The day happily started. The men endured the cold winds while Brandenburg and his assistants distributed Red Cross packages. Hogan appreciated the fact that the organization required prisoners of war to sign receipts for the parcels. This was a rare occasion when the shipment was exclusively British parcels due to some minor calamity that delayed the American parcels.
Hogan found the tin of Player's Navy Cut cigarettes a welcome substitute. Inside the tin were five packs of ten each cigarettes, totaling fifty. American parcels typically contained five packs of twenty each Chesterfields, totaling one hundred. Hogan would have to monitor his nicotine habit. The dried eggs might prove interesting. He remained undecided about the sardines. Newkirk squealed in delight over the pudding, an unusual display.
Wilson and Saunders took charge of the medical parcels. Any supplies were welcome. In June of 1942, British medical parcels included more variety and specialized. Hogan did not understand the difference between Medical 1 and Medical 2 but that exceeded his purview. He lacked understanding in why Saunders asked for Medical 3 and Medical 4. Brandenburg reassured her that the Red Cross was arranging additional medical supplies.
Hogan stowed his package before accompanying Brandenburg to Klink's office. He felt awkward when Saunders arrived. Brandenburg went above and beyond duty, so to speak, as he opened a box specially prepared for the nurse. There were no standard parcels for women prisoners of war. Saunders was the first. The Red Cross wanted to assist. Special packages remained subject to inspection by the empowering authority.
Somehow, Hogan had the feeling that Brandenburg purchased most of the personal items. The shoes were obviously intended as part of the Red Cross nurses' uniforms he previously delivered. The Hildebrand Scho-Ka-Kola round tin indicated Berlin, suggesting Brandenburg obtained it locally. Schokolade–Kaffee–Kolanuss was a bittersweet dark chocolate that promoted energy, containing a mixture of cocoa, coffee and kola nut. The red and white metal tins held two pieces sliced into eight sections.
Briefly, Klink considered the quantity of tins excessive. Hogan stood silently and allowed Saunders to give her pleading look that softened the bald eagle. Brandenburg apologized he did not have a selection of chocolates but promised to make arrangements in time for his next visit. Hogan felt it; the man was smitten with Saunders. He went beyond what was required and Saunders reciprocated with squeals of delight.
While the package was not heavy, Hogan wanted to talk to Saunders so he carried it to her barracks. He felt he should not remind her that she was an Army officer and suggested she was overdoing it. She threw down the gauntlet and suggested he work with London to import some supplies for her, especially medical. He conceded that he deserved that.
Hogan asked, "Why haven't you received packages from home?"
Saunders replied, "These things take time. Besides, Red Cross packages have priority."
Hogan said, "Nice dodge. You should play baseball this spring."
Saunders said, "I'm sure that's true. Most of my family is on active duty somewhere. I'm sure mom will do the best she can. I'm really too old to be relying on her help anyway, if you think about it."
Hogan decided to abandon the topic. Spinsters maintained a negative perception, regardless of how noble the Army nursing profession was. Every mother eventually wanted grandchildren. Hogan did not want to get too intimate. He needed a professional relationship. He crossed a line. No, strike that. Hogan knew about Newkirk's sister Mavis and Carter's sweetheart Mary Jane.
The flustered Schultz arrived, admonishing Hogan for being in the women's barracks. Hogan quickly assured the guard that he was simply helping Saunders with her package. Schultz was simply following orders. All men had to fall out for mail call. Hogan smiled. Lining up in formation, Hogan remembered the first postcard he received from his parents. They were extremely relieved. Eventually, letters came.
On more than one occasion, Hogan considered one point: would his parents understand if he were executed by firing squad? They did not know he operated a command. In fact, his mother worried more when he was leading his flights into combat. Hogan wanted the war ended. He offered a unique contribution.
Garlotti cheered, "My dearest Angela!" Hogan smiled as he watched the young private kiss the envelope. The men wanted to go home. It was a difficult thing to ask a man to remain willingly a prisoner.
Kinchloe teased, "Looks like another sugar report."
"Speak bloody English," cried Newkirk.
Carter looked at Newkirk with a furrowed brow and asked, "Don't you ever get letters from your sweetheart?"
Newkirk looked suspicious and replied, "Which one?"
