Chapter 24

Seated at the switchboard with LeBeau and Carter standing behind him, Kinch plugged in and connected with the phone number of Michael Prust in the Hammelburg Hospital. The phone rang for several minutes and Kinch was about to disconnect when he heard the familiar voice on the other end.

"Michael, this is Papa Bear," said the radioman. "I was about to give up when you didn't answer."

"I was preparing to leave and was locking my office door when I heard the phone. What can I do for you? If it's about Colonel Hogan he is doing fine."

"Glad to hear it. And I am calling about Colonel Hogan. Michael, is the Colonel well enough that he can be discharged tomorrow instead of two days from now?"

"Talk to me, Papa Bear. What's happening? Why is it important for the Colonel to be discharged two days ahead of schedule?"

As quickly as he could, Kinch proceeded to explain the situation to Prust and that they needed to see Hogan tonight and explain everything to him so that he would know exactly what was happening and what he would be up against. There was a long pause on the other end while Kinch waited with bated breath.

"I have to tell you Papa Bear that I'm hesitant to release Colonel Hogan before time. Oh he is awake for longer periods and can hold conversations with people, but he's not in any condition to take on somebody. He's still very weak."

"We'll make sure he is well protected, Michael," Kinch explained. "And he won't have to do anything physical. He just has to get Dietrich to confess. We'll handle everything else." Kinch heard Prust sigh wearily.

"Although I'm not in favor of discharging him at this point, I somehow have a feeling that to not grant your request would be disastrous. So, I will do it. But, the final decision as to whether he's up to this will be Colonel Hogan's. How soon can your men be here?"

"We'll have somebody there inside of two hours."

"Fine. Just come directly to the Colonel's room. I'll be waiting for you there."

"Thanks Michael. Papa Bear out." Kinch unplugged the switchboard then turned to Carter and LeBeau. "LeBeau, go upstairs and get Olsen. Tell him he's going to be Major Avery again, and then you and Carter change back into your disguises of Lieutenant Gunter and Private Adler. Then the three of you get to the hospital and go directly to the Colonel's room. Michael will be waiting for you there. Just remember, when you see the Colonel, explain everything to him including what happened to Corporal Sanger and Newkirk."

Olsen, Carter and LeBeau practically broke a record changing into their Gestapo uniforms and after 'borrowing' a car from the motor pool reaching the hospital in just under two hours. Following Olsen inside the hospital they secretly chuckled as the employees who thought they were really Gestapo gave them a wide berth while those who knew Hogan's men, only slightly nodded at the men in recognition so as not to arouse suspicion. Finally reaching the Colonel's room, Olsen took a deep breath before he pushed open the door and the trio entered. True to his word, Prust was waiting, sitting in a chair beside Hogan's bed watching his patient sleep. He turned when the door opened, stood up, and walked over to the men. "Glad to see you made it. I must repeat my concerns about this entire situation. Robert is recovering from a very serious injury which could have killed him and nearly did. A bullet nicking the heart muscle is serious. Are you sure there is no other way to accomplish what you must without involving Robert?"

"I wish there was, Michael," Olsen explained. "But we have tried everything; and I mean everything. In two days, Sergeant Schultz is being shipped to the Russian front for shooting the Colonel and being framed by the actual shooter who also nearly beat Newkirk to death and killed another prisoner he abused with his rifle. Kinch has an idea, but unfortunately we need Colonel Hogan back at camp to pull it off."

Prust let out a deep breath. "I don't like this but I gave Kinch my word. However, as I explained to him, the final decision is Robert's. If he feels he is not physically up to this then I will not release him tomorrow."

"We understand," said Olsen grimly. "We only hope after we explain to him what has been happening since he was hospitalized he will agree."

"Very well then," Prust said motioning them to follow him towards the bed. Olsen sat down in the chair with Carter and LeBeau close by while Prust stood beside the bed. Reaching over, he gently shook Hogan's shoulder. "Robert, wake up. You have visitors. Three of your men have come to see you. Wake up."

"Go away," Hogan murmured sleepily. "I'm on a date. Redhead," he said softly with a faint smile. Olsen, Carter and LeBeau couldn't hide their amusement. Even Prust grinned before shaking Hogan's shoulder a bit more intensely.

"Robert, you have to wake up now. Three of your men are here to see you and they have something important to discuss with you. You have to wake up."

Slowly, Hogan opened his eyes and focused on Prust. "Michael," he said with a yawn. "You interrupted my date with a gorgeous redhead. I hope it was worth it."

"It is, sir," said Olsen calmly; inside he was a bundle of nerves. Hogan turned his head and saw three of his men.

"Olsen, LeBeau, Carter, what are you doing here? Kind of late to be out of camp isn't it?" He looked at Michael. "Can you help me sit up a bit?" With Prust's assistance, Hogan slid into a sitting position in the bed, with pillows propping him up.

"Thanks. Now what's going on?" asked Hogan.

