Chapter 30: Blue

While the day felt forbidding, Hogan kept a positive attitude. Knowing that he had orders to evacuate Collins gave him positivity. Few people caused problems to the extent of utter dread at the mere mention of their names. He monitored reports from London as well as the Underground. Collins sent a message from Berlin using a contact unfamiliar to Hogan. Then – nothing.

Was it his fault? The man could have escaped. Instead, he chose to salvage his cover inside a hostile government within an oppressive organization. Something compelled the man to remain and make a daring move by going to Berlin. All this for the sake of a woman – it made little sense to Hogan.

The nurse had to go. Hogan had nothing against women in general. This particular female had a set of skills he needed: tending the wounded. She blindly followed orders and not necessarily from his London. The notion of two different seats of authority in London bothered the bomber pilot. If the Allies were to win, command must be centralized under one authority.

Sipping a cup of coffee in his office, Hogan barely looked up as Kinchloe handed him a small slip of blue paper. Something about the paper color suggested lack of harshness yet Hogan's line of work contradicted the subtle message presented within the hue. He read the decoded message: revert to original codenames immediately.

Hogan sighed, "I wish they'd make up their minds."

"It doesn't affect us," said Kinchloe. "We're always Papa Bear."

"But it means that nurse is Monster Grimm again," said Hogan.

Kinchloe said, "True. Maybe she's the one we're supposed to get out of here instead of Little John."

Hogan said, "You know our predicament. Airborne has to go. That nurse has to go."

Kinchloe sighed, "That nurse – Colonel, I understand why you don't want to get too familiar. We both know this is no place for anyone, let alone a woman. Collins is on his way out. You've always done right by us."

Hogan stood and began pacing, "She's okay some of the time. She belongs to another unit – one that cares little about what might happen to others."

"She cares," said Kinchloe. "She's too professional to refuse orders. Sounds like someone else I know. You're not jealous, are you?"

Hogan sat back at his desk, setting his right elbow on the desk and resting his forehead against the palm. He was a good officer. He followed orders. He had a choice. When he accepted his assignment from London, he struggled to make it work. He made the most of impossible situations by making them possible and succeeded in his missions. He made sacrifices, as did his men.

Collins, however, was reckless. The Underground did not like him or his unit. Hogan presumed it was due to their amateurish ways, but he had an epiphany. The unit must have been operating for some time if the Underground knew of them. Airborne had contacts he lacked. Why did Collins need his help escaping Germany?

Perhaps London knew something that eluded Hogan's intelligence or reasoning. He felt tired of the constant worry, headaches, and tension because of Collins. His stomach joined in the fray as he felt a wave of nausea. He looked up at Kinchloe and said, "I earned my eagles. I won't be subordinated by those with less time and rank."

Kinchloe chose his words carefully, "Sometimes rank isn't enough. Newkirk's always bossing Carter around."

"He has more experience," said Hogan. "He's been in this much longer than Carter. If he hadn't been a POW for so long, he would have been promoted and outrank Carter by now. That's different."

Kinchloe posed, "Is it?"

"Probably," replied Hogan. "Carter is very good at blowing up stuff. He has his moments."

Kinchloe laughed, "We all have our moments. We're also a team. We each give. We know when to let others take the lead. We understand the mission comes first."

Hogan said, "We keep our egos in check."

Kinchloe asked, "Do we?"

"Yes," Hogan stated assuredly. Then he thought about it. Maybe that was not true. Did he really want Collins gone because the man was reckless? Was it more so that Collins disrespected Hogan's command? Did his pride and ego drive him to despise Collins' interference?

Kinchloe said, "Colonel, we have a job to do. This is our operation. If he's going to do his own thing, we can't stop him."

Hogan looked at Kinchloe and said, "When he does his thing and it sabotages our operation, I have to stop him. That nurse is committed to his operation, not ours."

"Then get her the hell out of here," said Kinchloe.

"Contact London," said Hogan. "Confirm which Monster Grimm is leaving Germany."

Kinchloe smiled, "Roger, wilco."

LeBeau barged into the office and cried, "Mon Colonel! Langenscheidt just escorted Mademoiselle to Klink's office."

As Hogan began setting up the coffeepot amplifier, he said, "Kinch, contact London. LeBeau, make sure someone's on the periscope."

#HH#

Klink prided himself on running an efficient camp. No escapes – numerous attempts, but no one succeeded. He exceeded expectations, something that even surprised himself at times. Other camps suffered escapes. Good men lost their reputations as groups of prisoners tunneled their way out to freedom. He stood when Saunders entered. He offered her a chair and only returned to his when she was properly seated. He understood good manners, even if he sometimes executed them with his occasional clumsiness.

Saunders calmly said, "Name: Maria Saunders. Rank: Lieutenant Colonel. Serial number: N-731626."

Klink politely laughed, "This is not an interrogation." Then he remembered his grisly task and continued, "I do not bear pleasant news." He saw a tinge of concern take hold of the delicate face before him. His own fear grew and he felt knots forming in his stomach.