As the men laughed, Schultz grumbled, "It's bad enough that I have to know English. Now I have to know American!"
Mail delivered, men retreated to the barracks. Hogan had letters from his mother and father. LeBeau had at least three perfumed envelopes. Carter always read Mary Jane's letter first. Despite a couple of letters from birds, Newkirk chose to read his sister Mavis' letter first.
"Figlio di puttana!"
Several heads turned to Garlotti as Hogan exited his room to investigate the strange utterance. Without apology, the private continued a series of exclamations that Hogan doubted were kind Italian words. No one asked the matter. It reeked of the Dear John letter syndrome. It happened and that was another sacrifice the men made as part of staying in camp.
Carter asked, "What's he saying?"
Kinchloe replied, "I don't speak Italian."
LeBeau casually said, "Fils de pute."
"Now that I know," said Kinchloe. He turned to Garlotti and said, "Sorry, man. She doesn't deserve a guy like you."
Carter asked, "What's it mean?"
"You're too nice a guy, Andre," replied LeBeau.
Hogan said, "Alright, knock it off. Sorry, Garlotti. I truly am."
Garlotti sighed, "It's not your fault. I've been dumped but never for a garbage man."
Baker said, "Ouch."
Hogan gave stern looks to his men. The leading statement had to remain unchallenged. The last thing he needed was the guys teasing Garlotti about garbage and dumps. Typically, the men shared their sugar reports immediately after mail call, but had enough sensitivity to delay the stories whenever someone received a Dear John.
Schultz entered, looked around, saw Garlotti, and said, "Mm, his turn, eh?"
Hogan exclaimed, "Have a heart, big fellow."
Schultz said, "I wish my wife would send me one of those letters."
Newkirk said, "Keep dreaming, Schultzie."
Hogan asked, "What's up?"
"The big shot wants to see you," replied Schultz.
Hogan sighed, "Alright. Fellows, behave yourselves." He went back into his room long enough to set down his mother's letter and retrieve his crush cap. Once outside the barracks, he pulled up his jacket collar in reaction to the light snowfall. He would not mind the winter so much if the Krauts supplied more wood for the stoves. Ever since the forest fire, Klink remained reluctant to allow work details to cut down trees.
Entering the outer office, Hogan saw Hilda buttoning her coat. Langenscheidt entered and announced the car was ready. It was early for the secretary to leave. Hogan speculated a storm was expected. Schultz cautioned Langenscheidt to drive carefully. Then the sergeant gently elbowed Hogan to the office door.
Whenever Klink was all smiles, Hogan had reason to be suspicious. He suffered the tap dance on several occasions. First, it was the offer of the cigar. Next, it was the pouring of the schnapps. Finally, the extreme false flattery.
Hogan said, "I smell a con job. Out with it, Kommandant."
"You don't get it," said Klink, almost hurt at the thought of perpetrating a scam. "We're enemies, but we're friends, and friends like to help each other out you know."
Hogan sternly asked, "What's the job?"
"It does seem there is a job," said Klink in false thoughtfulness. "Ah, yes, there is something."
"Out with it," said Hogan.
"Alright, Hogan," said Klink, softening his tone. "There is something. I don't know quite how to put this."
"You want to join the Allies," Hogan teased.
Klink cried, "Never!" He started pacing, "Oh, you can be so difficult at times. Have you heard of General Norbert Melsbach?"
"No," shrugged Hogan, "but that doesn't mean anything."
"He's an old friend of General Burkhalter," said Klink. "He's in town and he would be absolutely delighted to meet you."
Not attempting to hide the suspicion in his voice Hogan asked, "Why me?"
Klink laughed, "I don't know! But General Burkhalter made it absolutely clear that you must cooperate or there would be consequences."
"As in he'll send you to the Russian Front," Hogan retorted.
Klink snapped, "After he shoots you!" Reverting to the tone of false flattery, he continued, "Please, Colonel Hogan?"
Hogan stroked his chin and replied, "Oh, why not. It seems I don't really have a choice. But tell me this: if it's a matter of my cooperation or the firing squad, why are you being so nice about it?"
Klink teased, "Let's just say that if the general likes what he hears, there will be good things to come."
Hogan said, "Alright, so when's he coming here?"
"He's not coming here," said Klink.