Licking his suddenly dry lips, Olsen proceeded to tell Hogan everything from the moment he had been shot. He noticed the deep pain in Hogan's eyes when he told him about Corporal Sanger and the anger after hearing about Newkirk, Kinch and Wilson. He explained Klink being blackmailed, the ransacking of their barracks and Dietrich's threat of what he planned to do to them after Burkhalter left camp following his inspection in two days. He concluded with Kinch's idea and the need for him to help carry it out because everything else had failed. Olsen then sat back in his chair and everybody waited while Hogan thought everything over and remained silent.

"Robert…" Prust rested a hand on his friend's shoulder; Hogan looked up at him. "You don't have to do this. If you feel you can't physically handle it, you will stay here for another two days."

"Michael, considering I almost died, I would agree with you," said Hogan. "But this man shot and killed a young soldier he had first abused; he nearly beat to death one of my men and injured another. And to top it off, he's sentenced an innocent guard who doesn't even belong in this war to certain death at the Russian front. I can't stay here and do nothing. I want you to release me tomorrow morning, early afternoon at the latest."

Prust's concern could be seen on his face. "Robert…."

Hogan smiled. "Michael, I promise I'll be careful. Besides, all I have to do is get Dietrich to confess everything. How dangerous could that be?" He started to wrap his arms around himself but then saw the IV and stopped.

Prust sighed. "From what I've heard of this man I would say it might be dangerous. Robert, are you sure about this? I don't want you to end up back here in worse condition, or possibly the morgue."

"Michael, I appreciate your concern, but I have to do this. My men are in danger, two have been injured and one murdered. If my involvement is the only way to stop him then I have to do this."

Prust, understanding, could only smile faintly, but the worry was still there. "Very well then. I will go to my office now and prepare the paperwork for your release. I will call your Kommandant tomorrow morning and have him send somebody to come and get you and bring you back to camp. However, I will send instructions you are to be placed in the infirmary for one week to allow you to regain your strength." He saw Hogan roll his eyes and grinned. Then, with a more serious look, faced Olsen, Carter and LeBeau. "Take good care of him." He patted Hogan's shoulder and left the room.

Alone with his men, Hogan leaned the back of his head against the pillow. "Okay, now tell me again about this plan of Kinch's."

Hours later the three men were back in the safety of the tunnels and explaining to Kinch the Colonel's agreement to serve as bait as well as Prust's orders concerning Hogan's care once he was back in camp. Olsen also added Hogan's suggestion for Kinch's plan.

"Okay," said a somewhat relieved Kinch. "Carter, first thing after roll call tomorrow, I want you to go to the infirmary and explain to Newkirk and Wilson what's going to take place and that we'll need their cooperation as well." He then went on to explain what the medic and Newkirk were to do.

"Gotcha," said Carter continuing to change into his Allied uniform.

"I think you might need a guard on the premises as well, Kinch," Olsen added.

"I know. I'll speak with Corporal Langenscheidt. I don't think I'll have any trouble convincing him to help considering how he feels about Dietrich and Colonel Hogan."

"What do you want me to do, mon ami?" asked LeBeau.

Kinch draped an arm around the Frenchman's shoulders and smiled. "LeBeau, when you're finished changing back into your uniform, you and I are going to check out and test some electronic equipment."

The following morning the men were up early and were just about finished getting dressed when Dietrich pushed open the door. "Raus, raus! Everybody outside for roll call! Schnell!" He saw Carter, Kinch and LeBeau glaring at him and grinned smugly as he held up two fingers and mouthed the words 'two more days' before he turned and walked out, yanking the door closed behind him. Kinch, LeBeau and Carter looked at each other and grinned.

"He's right about two more days," Carter said slipping on his leather jacket.

"Oui," LeBeau agreed with a chuckle. "Only for him and not us."

Kinch headed towards the barracks door. "C'mon and let's go. Don't want to keep our fearless Kommandant waiting." Opening the door Kinch walked out with the others following behind. Grumbling as usual, the men formed two lines and stood at ease as Dietrich counted each man, pausing for an extra minute when he came to Carter, Kinch and LeBeau. Finally, he turned to Klink and saluted. "Herr Kommandant, all prisoners present and accounted for."

"Very good, Sergeant," Klink replied with a weary sigh. "You may dismiss your men."

"Jawohl. Prisoners dismissed!"

Kinch suddenly stepped forward when Klink started to turn away. "Kommandant?"

Klink paused and turned around. "Yes Sergeant Kinchloe?" Klink's eyes darted to Dietrich's face and noticed the annoyed look and swallowed hard. "What is it?"

"Sir, as the acting Senior POW I have something I would like to discuss with you in your office right away. With your permission of course."

"Can't it wait until later, Sergeant? I have a load of paperwork I must get done." His eyes darted again to Dietrich's face as did Kinch's. The radioman, however, ignored him. "I'm afraid it can't wait, sir. It's urgent."