Saunders said, "Something is very wrong. I can see it in your face."

Damn, thought Klink. War commanded him to do things as a soldier must, but he did not relish telling a gentle soul of her fate. He had a duty as an officer and as a loyal German. He had to obey orders. Failure meant punishment and his career was already stalled. Yet he felt the current orders were unfair to one innocent of the perversions of war.

Klink blurted, "I tried to stop it. This is a good place for you. I even suggested they send you to Obermaßfeld to work at the Reserve-Lazaret IX-C (a). It's a lovely three-story building. It used to be a hostel but it's currently a POW hospital operated by British, Canadian, and New Zealand medical staff. I don't suppose you've ever been to the Schmalkaden-Meiningen district."

Saunders quietly said, "Ravensbruck – they're sending me there, aren't they."

Klink shuddered, "Yes." He saw fear. Ravensbruck was no place for a soldier, yet the woman before him was a military nurse. The SS would put her to work in the camp hospital and afford some courtesy as afforded under the Geneva Convention. Then he remembered the insinuations that she was some sort of spy. He watched as her face turned away from fear and evoked defiance.

"I can finally escape," Saunders boldly avowed. Softening her tone, "You've been awfully decent, Herr Kommandant. Still, I do want to go home. There's no escape from Stalag 13. You're too efficient."

As much as Klink wanted to puff up with pride, he felt sorrow. For you, the war is over. We have ways of making you talk. He could not – he would not – do that to her. War was men's work. The woman before him proved her worth as a highly skilled nurse. He hoped Saunders managed such a feat, knowing it went against the grain of a POW commanding officer.

Klink said, "The SS and Gestapo will be here tomorrow. Colonel Feldkamp will see to your transference." Briefly, he saw a glimmer of hope. With realization, he continued, "Ah yes, you've outwitted the SS before. I'm sure they'll take certain precautions."

"I shall miss your interpretations of the violin," Saunders smiled.

Klink laughed, "As I shall miss your fiddle."

#HH#

Hogan felt his blood boil. Knowing that Collins was Feldkamp, anger fueled his rage. Yes, he wanted that nurse out of camp, but Collins was compromised. He needed her to have a safe evacuation from the theater. Collins was up to something and London clueless. He tried to hide his frustration as Olsen handed him a small slip of blue paper. Little John footloose and fancy free; wrap your pearls in cloth.

"Damned codes," snapped Hogan. He understood footloose and fancy free from his original encounter with the Merry Men. They ran amok with their mission and suffered. He surmised wrap your pearls in cloth was an innocuous phrase for anyone intercepting the message who did not belong to the Underground. It seemed innocent yet Hogan understood use of the Aesopian language in espionage. Not all codes could convey every circumstance.

Hogan tried reasoning the phrase. It differed from keeping Monster Grimm in the tower, another phrase introduced with the nurse's arrival. He had to keep her at Stalag 13. Was he supposed to help Collins with his plan to away with the nurse yet ensure it was conducted safely?

Olsen said, "I'd better check if there's more. Kinch is on standby." He headed toward the door, turned around, and added, "Florence is here."

"Send her in," said Hogan, "and close the door behind you."

"People will get ideas," said Saunders as she entered. When Olsen closed the door she continued, "Something's wrong. I can feel it."

"You're a pearl to be wrapped in cloth," said Hogan.

Saunders laughed, "Hardly." Seeing Hogan's look of concern, she continued, "I'm certain you were listening in on the conversation in the Kommandant's office. What gives?"

Hogan curtly said, "Little John is footloose and fancy free."

"I see," said Saunders. "He's under orders from whomever took command of 82nd Airborne. You've been left in the dark and feel helpless."

Hogan said, "Admit it. You're in love with the man."

"Hardly," scoffed Saunders. "You just don't understand. May I?" Pointing to the chair, Hogan realized he neglected his manners and allowed her to sit. She continued, "I loved Frank Brody. I knew him a very long time. Lieutenants cannot marry. Captains may marry. Majors should marry. Colonels must marry. You can thank the British Army for that little bit of wisdom."

Hogan angrily stood, "Neither one of us is in a position to get married."

"Don't remind me," Saunders retorted angrily. "He divorced his wife for me. He proposed to me. Then he died trying to rescue me!"

The flood of feminine emotions and tears overwhelmed Hogan. He watched as Saunders lowered her forehead onto clasped hands on the desktop and she bawled uncontrollably. He felt like a complete and total ass. Awkwardly, he started patting her back. Words failed him, something out of character. As an officer, he always knew what to say.

Schultz barged into the room. At first, he looked excited, but concern caused him to ask, "What's wrong?"

Quick to respond, Hogan answered, "She doesn't want to go to Ravensbruck."

Schultz said, "Ach du lieber."

Hogan snarled, "It's a very bad place."

"Ja," said Schultz. "Oh Colonel Hogan, before I forget, the bigshot wants to see you."