"No?"
Klink said, "Of course not! He wants you to dine with him at the Schloss Saaleck Hotel."
Hogan cried, "Why didn't you tell me in the first place?"
With half a smirk across his face Klink replied, "I wanted you to work for this, Hogan." Changing to the stern dictatorial officer he said, "Now go get cleaned up. I won't tolerate you looking shabby in public."
It had to be the most unusual request Klink asked of Hogan, who suspected subterfuge. Generals did not invite prisoners to dinner at expensive restaurants. The Krauts wanted something. He asked Kinchloe to radio London to find out what they knew about Melsbach. Then he went to his room to change his attire. The Krauts never asked him why he had a dress uniform, something not typically carried on bombing missions. If they ever found out London smuggled it in, they would have a song and a feast before his execution.
Kinchloe stood at the doorway and said, "Colonel, you're not going to believe this."
"Try me," said Hogan as he did his tie.
"You're not to go to that meeting," said Kinchloe.
Hogan looked at his radioman and asked, "Why not?"
"London didn't say," replied Kinchloe. "In fact, they wouldn't even tell me who this General Norbert Melsbach is."
"Colonel Hogan!"
Hogan quietly said to Kinchloe, "Tell them it's too late. By the time you received the message, the Krauts had already forced me to go."
Kinchloe said, "I don't like this."
Schultz barreled his way into Hogan's room and said, "Time to go, Cinderella."
"That happens at midnight," Hogan cracked.
"Jolly Joker," muttered Schultz. "Get in the car."
Hogan finished buttoning his jacket. He grabbed his hat and coat. He was playing with fire and did not want to get burnt. London wanted him to turn back but he was past the point of no return. He followed Schultz to the car and entered. Klink wanted him to go but London wanted him to stay. It must be a trap. It made a short ride last an eternity. He dreaded entering the hotel restaurant.
The maître d'hôtel expected the unusual guests and escorted the two men to a table along the wall. Melsbach would be joining them shortly but the maître d'hôtel sent a waiter to bring a bottle of wine. Hogan tried relaxing. The Krauts used wine-and-dine to recruit or condemn. He noticed Collins entering the restaurant in Gestapo uniform. What was he doing there?
A man walked onto the stage as musicians assembled and announced, "Damen und Herren, the Schloss Saaleck Hotel is proud to offer a musical treasure all the way from Rome. Presenting Signorina Marcella Cecilia Bartoli."
Along with the rest of the crowd, Hogan extended applause. He saw a woman attired in a sequined gold evening dress walk onto the stage. Her hair was intrinsically braided and her face showed slight sign of aging. Something about her struck him as familiar. When she began speaking in Italian, Hogan placed the voice.
Schultz dreamily said, "Ach, she is a lovely fraulein."
So distracted by what he saw on stage, Hogan failed to notice Collins' arrival. A not so gentle cough brought him mentally back to the table. Hogan said, "Something wrong?"
Collins turned to Schultz and hissed, "Why have you brought this American here?"
Schultz stammered, "General Burkhalter's orders, Herr Oberst."
Collins sat and said, "Curious. Did you know that the Signorina has a brother who is a famous opera singer in Rome? His name is Pietro Angelo Bartoli. The Signorina is on a very tight time schedule. She is here for one night only."
Hogan quietly said, "And then she goes back to her assigned home."
"Of course," said Collins. "Sergeant, this seems most unusual. I will be keeping an eye on you."
Schultz swallowed hard, "Jawohl, Herr Oberst."
Both men sighed in relief when Collins left the table. Schultz returned his attention to the stage, enjoying the sultry Italian song accompanied by subtle swaying hips. Hogan silently cursed the situation. He was about to meet a Kraut general in the middle of some half-baked Airborne espionage drama. London obviously knew but chose not to inform him. There was no excuse. They could claim it was none of his business but the fact remained it involved a fellow camp prisoner, so that made it his business.
A diminutive Heer general wearing glasses sat at the table and said, "Ah, Colonel Hogan! You don't seem to be enjoying the show."
Hogan donned a fake smile and said, "I suppose I was thinking of better days when Italy knew the right side of the war. You must be General Melsbach."
"Indeed," said Melsbach. "I'm sure you have many questions. I shall endeavor to answer them. I already know your first question. Why this meeting?"
