Chapter 17-- Kinch's Plan

Hogan leaned back, his back resting against the wall, waiting.

"Well?" he asked.

Kinch folded his arms and let out a deep breath. "I have an idea that I've been tossing around in my mind since you agreed to stay."

"Let's hear it."

Kinch glanced at the others. He had their attention as well.

"What have you got in mind, mate?" asked Newkirk

"Well, we contact Lancelot and tell him we need five men Klink's never seen before to impersonate Gestapo. One will be a Major, one a Captain and the third a Lieutenant. I then convince Klink to invite the three to stay for dinner. LeBeau will cook and Newkirk, Carter and I will serve as waiters. During the dinner, we drug Klink and Schultz. After they're asleep, we'd have the remaining two bring you into into camp in a car and into Klink's quarters where you will be discovered alive by Klink after we revive him and Schultz."

"And what, pray tell, do we tell Klink when he sees the Gov'nor's alive instead of being dead?" asked Newkirk.

"It was Morrison who gave me the idea. We simply tell Klink the Gestapo invented an experimental drug that simulates death, and they needed a guinea pig to try it on. So, they grabbed the Colonel to use as a guinea pig."

"And what if Klink wants to know how the Colonel was given the drug to begin with?" LeBeau inquired.

"Easy," Kinch continued. " Remember about a week ago before this all happened we were on a work detail outside the camp, and that Gestapo General tried to bully the Colonel? We simply tell Klink, if he asks, that the General who grabbed the Colonel by the arm was wearing a ring with a small needle in the band. And that this was how the drug was administered to the Colonel originally."

"Just one more thing," asked Hogan, folding his arms. "Not that he will, but suppose Klink wants to know why the Gestapo brought me back to Stalag 13?"

"No problem," Kinch added. "I got that covered as well, Colonel. We simply say the drug doesn't work for long periods. You have to keep using it over and over instead of just using one dose. In other words, the drug doesn't work."

Hogan nodded slowly. "Sounds like you thought this through very thoroughly, Sergeant," he said, impressed.

Kinch shrugged. "I hope I didn't overlook anything, sir," he replied.

Hogan smiled. "It just might work." He crossed his legs. "When do you plan on doing this?"

"I figure in about forty-eight hours. It'll take that long to contact the underground and get everything set up."

"I'm impressed Kinch. I really am," Hogan replied sincerely.

"Thank you, Colonel," Kinch replied. He knew Hogan didn't give out compliments freely unless he felt they were well deserved. "I learned from the best."

Back in the barracks again, Newkirk slapped Kinch on his back. "Kinch, you're a bloody genius, you are," he replied.

"Oui," LeBeau agreed. "You sound just like the Colonel."

"Boy, you sure do," chimed in Carter, a wide grin on his young face.

Kinch was embarrassed by the comparisons to the Colonel. He sighed. "Well, I better contact the underground and let Lancelot know we'll need him and four other men."

"Just out of curiousity, mate," Newkirk commented, lighting a cigarette. "Why didn't you tell us your plan earlier?"

Kinch chuckled. "Mainly because I just thought of it while talking with the Colonel." He walked towards the bunk and slapped the top frame. All the others could do was stand there and stare at Kinch in amazement.

It was right after an afternoon roll call forty-eight hours later that the prisoners noticed the large black car enter throught the front gates, the familiar red flags with the Gestapo emblem on them flapping in the breeze. LeBeau, Carter and Newkirk were the first to see it. Kinch was in the tunnel area keeping Hogan company. Newkirk checked his watch.

"Right on time," he muttered. He glanced at Carter. "Andrew, go tell Kinch our guests have arrived."

"Right." Carter hurried inside the barracks while LeBeau and Newkirk remained outside, watching the three Gestapo officers exit the car and mount the stairs to Klink's office.

"I hope this works," the Frenchman murmured. "Because if it doesn't..."

Newkirk finished the sentence. "Because if it doesn't, then we'll just have to come up with something else, won't we?" They went inside the barracks and were met by Kinch and the Colonel.

"How you feeling today, mon Colonel?" asked LeBeau, concerned. "After this evening you will officially be back."

"It couldn't come soon enough," Hogan replied, running hand over his black hair. "If it wasn't for your cooking, I'd think I was a gopher."

Newkirk nudged LeBeau. "Just keep in mind, Louie, that Klink won't believe our story if the Colonel looks too healthy."

LeBeau muttered something in French at Newkirk who was sure the little Frenchman was swearing at him.

Kinch checked his watch. "Guess it's showtime. Wish me luck." Kinch left the barracks and hurried across the compound to the Klink's office.

Klink nervously looked up from his paperwork as the three Gestapo officers entered his office. What do they want now? he asked himself warily.

"Colonel Klink? I am Major Schmidt. This is Captain Fogler and Lieutenant Braun. Heil Hitler!"

Forcing a smile on his face, Klink got to his feet. "Heil Hitler. Welcome to Stalag 13, gentlemen. Please be seated." He opened his humidor and offered cigars to the officers. "Cigars, gentlemen?"

"Nein. Danke, Colonel."

Klink then reached for his decanter. "Perhaps some refreshments?" he remarked as he began to pour.

"Danke, Colonel," Schmidt replied as he and the others accepted a glass.

