"
"I rather doubt that Sergeant Kinchloe would let me use his radio," smiled Saunders.
Hogan said, "But you know how to use one."
Saunders sported a wry smile, "Dot, dot, dot, dash, dash, dash, dot, dot, dot."
"That's not funny," said Hogan.
Saunders said, "Sir, he's good. You're upset because he laid his hands on Colonel Wagner's training schedules when in fact you should be happy."
Hogan shrugged, "Okay, but he did it without clearing it with me."
Saunders said, "You know he doesn't see it like that. He could have done nothing, just wait for the plane to arrive and we'd all be out of here. He's made it possible for London to rescind the evacuation order. You'll get Colonel Wagner another day."
Hogan said, "You're damn right I will. Of all people, Collins should have been jumping at the chance to take out that man after what he did." He watched as the pleasant smile disappeared and eyes began to water. He stood and said, "Sorry."
"I knew General Brody for a long time," said Saunders. "I still can't believe he's dead. I always thought he was indestructible. Excuse me."
Hogan felt depressed as he watched Saunders half run out of the room. He forgot to take into account her feelings with his hasty remark about Collins. Wagner's men hunted down Brody and Collins in the woods and ultimately shot the general. He genuinely liked girls; he simply was unaccustomed to dealing with them within a military capacity.
Secretaries and nurses performed important duties but were not held to the same standards as men. No, strike that, thought Hogan. Their work performance was to the same or higher standards. Superiors overlooked other areas. Platoons of men did not smile while on parade lest the commanding officer tear down the disrespectful man and then build him back up again through pushups and discipline. No one objected to a platoon of women smiling as they marched or even offering the slightest wave to a passerby.
The idea that Hogan was jealous or upset that Collins obtained Wagner's training schedules instead of him was ludicrous. Hogan was a professional. He did not object to Herman trying to get those schedules or one of the man's contacts. Lightning struck; Hogan asked Herman the bar owner if he could get his hands on the schedules, and now Collins delivered them. The friendly bartender was easier to reconcile than the man acting as a vile creature as Collins did in the Kommandant's office. Tit-for-tat.
A smiling Newkirk entered the room and said, "Got it, Governor." He triumphantly placed the camera on Hogan's desk as the other men entered. He continued, "Old Klink is in a right foul mood but we managed it."
Hogan smiled, "Get these developed. Boys, we're back in business."
LeBeau asked, "What about le chevalier?"
Hogan replied, "We'll get him – just not today."
Carter grinned, "Revenge is best with three sticks of dynamite, boy, uh sir!"
Hogan said, "Think bigger." He had a score to settle with the cavalryman but for the moment had to bide his time. He needed to reopen the store, assuming London remained interested.
#HH#
Arrivals of staff cars always interested Hogan. Watching the large general emerge, Hogan stifled a laugh. Food shortages were common during times of war but somehow Burkhalter did not get the memo. Wagner remained in peak condition, a tribute to his dedication as a cavalry officer. Horses did not like carrying fat men in addition to fifty pounds of equipment. Hogan retreated to his office to listen.
Burkhalter noticed Klink's professionalism as he entered the office with Wagner. Usually, Klink seemed nervous with the general's arrival. Burkhalter looked at Wagner and remembered the discussion. Wagner was somewhat impressed with Klink but did make small allowances considering the pilot was permanently grounded. Someone had to tend the jail. Wagner would not suffer such a humiliation but noted that Klink demonstrated honor on behalf of the Fatherland.
"At ease," Burkhalter casually said. "Klink, someone made false accusations about our friend here. Trouble yourself not; it's been taken care of. Oberst Feldkamp saw through the lies. I trust you met him."
"Indeed I did sir," responded Klink.
"Good," said Burkhalter. "I don't like the Gestapo. They presume authority they don't have nor were ever given. Kriminalrat Hochstetter epitomizes that arrogance completely. Oberst Feldkamp made it perfectly clear that you immediately criticized the falsehoods and repugnant accusations made against Oberst Wagner."
Klink said, "But he was being so unreasonable! I couldn't say nothing, Herr General."
Burkhalter said, "No matter. Oberst Feldkamp is remaining in Hammelburg as a training officer. Hochstetter deals with saboteurs and political opponents but he's forgotten how to be an investigative police officer. His ordinates are extending him a rare opportunity to remain in charge. Oberst Feldkamp will supervise and advise. However, you will go to Hochstetter first because he is in charge. Unless, of course, Hochstetter goes off on one of his wild tangents that loyal, dedicated, military officers are secretly saboteurs. Oberst Feldkamp will look into such matters."
Even Hogan heard the sigh of relief as Klink said, "Yes sir, thank you sir."
Burkhalter said, "Very good."
Wagner said, "Fraulein Krankenschwester is shrewd. She understands Hochstetter very well. She asked if I had any messages for her. Somehow, I think she intended the Gestapo to hear of it."
"I thought she liked you," said Klink.
Burkhalter interrupted, "She is a known liaison officer with the Special Operations Executive. We know her type. She carries messages and knows contacts. One minute she's befriending Oberst Wagner in an attempt to sway him to help her escape and the next moment she's trying to set him up with a firing squad."
Wagner laughed, "It makes me like her even more."
Klink frowned, "But you think she tried to have you executed."