Hogan said, "It's very peculiar."
"Of course it is," said Melsbach. "It's come to my attention that from time to time you express a certain understanding of our ideologies. You seem content to remain a prisoner of war and apparently, you've gone out of your way to convince your men not to escape. Even now, you could make a run for it, but instead, you choose to follow through with this meeting. Why?"
Hogan said, "Hitler is insane. We're going to destroy him. You're sadly misinformed. It was either come to this meeting or face a firing squad in violation of the Geneva Convention."
"Tsk, tsk," said Melsbach. "Oh, I get it. Sergeant, you're dismissed."
Schultz eyes widened as he stammered, "But the prisoner – I must guard him."
"He isn't going anywhere, now do as you are told," Melsbach sternly said. The guard reluctantly left and Hogan understood he must be careful. Melsbach continued, "You don't trust me."
"Why should I? You're friends with General Burkhalter," said Hogan. "Birds of a feather flock together, you know."
Melsbach said, "What a lovely creature." He joined in the applause and seemed temporarily enamored with the Italian chanteuse. Hogan applauded and looked around the room. Collins darted his eyes between the stage and Hogan's table.
Hogan sighed, "We don't have this at camp."
"Of course you do, Colonel Hogan," said Melsbach. "She thinks I'm carrying important battle plans. I know how you got out of camp, but what about her?"
"I'm not Professor Quiz," said Hogan. "He knows everything and I seem to know nothing."
"Pity," said Melsbach. He smiled as Saunders started another Italian song and began working her way through the tables. He continued, "This is most amusing. Are you certain you don't know this woman?"
"I've never been to Italy," said Hogan.
Melsbach said, "You'd never know that she is actually American. Amazing!"
Hogan said, "This is fast becoming a letdown for me. I thought you wanted to see me."
"What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander," said Melsbach. "Tonight, I have both. Look at Sergeant Schultz!"
It was the last thing Hogan wanted to do. Saunders was at Schultz's table and planted a kiss on his cheek. Instead of looking flattered, the guard looked fearful. Hogan saw that look on many occasions when Schultz saw things he should not see. The instant realization hit the guard with the efficiency of a spider grasping the fly.
"He's a happily married man," defended Hogan. "Are we just going to sit here drinking wine? At least have the decency to order dinner."
"There's a war going on," scoffed Melsbach. "Why waste the food when you're this close to getting shot?"
Hogan looked at the odd general and said, "You're not really friends with General Burkhalter."
"More like associates," responded Melsbach. "He's held up his end of the bargain quite nicely. You're here. There's only one way she could have known I'd be here with battle plans and that loose end will be taken care of very soon."
Saunders arrived at the table and did as she had other tables. She planted a kiss on the general's cheek and Melsbach impishly grinned. She looked at Hogan and gently said, "Maiale Americano." Her index finger moved left to right as she walked away, confirming no kiss. A few patrons laughed in appreciation of the slight towards Hogan.
Melsbach quietly said, "Very convincing. No wonder she works for the Special Operations Executive. She's too refined for that disgusting OSS of yours. Too bad Klink will never have a chance to seduce her."
That struck a nerve with Hogan. Burkhalter said Saunders worked for the SOE. Collins was lying in wait, but for what? London did not want Hogan there at all. It hit him like lightning. This was about eliminating the surviving members of the 82nd Airborne sabotage unit and Hogan was an added bonus. Hogan grasped the edge of the table.
Melsbach calmly produced his pistol and said, "None of that, Colonel Hogan. You'll frighten her away. Somewhere in this room is Major Collins. She's given no hint yet but seeing us together will force her to make a move. Then it's checkmate."
Unaware or feigning not knowing of Collins' promotion proved nothing. For all Hogan knew, Melsbach was attempting to get him to point out Collins as further implication in complicity with sabotage operations. Hogan said, "I guess you didn't notice."
Melsbach anxiously asked, "Notice what?"
"Gestapo," replied Hogan.
"I'm a general," Melsbach scoffed. Hearing the applause he continued, "Show the colonel your appreciation. Clap your hands." After Hogan complied, Melsbach said, "Very good. I expect that she'll come here. Then I'll have you both."