As he was pouring a glass for himself, Klink nervously looked at his visitors. "Now Gentlemen, how can I be of assistance to you? I mean, what brings you to our little Stalag?"

"We have business of the most confidential matter to discuss with you. It involves your late Senior prisoner of war, a Colonel Hogan I believe his name was."

Klink swallowed the lump forming in his throat. What did the Gestapo want now? Would their interference never end? How much more could Hogan's men endure? In one way, Klink was glad Hogan wasn't alive. He shuddered to think what the Gestapo would do to him. But his men...

Klink found it difficult to swallow his Schnapps as his throat constricted. "Gentlemen, I don't know what I could possibly tell you about Colonel Hogan," he stammered. "Didn't Major Von Stossel get whatever information he wanted from Hogan's men when he took them?"

"He did, Colonel. However, we feel there may be more he didn't get." Schmidt leaned forward and grinned wickedly at Klink. "If you know what I mean, Colonel."

Kinch glanced at Klink's pretty blonde secretary, Hilda. Kinch felt for the young woman. She had been devastated by the 'death' of Colonel Hogan. He knew she enjoyed the Colonel's flirtations. Whether or not there was anything serious between Hogan and Hilda, Kinch had no idea. All he knew was that for now he had to keep mum about Hogan being alive. He approached Hilda's desk. "Is the Kommandant in his office?" he asked.

"Jawohl. But he's busy right now," she replied, a sad look in her eyes.

Kinch patted her shoulder. "We miss him too, Hilda," he said, hoping he sounded sad himself. "But I really need to speak with the Kommandant." That said, Kinch barged into Klink's office before Hilda could stop him. He noticed the three Gestapo officers seated before Klink's desk. They stared at Kinch, a look of disapproval on their faces.

"What is it, Sergeant Kinchloe?" Klink asked, startled at the Sergeant's sudden entrance without knocking. Just like Hogan, he thought to himself.

Kinch again looked at the three Gestapo officers. "I'm sorry for the interruption, Kommandant," he said, turning his attention to Klink. "But I just wanted to offer our services for this evening."

"Services? Services for what?"

"For the dinner party you're going to have."

Klink looked totally confused. "Dinner party? What dinner party? I don't recall..."

Kinch put on his best shocked expression. "Colonel, you mean you forgot already? We just discussed it earlier today after roll call."

"Oh, that dinner party! How could I forget?" Klink then looked at Kinch. "Who am I suppose to be having the party for?"

"Kommandant, forgive me. I realize you're such a busy man it probably slipped your mind. You said you were expecting a Major Schmidt and two other officers this afternoon and you were hoping they would stay for dinner. You told me to ask LeBeau to cook a special dinner for you, and for myself and the others to serve as waiters."

Klink nodded, smiling, at the three officers. "Of course. How silly of me to forget. Thank you for reminding me, Sergeant. Tell Corporal LeBeau I expect him to cook a fabulous dinner." He looked at his visitors. "Gentlemen, I hope you will stay for dinner this evening? One of my prisoners, a Corporal LeBeau, is French and a marvellous cook!"

"Thank you, Colonel," the Major replied, smiling. "We would be honored."

"Excellent. Say seven-thirty?"

"Fine. We can continue our discussion then."

"Very good." Klink saluted Kinch. "You are dismissed, Sergeant."

Kinch returned the salute. It took all his effort to hide the smile that was threatening to break out. Now he knew why the Colonel enjoyed these mind games he played with Klink so much.

After Kinch had departed, Lieutenant Braun looked at Klink. "Who was that man, Colonel?" he asked.

"That was Sergeant Kinchloe. he is our Acting Senior POW. He was one of Colonel Hogan's closest frineds, as was Corporal LeBeau, Corporal Newkirk and Sergeant Carter. In fact, these other three will be serving as waiters at dinner tonight."

Kinch reenterered the barracks where he found the others waiting, seated at the table.

Hogan was drinking a cup of coffee.

"Well?" asked Hogan. "What did Klink say when you approached him about the dinner party?"

Kinch could no longer suppress his smile. "To quote Newkirk, Colonel...a piece of cake." he chuckled.

Hogan raised his coffee cup. "Nice going, Kinch."

"What time is the dinner set for?" asked Newkirk.

"Seven-thirty." Kinch looked at LeBeau. "Any idea what you're gonna have on the menu, Louie?"

LeBeau rolled his eyes. "I will prepare my famous coq au vin. It will be manifique!"

Hogan finished his coffee and slowly rose to his feet. "I guess I better get down below. I have to meet Paul and Lancelot near the emergency tunnel entrance where they'll be waiting for me with a car to bring me into camp." As he took a step forward, Hogan staggered a bit. His legs were still wobbly. He gripped the edge of the table for support. His men were quickly at his side.

Kinch glanced at Carter. "Andrew, help the Colonel below until it's time for him to meet with Lancelot. And stay with him until it's time."

"Gotcha," Carter replied, gripping the Colonel's arm.

Hogan waved him off. "Just help me below. I can meet with Lancelot on my own. Besides, you're gonna need Carter to help at the dinner. I'll be all right."

That said, Kinch, Newkirk and LeBeau stood and watched as Carter and Hogan disappeared into the tunnel entrance.