Klink sighed. "Very well, Sergeant. Come to my office in fifteen minutes."

"Thank you, sir." Kinch watched Klink turn and walk back towards the Kommandantur. He was suddenly aware of Dietrich roughly grabbing his arm and glaring into his face.

"Just what do you think you're up to swine? I suggest you not try anything because you might not make it until the general comes tomorrow if I suspect anything."

Kinch jerked his arm free and maintained eye contact. "In case you've forgotten, I am the acting Senior POW in this camp until Colonel Hogan comes back and as such, I am authorized to discuss any problems with the Kommandant. By the way, not everything centers around you, Dietrich."

"Besides," said LeBeau, siding up to Kinch with Carter and Olsen. "Who'd want to waste their time discussing you anyway. Your very name leaves a bad taste in a person's mouth." He smiled sweetly at the German who took a step forward, but Kinch stepped in front of the little Frenchman.

"I wouldn't if I were you," Kinch explained. "I'm due in the Kommandant's office in less than ten minutes, and you wouldn't want to have to explain how something happened to one of us who accused you to the General tomorrow now would you?"

Dietrich's face was a deep crimson and his eyes blazing. "I'm going to enjoy cutting out your tongue after tomorrow before I'm through with you," he said to Kinch. "You'll beg me to kill you."

"In your dreams," Kinch replied. Dietrich clenched and unclenched his fists before turning and storming away. Watching him go, the radioman let out a deep breath. He spoke without turning. "LeBeau, I want you to go see Schultz and let him know we're working on something that's going to clear him once and for all and to hang on a little while longer; after that, stay out Dietrich's sight. Carter, get to the infirmary and then straight back to the barracks. I don't want you where Dietrich can catch you either. After I speak with Klink I'm going to talk with Langenscheidt."

"Mon ami, since I have to talk to Schultz, I can talk to Langenscheidt for you. He'll be watching Schultzie anyway."

Kinch sighed. "All right, go ahead. But after you finish head back to the barracks."

"Why do you want to see Klink anyhow?" asked a puzzled Carter.

"I'm going to try and convince him we can get him from under Dietrich's thumb and he won't have to do anything but play along."

Klink was seated behind his desk chewing on his thumbnail nervously for two reasons: one, he was wondering where Sergeant Dietrich was and what he was up to, and two, what did Sergeant Kinchloe want to see him about. As he waited his telephone rang causing him to jump. He picked up the receiver.

"Colonel Klink speaking. Heil Hitler. Oh, Doctor Prust. How are you? I'm fine. What can I do for you?" Klink's eyes widened causing his monocle to fall out into his hand. "You're discharging Colonel Hogan this afternoon? But I thought he was to remain in the hospital until the end of the week? Oh I see. He recovered faster than you expected." As Klink listened, he heard Prust ask if somebody could come to the hospital and pick Hogan up causing Klink to panic. Normally he would have sent Schultz, but as Dietrich was more than likely responsible for nearly killing the American he'd be damned if he'd send him to pick Hogan up. "I'm afraid, Dr. Prust, I'm not able to send anybody to the hospital at this time. Do you think you could have him brought back in an ambulance? You can? Excellent." His eyes shifted as there was a knock on the door. Klink covered the mouthpiece. "Come in!" he shouted.

The door opened and in walked Kinch, saluting the Kommandant after closing the door. Then he stood and waited with hands clasped behind him while Klink continued talking on the phone.

"I understand. He's to remain in the infirmary for one week after he's brought back to camp. Danke, Doctor. We'll be expecting the ambulance. Auf wiedersehen. Heil Hitler." With a smile on his face, Klink hung up the receiver, smacked his hands, and rubbed them together excitedly. "Sergeant Kinchloe, you're just in time to share some wonderful news."

Kinch feigned confusion. "I am, sir? What would that be?"

"I was just speaking with Dr. Prust. He is discharging Colonel Hogan this afternoon. Of course he'll have to spend a week in the infirmary to regain his strength, but a military ambulance will be bringing him back today."

Kinch smiled broadly. "That's wonderful news, Kommandant!" he exclaimed. "I know the men will be excited when I give them the news. Thank you for telling me."

"You're welcome. Once Colonel Hogan is back, maybe things will get back to normal around here."

Kinch turned his head slightly and narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean, Kommandant?" He sensed a hidden meaning behind Klink's words.

Klink put a finger to his lips and quietly got to his feet. Walking over to the door he opened it, peered out into the outer office and found it empty. He then closed the door and sat on the edge of his desk facing Kinch. "I'm hoping when Colonel Hogan gets back he'll find a way to get rid of Sergeant Dietrich."

Kinch grinned. "Funny you should mention that, Kommandant. It'll make what I have to discuss with you that much easier."

"What do you mean?"

"Kommandant, there's a way to get rid of Sergeant Dietrich once and for all, but we're going to need your help to do it."