The next song started, somewhat sultry and fiery. The Air Corps never taught espionage. Hogan learned on the fly, an interesting metaphor appropriate for a combat pilot. He was desperate for a solution. Melsbach continued taunting Hogan. The sound of the air raid siren offered more hope than Gideon's Trumpet as lights darkened.
Usually an organized operation, staff immediately lowered black out curtains. The room was mostly dark except for a handful of small lit candles that barely revealed anything. Some persons tried moving about in the darkness while others expressed sounds of panic. Hogan ducked under the table. Melsbach fired blindly, the flash of his pistol revealing very little. Hogan remained crouched as Melsbach stood. The man left the table, an unwise move considering the darkness and increased hysteria of the crowd.
The sirens blared, ending the blackout condition. Someone switched on the lights and Hogan squinted as he stood. He looked at the stage and saw Saunders pulling off a brunette wig to reveal blonde hair underneath a wig liner. Melsbach stood by the stage, aimed his pistol at Saunders, and said, "This is for Albert."
A single shot pealed but Melsbach was the one that fell. Hogan looked around the room in confusion. Saunders looked like she was about to faint, as did Schultz. Then his eyes landed on Collins who stood with his pistol extended. Collins said, "Garçon, call Gestapo Headquarters. Tell Kriminalrat Hochstetter to have a squad here, on the double!"
"Jawohl, Herr Oberst," a man nervously said as he scurried away.
Collins lowered his pistol, turned to Schultz, and snapped, "Sergeant! Take charge of that prisoner over there and return to that disgusting little camp of yours."
Schultz nervously replied, "Jawohl, Herr Oberst." He started walking, headed back to the table to retrieve his rifle, and then went to were Hogan stood. He quietly asked, "Is that the fraulein?"
Hogan shrugged, "Sure does bear a striking resemblance when she's wearing a brunette wig."
While the guard accepted the statement, Hogan quietly fumed. He was going to have some very strong words with a certain nurse, assuming she returned to camp. For all he knew, it could have been an elaborate rescue attempt by her former unit. That would explain why London did not want him on scene. It would cause problems back at the merry Luftstalag.
The night proved cold but the light snowfall ended. Schultz took care with the return trip to camp. Neither felt interested in discussing the peculiar evening. Hogan felt relief when returned to his barracks. Once the guard was away, he turned on the lights, causing men to groan in frustration. He saw Kinchloe in his bunk and said, "Get over to Barracks 3. Tell Saunders to get her ass over here."
"Yes sir," said Kinchloe. He grabbed his coat, donned it, and then activated the tunnel ladder.
Newkirk asked, "What's going on, Governor?"
Hogan mocked, "Maiale Americano."
Garlotti rubbed his eyes and said, "Oh, I don't think you're a pig. Was she at least pretty?"
Hogan looked at Newkirk and said, "Send her straight to my room. No jokes."
"Yes sir," Newkirk solemnly said.
Hogan started for his room but was distracted when Kinchloe started down the ladder yet immediately returned. His anger fueled at the sight of Saunders exiting the tunnel, still attired as the lounge singer with the exception of her long hair brushed. Some of the men let out low whistles.
"I can explain, Colonel," said Saunders.
Hogan snapped, "What were you doing outside of camp?"
"On a mission," replied Saunders. She placed her hands on her hips and continued, "You weren't supposed to be there. Melsbach almost shot me, or did you forget that little fact?"
Hogan said, "I didn't. What was the mission?"
Saunders folded her arms and replied, "Capture Hauptmann Albert Mueller's uncle. He's the one that trained that man to infiltrate my unit. Thanks to you, Colonel Collins was forced to shoot him."
Hogan's head was spinning. This is for Albert. Those were Melsbach's last words. The man taunted about the goose and the gander. How much did he know about the espionage operations inside of Germany? What information did he know about the Underground or Resistance? If a man could send in someone to infiltrate an American outfit, what else could he achieve?
Saunders continued, "I see the lightbulb just went click."
Hogan angrily pointed to his room and Saunders obliged. He almost died too but that fact did not seem to faze the nurse. No, strike that; she was rallying sympathy for herself with the men. He followed Saunders into his room, gestured for her to sit at the desk, and closed the door. He said, "You left camp without saying a word."
Saunders said, "I know. I had my orders."
