Chapter 16 --- Execution

***Chapter 16 had a different title originally. I have since changed it!

Later that same evening, Hogan got the address for Captain Davidson's parents and addressed the envelope accordingly. After talking with Randall, he also discovered that Davidson was engaged to a young woman named Lyla. Hogan promptly wrote a nearly identical letter to Davidson's fiancee. Then, he gave both envelopes to Schultz with strict orders that they be sent out with the following day's mail. The heavy Sergeant promised they would. With the worst part of his job completed, Hogan decided to return to his quarters. He noticed the green light was lit on the microphone base, and knew Kinch was on the radio in the tunnel. A moment later, the white light appeared. Hogan picked up the mic.

"Yeah, Kinch. What's up? Did you reach General Brennan yet?"

"I have him on hold, Colonel. He says he wants to speak to you as well. Switch to the red light and go ahead."

Hogan adjusted the switch to the red light. "General Brennan? Colonel Hogan here."

"Colonel, it's good to hear from you. How are things there at Stalag 13?"

"Nothing that ending this lousy war wouldn't hurt."

Hogan could hear Brennan chuckling. "We'll do our best to accomodate you, Colonel. Your man said you needed to speak with me about Captain Davidson."

"Yes, sir. He told me you sent him here to protect me because you believe there is a traitor on the Prime Minister's staff, and that this traitor may have killed one of your operatives who tried to send us a message to warn us. And this traitor has sent someone here to Stalag 13 to kill me and expose my operation."

"Quite correct, Colonel. Actually, Davidson volunteered for the assignment when he heard it was your life that was endangered. From what I understood, the young man was quite impressed with you. Sort of a hero worship thing. Anyhow, when he volunteered, we explained everything to him and all the dangers he'd be facing. He said he still wanted to do it. How's he working out?"

"Well, sir, that's one of the reasons I wanted to speak with you. There have been two attempts made on my life already. The first injured one of my men. Fortunately it was a flesh wound and he's going to be fine."

"Good Lord! And the second attempt?"

"Somebody sent a car in my direction from the motorpool. Captain Davidson pushed me out of the way. But in doing so, was struck by the vehicle himself. He died instantly."

There was silence on the other end for so long that Hogan thought he had lost the connection. But then Brennan spoke.

"Sorry to hear that, Colonel. Davidson was a promising young officer. He'll be missed. Any idea on who the assassin may be?"

"We have a possibility, but I'd rather not say until we're sure."

"I understand. So, what do you plan to do now?"

Hogan sighed. "We'll try and expose this assassin ourselves and hopefully discover who the traitor is on Churchill's staff. By the way, I've already written letters to Davidson's parents and his fiancee. They'll be going out in tomorrow's mail."

"I magine that must've been difficult, Colonel. That's the one part of being a commander nobody enjoys. Believe me. I've written my fair share of those letters and it doesn't get any easier with each one."

"I would've given anything to not have to write these two. But as you just said, General. It's part of being a commander. General, while I have you on the line, I need some information on two prisoners. Both Sergeants. One American, the other British. Both captured the same time as Davidson."

"What are their names?"

"One sergeant was a gunner with Davidson. Says his name is Carter Randall. The other is an RAF Sergeant named Tyler Mitchell. They're both sharing our barracks."

"Got it. I'll have to get back to you on these names."

"Try to make it quickly, General. I suspect one of these two might be the assassin."

"I'll do my best. Oh, Colonel Hogan. Do be careful. From what I understand of this assassin, he's a very thorough individual who never misses. That's why the SS sent him after you. And from what you've told me, if he's one of these two men who's sharing your barracks, you'd best be doubly careful."

"I intend to, General. Papa Bear out." Hogan switched the light to white. "Kinch, General Brennan will hopefully be getting back to us sometime today. I need the radio to be monitored until he calls."

"I'll take care of it, Colonel. What do you want to do in the meanwhile?"

"Nothing we can do right now except to keep an eye on both Mitchell and Randall. And keep and eye on Von Strasser as well."

The remainder of the night was uneventful for the prisoners of barracks two. However, that would not be the case the following day. It began with roll call.

The men sulked and grumbled about having to wake up and leave the barracks and stand outside while it was not quite light out. Schultz was busy counting each prisoner. When he came to Hogan, the American Colonel did not hide his displeasure.