Wagner said, "We are enemies. Oh, she is a good nurse and genuinely cares for her patients regardless of nationality or service but she is loyal to her country."
Burkhalter said, "Agreed. She is here because no one escapes Stalag 13. She only managed it once and that was when you were in Berlin, but then, so did twenty others. We want her to see that our side is the right side. That doesn't just happen in a single day."
Wagner said, "I won't forgive her. I will confront her."
Klink whimpered, "Must you?"
Wagner said, "Oh, she had to do it, Wilhelm. Every officer's duty is to escape places such as this. She won't be digging tunnels or making a run for the wire."
Burkhalter said, "Correct. She incapacitated an aufseherin, stole her uniform, and walked out the front gates at Ravensbruck. Here – she can't do that, so she's desperately looking for other ways to escape."
Klink sighed, "Perhaps you are right. I'm getting too close. Thank you."
Wagner said, "Wilhelm, she may genuinely like you, but never lower your guard."
Burkhalter said, "That's right. This little incident reminds us that she's still loyal to the wrong cause. Oberst Wagner, I'll wait for you here."
Hogan disconnected the amplifier. He heard enough. The Krauts had no idea that it was his order and his attempt to discredit Wagner. The incident was not going to be overlooked but punishment temporarily spared. Burkhalter wanted Saunders' little black book of contacts. That was the carrot in front of the horse that kept her at Stalag 13. If the general felt all hope was lost, he would release his claim and send Saunders to the concentration camp.
They tried making her wear the winkel and Hogan remembered the tone in her voice. Burkhalter knew Saunders was involved with the Special Operations Executive. Whatever evidence he had was probably enough to get her shot. It reminded Hogan that she could never be a part of his cadre. He could use her sparingly and to a certain degree but only under certain conditions.
LeBeau's supper proved more interesting than evening soup. The tartiflette was appetizing yet served as a constant reminder that potatoes continued to be a main staple during the winter months. Hogan listened to LeBeau's shopping list and culinary intentions. Then he debriefed Saunders on Wagner's visit. She likened it to a child being scolded and made no attempt to deny the allegation. It was simply business.
Schultz arrived after all evidence of the supper was gone except the lingering aroma. LeBeau demonstrated no shame as he described the perfect tartiflette to the guard. Hogan noticed Schultz licking his lips. French chefs could do that to a man such as Schultz. It was almost cruel. The prisoners could not afford to feed their favorite Kraut unless they needed something.
Evening roll call demonstrated no antics. In addition to Klink, both Burkhalter and Wagner took interest in the ragtag assemblage. Hogan remained keenly aware that Wagner watched him. Once dismissed, Klink ordered Langenscheidt to escort Saunders to her barracks. The men started entering Barracks 2. Hogan stood as Wagner approached.
Wagner said, "I am honored that you consider me a worthy opponent."
Hogan shrugged, "Can't say that I agree with that assessment."
"She didn't say you gave the order but I suspect it nonetheless," said Wagner.
Hogan feigned ignorance, "What order?"
Wagner let out a small laugh and replied, "We are both warriors. I've heard a great deal about you. Once, you were a fighter pilot. Oh, don't try to deny ordering her to do it."
Hogan said, "I don't know what's going on except that you accused her of trying to get you shot by a firing squad."
Wagner said, "It was a fair gambit, I'll admit that. The Gestapo believed it. Curious, though, that she made a seemingly innocent remark yet later that evening someone went to all the trouble of accidentally dropping a note at the Hofbrau after supposedly looking for me. I wonder…"
Hogan said, "Sounds complicated. I'm just a simple prisoner of war."
"There's nothing simple about you," said Wagner. "Of course you'll deny everything. That's to be expected. Just remember that your expertise is in the air but mine is on the ground. Good night, Colonel Hogan."
Hogan watched as Wagner went to the staff car. Burkhalter was already inside. As Hogan folded his arms across his chest, Schultz urged him to return to the barracks. Hogan stood patiently until the staff car departed. He knew Wagner delivered a message. The man did not trust Saunders. He also believed she did not come up with the idea herself.
Entering the barracks, Hogan considered the situation. Wagner was cunning and dangerous. The man respected Burkhalter enough not to contradict the general with his theories, even supporting the idea that it was Saunders, but allowing himself the option that someone else was involved. Of course Hogan issued the order! The nurse understood the implications and obeyed. Hogan failed to consider the consequences. That made Wagner's taunt more insidious.
LeBeau asked, "Mon Colonel, are you alright?"
"Sure," said Hogan. He turned to Kinchloe and said, "Check in with London. See if they have any missions for us."
Carter cried, "That bridge ought to be finished by now."
Hogan laughed, "Give it another day or two."
Yes, Hogan ran a good operation. At the moment, he remained in business. He wanted back in the air but fate placed him in a small Luftstalag outside of a town named Hammelburg. Conceit convinced him he was the only man for the job but humility changed his mind when he remembered his team. He went into his room and pulled down one of the maps from the secret compartment in the wall.
Without orders, Hogan often made do with self-determined missions of necessity. He knew when it had to be simple and understood when it must be complex. He learned not to underestimate the supposedly easy missions; anything could go wrong. He was promised a plane for emergency evacuation. Part of him understood he might not make such a plane. The pilot never bails before his crew.