Hogan asked, "How did you get those orders?"
Saunders squirmed, "Well, you may as well know, but first you have to promise no one gets in trouble for following London's orders."
Hogan folded his arms across his chest and said, "Someone else in camp helped you."
"Well I can't do this by myself," said Saunders. "It wasn't my idea to keep you out of the loop. You know that my unit suffered a serious blow. I wanted to tell you."
"Orders," sighed Hogan. "Who's helping you?"
Saunders reluctantly replied, "Sergeant Baker." Seeing the look on Hogan's face she continued, "He's been entrusted with our codes. He's supposed to look out for me."
"But he didn't tell me you were going out," said Hogan.
"Of course not," said Saunders. "He's only supposed to tell you if something's gone wrong. Colonel, I can operate a radio but Sergeant Kinchloe is your man and overall responsible for your radio communications."
"Why not him?"
"Because he is your man," sighed Saunders. "He would have disobeyed London's orders and told you immediately what was going on, that's how loyal he is to you. Oh, don't get me wrong. Sergeant Baker is committed to your operation. He didn't want to hide this from you. Colonel Collins can be very persuasive."
Hogan shouted, "Kinch! Baker!" He was angry. He needed men that he could trust. Knowing that another operating unit recruited one of his men upset him. He looked at the two radiomen and said, "Kinch, Baker doesn't work the radio anymore. Post a guard on it if you have to."
Saunders said, "Don't punish Sergeant Baker because of me. He was following orders."
Kinchloe asked, "Sir, what's going on?" He looked at Baker and asked, "What sort of trouble are you in?"
Hogan sighed, "He's been relaying coded messages between Florence and her unit." He pressed the palm of his hand against his forehead and continued, "This is a Greek tragedy."
Saunders said, "Of course it is. So you relieve Sergeant Baker and then London orders Sergeant Kinchloe to do the same thing. I don't want this to become a problem about trust. It's important to you and it's important to me."
Hogan shook his head, "Alright. Kinch, forget what I said about Baker." He turned to Saunders and said, "When London said you were posted here, they neglected to mention that you would be operating independent of our outfit. This is how it's going to work. No more secrets. The Gestapo's got you marked and that's a problem for us. I'm the commanding officer here. You will tell me your orders. I will know every time you are out of camp and why."
"Agreed," said Saunders.
Kinchloe turned to Baker and said, "You didn't tell me."
Baker said, "I'm sorry. I wasn't allowed to."
Hogan raised an eyebrow, "Baker has the airborne codes?"
Saunders replied, "Yes sir. It's not just for me. Colonel Collins infiltrated the Gestapo. If he gets into trouble, he has a way to contact us for help. Sir, you would have found out eventually. I suppose it's better that you found out sooner."
"And tonight's mission?"
Saunders said, "We had orders to capture General Melsbach. He's been the one hunting down the Underground as well as the SOE. London wanted to know what he knew. He's dead."
Hogan said, "This should have been my assignment."
"Airborne had a vested interest," said Saunders. "Mueller infiltrated our unit, not yours. Don't you get it? Airborne is getting out of the espionage business and maybe you think that's a good thing. Meanwhile, I'm stuck here."
Hogan asked, "What about Collins?"
Saunders replied, "I suppose if London ever ordered him to leave me behind, he'd refuse that order. That's not the Airborne way, you know. He eliminated Melsbach. They'll probably keep him here."
Hogan said, "Alright, everybody hit the sack. Wait a minute. Colonel, how'd you get out of camp?"
Saunders replied, "Fraulein Hilda left early tonight because her landlord informed her someone broke into her apartment. Oh, nothing was taken, just a few things tossed around. I snuck into the trunk of the staff car."
Hogan nodded and the three others left his room. Pilots flying in battle formation relied on communications to stay alive. Spies suffered lack of regular communications for the same reason. Somehow, he had to find a balance to make the current situation tolerable. He did not like Saunders' unit. They were careless cowboys as far as he was concerned.
If Melsbach was the mastermind behind neutralizing Underground and SOE agents, he must have realized a coup with the chance to eliminate the Goldilocks and the Robin Hood networks. Whatever secrets he knew, he took them to the grave. Hogan wondered who else knew. No wonder London wanted the man alive.