"Schultz, what's with the early morning roll call? Don't tell me Klink can't sleep and doesn't want to be alone."

Schultz rolled his eyes. "Nein. It's that crazy SS Major Von Strasser again. He demanded the Kommandant have an early roll call."

"What the bloody hell for, Schultzie?" asked Newkirk, annoyance on his face.

"Who knows. All I know is what the Kommandant tells me. He says 'Schultz, call the prisoners out for a special roll call.' So, I call the prisoners out for a special roll call. What can I do?" Schultz glanced over his shoulder to make sure nobody was coming. Seeing nobody, he leaned forward to Hogan and Newkirk. "But, I tell you this much. This Major Von Strasser is not to be trusted."

Hogan and Newkirk exchanged looks. "Why do you say that, Schultz?" asked Hogan.

"He has the Kommandant extremely nervous. The Kommandant told me he suspects the Major might have a secret agenda."

"Secret agenda, Schultz?" asked Newkirk with raised eyebrows. "What agenda?"

"The Kommandant overheard the Major on the phone speaking with someone named Major Heisler. He was heard saying that he was going to get rid of someone here in the prison camp and for this Major Heisler not to worry. The Kommandant is afraid Major Von Strasser is talking about him."

Hogan looked past Schultz and spotted Klink and Von Strasser leaving the Kommandantur and heading towards them. He quickly reached inside his jacket and removed two candy bars and slipped them into Schultz's pocket. "You've earned them, Schultz. Now watch it, Here comes trouble," Hogan said softly. Schultz nodded slightly and stepped back.

"Schuuullltttzzz! Repooooooorrrrrttt!" Klink bellowed. Schultz turned and saluted both Klink and Von Strasser.

"Herr Kommandant. Herr Major. All prisoners present and accounted for."

"Very good, Schultz," Klink replied. "You may dismiss the prisoners. All except Sergeant Mitchell."

Mitchell eyebrows shot upward at hearing his name.

Hogan, Newkirk and LeBeau looked at each other. He then glanced over his shoulder at Kinch and Carter. Hogan then looked at Klink, concerned.

"Just a minute, Kommandant," he said. "For the last two days it was Sergeant Randall. Today it's Sergeant Mitchell. What's going on?"

"That's none of your business, Hogan!" Klink replied nervously.

"I disagree, Kommandant. According to the Geneva Convention...."

Von Strasser stepped forward until he stood toe-to-toe with Hogan. "I ordered your Kommandant to have Sergeant Mitchell brought to me. And you, Colonel, are not invited this time."

"If you're going to question one of my men...."

Von Strasser smirked. "Question one of your men? I have no intention of questioning one of your men."

"Then what do you want him for?"

"You will see very shortly, Colonel."

Hogan's eyes narrowed as he looked over Von Strasser's shoulder at Klink. "Kommandant, exactly who's running this camp? You or this maniac here?"

Hogan never saw it coming. He doubled over after Von Strasser's fist struck him in his abdomen, causing him to drop his crutches as he fell to his knees, doubling over. He wrapped his arms around his midsection trying to catch his breath.

Von Strasser then turned and looked at Schultz who swallowed hard. "Sergeant Schultz, you will bring Sergeant Mitchell to me. Now!" He slid his pistol slowly out of it's holster.

Hogan, still trying to get his breath, struggled to one knee as LeBeau, Carter, Kinch and Newkirk gathered around him. "Major....you can't....do....this. It's....murder."

Schultz, holding Mitchell's arm, led him forward and brought him to the Major. "He...he...here is...th...th...the prisoner Mitchell, Herr Major."

"Very good, Sergeant. Now, I suggest you stand back or you're liable to be injured." Checking his weapon, Von Strasser then pointed it at Mitchell. He cocked it.

Hogan, with help from his men, tried to stand up, but couldn't. He winced when he took a deep breath. "Klink! Do something! Don't just stand there!" Staggering to his feet, he winced again as he put one hand on his knee, the other still holding his stomach. His men held him up.

Klink nervously looked at Von Strasser. "Major, you can't do this! This is murder! This prisoner has done nothing! Nothing at all!"

With a smirk, Von Strasser pulled the trigger.