"Tell him I'll be a few minutes," said Hogan. Watching the guard leave, Hogan knew Schultz would inform Klink of what he saw. Hogan needed Saunders transferred. Only then could she escape. He remained in doubt concerning Collins. He handed Saunders his handkerchief. Then he watched as she slowly raised her head wiping away tears. Her typically perfect makeup was smeared.

"Forgive me," sobbed Saunders. She took a couple of deep breaths and continued, "I should have told you sooner."

Hogan worded his question carefully and gently asked, "Why then is Collins so devoted to you?"

"Less about me," replied Saunders. "He loved Frank. He'd do anything for him. He wanted to be like him. Frank made him swear it. John won't quit. That's not the Airborne way."

Clarity set in and Hogan understood. He knew younger officers put ordinates on a pedestal, willing to do whatever it took to earn their trust and respect. Such officers could go one of two ways: become good officers like their mentors or turn into blind followers lost without the white cane. Collins was trapped in the middle. Maybe Brody saw potential unfulfilled, yet his final judgment remained clouded with a promise that would end up broken.

LeBeau poked his head through the cracked door and said, "Mademoiselle, the chouquettes are ready."

Hogan said, "LeBeau, she needs a minute."

"Chouquettes are just what mademoiselle needs," said LeBeau, suggesting the men knew something was amiss.

As she stood, Saunders said, "I should clean up first."

Hogan stood and said, "Colonel, I'm sorry."

"Frank was an exceptional man and leader," said Saunders.

Being an officer and a gentleman, Hogan had to see Saunders to her barracks. Men were far simpler to take care of. Once leaving her at the barracks door, Hogan went to the Kommandantur. Klink wanted something, probably to inform him of the transfer. Hilda flashed a smile and Hogan thought he would melt. This was a beautiful fraulein. He managed a quick kiss before entering Klink's office.

"You wanted to see me, Kommandant?"

Klink hastily saluted and snapped, "Sit down, Hogan."

As he sat, Hogan asked, "What seems to be the problem?"

Klink replied, "The SS is coming for Fraulein Krankenschwester. I can't get a hold of General Burkhalter."

Hogan asked with concern, "Are you going to hand her over to them?"

Klink stood, started pacing, and replied, "They say he signed the orders. Hogan, what am I going to do?"

Hogan replied, "There's not much you can do. If Burkhalter signed off, zoot! You have to let her go." His mind started processing the information. If Collins had forged Burkhalter's signature, it meant trouble. Eventually, the deception would reveal itself. Burkhalter knew how to dole out punishment. Hogan could not afford the general sending Klink to the Russian front.

Klink paused his pacing long enough to fill a small glass of schnapps. With a single gulp, he downed the beverage. He set the glass on the bar, started pacing again, and said, "I had hoped they would at least take her to the Reserve-Lazaret in Obermaßfeld."

Hogan had to comment as part of the act, "They're taking her to Ravensbruck, aren't they."

"Yes," responded Klink as he sat behind his desk. Continuing in frustration, "It makes no sense. I can take care of her. The Red Cross can take care of her. They think she's a spy. If she makes it there, she might not ever leave."

Hogan suspected Collins planned to incapacitate the SS and make his getaway with Saunders. It would prevent his return to the theater as Feldkamp, deny his ability to return to Hammelburg in disguise, and solve Hogan's problem of getting Airborne outside of his operation. He lacked faith in Collins. The guy managed to screw up just about anything he touched. Yet London ordered him to wrap his pearls in cloth.

"There isn't anything I can do," said Hogan.

Klink said, "Fine, of course not. I'll try General Burkhalter again. Dismissed!"

Was Klink hoping for some miracle of him? Hogan managed some interesting feats. When he doubted, so did his men. When he had confidence, his men proved willing and able to accomplish anything. If Collins arrived with the SS, Hogan could not intervene. He entered the barracks and saw the men enjoying the chouquettes. Newkirk palmed off two in his hands and said, "It's not exactly the biggest batch."

While LeBeau released excited phrases in French, Carter said, "Cut him a break. It's hard to get eggs, sugar, butter, and try baking them in our little stove!"

Newkirk retorted, "Who do you think pinched all the ingredients?"

Hogan sat next to Saunders and realized she cleaned up pretty well. She still looked unsettled but the guys wanted to cheer her up. He said, "I take it everyone knows the SS is coming."

"Oui, mon Colonel," replied LeBeau. "Mademoiselle is going home."

"If it's really an escape plan," said Hogan. He saw the looks on the men's faces and continued, "Kinch, what did London say?"

Kinchloe replied, "Same damned phrase. Wrap your pearls in cloth."

"I'm not safe," Saunders flatly said.

Carter said, "Aw, shucks, you're safe with us."

Newkirk said, "That's right, love. Whatever your mate is up to, we'll make sure he doesn't bugger it up. You can count on Colonel Hogan to see you safely home."

While Hogan appreciated the sentiment, he remained doubtful about Collins. He did not appreciate the lack of control. Somehow, he had to turn the situation into a victory.