Chapter 5-Encore
It was the knocking on his door that caused Hogan to finally stir from his nap. Sitting up on his bunk, he ran his hands down his face and yawned. The knocking was heard again. "Come in," he muttered turning his head toward the door. He saw the door open slightly and Olsen's head look in. "What is it, Olsen?"
"Sir, Kinch asked me to tell you that you have to be at Klink's by 1800 hours." Olsen watched the Colonel cover his mouth to stifle another yawn.
Olsen had a look of concern on his face seeing the Colonel's eyes. "Sir, begging your pardon. You still look tired, but you also look much better than you did earlier. Are you sure you're all right?"
Hogan had to admit he did feel more rested after a couple of hours of sleep, yet he wished he could skip another boring dinner with Klink and Burkhalter and just meet with Gertrude. That he didn't want to miss. But to skip dinner with Klink and his guests would cause questions to be asked that he wasn't prepared to answer. Also, he didn't want to disappoint Gertrude or himself for that matter considering he was looking forward to an after dinner get-together. A small smile crossed his lips. He slowly got to his feet.
"Thanks, but I'm fine now that I've had a few hours sleep." He checked his watch. "Why does Klink want me there half and hour earlier than last night?" He saw Olsen shrug.
"He probably needs help with Burkhalter, sir," Olsen supposed. "With him, you never know."
Hogan chuckled. "You're probably right. I mean, this is Klink we're talking about." He then ran a hand through his hair before placing his crush cap on his head. "Well, I'd better freshen up as they say and then head over there. At least I have an hour so I don't have to rush."
Olsen smirked, amused. "I shudder to think what would happen if you ever decided to escape before one of Klink's dinners with the brass."
"It's simple," Hogan replied with a smug expression. "If he caught me before I left, he'd beg me to take him with me."
Both men found themselves chuckling at the thought. Olsen then left the Colonel alone in his quarters to get ready for dinner.
Arriving at 1800 hours as requested, Hogan noticed Klink was intensely nervous and appeared stiff as he tried to be a congenial host. He could tell immediately that the Kommandant wanted him there to steady his nerves, and if for no other reason that moral support. In addition, Klink always needed him to keep him from getting himself sent to the Russian front. Hogan also nodded to Frau Linkmeyer and General Burkhalter as he accepted a goblet of white wine.
Dinner was especially delicious this evening Hogan admitted to himself once he realized LeBeau had prepared his commander's favorite dish, coq au vin. Hogan reminded himself he had to thank the Frenchman personally when he got the chance later. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Gertrude, who he was seated beside, stealing a sideways glance at him as well, but both were careful not to be obvious about it.
"Gertrude, I have some news for you that you might like," Burkhalter suddenly announced with an amused look on his face at his sister who returned her brother's look but with arched eyebrows.
"And what would that be?" she asked nervously suspecting her brother was again attempting to match her with Klink.
"This Thursday, you and I will be going out to dinner at the Ratszeller with Klink and meet his young lady."
Hogan looked up at the Kommandant seeing him stiffen at the news and a frown on his face. Then, shifting his eyes to Gertrude, he noticed her frowning. He could tell she didn't want to go and was trying not to tell her brother to stop trying to marry her off to every officer he came across. He could also see that she was becoming annoyed.
"Must we? You know how special this Thursday is to me and that I will not be in the mood to celebrate. I want to be alone and remember Otto and what he means to me, and recall the day of our marriage. I also wish you would stop with this continuous means of trying to marry me off when there is no proof he is dead. Why can't you just support me in my belief that my husband is alive?"
Hogan and Klink exchanged looks; Klink wishing he was somewhere other than where he was, while Hogan was wishing he could intercede on Frau Linkmeyer's behalf. But all he could do was sigh and remain quiet.
But the General refused to be swayed. "I am thinking of you. I'm thinking this dinner out is exactly what you need this Thursday. I will not have you sitting in your guest quarters alone and depressed over another wedding anniversary without your husband. We are going out to dinner on Thursday, and that is the way it will be. Is that understood?" He hoped he didn't sound harsh, but sometimes he had to be extra firm at this time of the year if he was to get his point across.
Gertrude sighed softly and bowed her head, picking at the remains of her food. "Whatever you want, Albert," she said softly.
"Excellent," Burkhalter replied with the annoying smile he got on his face when he knew he had won his argument. He then faced Klink who looked nervously at the General.
"Now Klink…" Burkhalter began.
"Yes, Herr General."
Seeing that neither man was paying them any attention, Hogan suddenly stiffened as he felt something touch his thigh. Pretending to wipe his mouth with his napkin, he lowered his eyes ever so slightly and noticed Gertrude's hand resting on his leg. He stole a glance at her and saw a look of sadness in her eyes. He subtly nodded causing a smile to appear and fade quickly. He watched Gertrude wipe her mouth with her napkin and toss it on the table, getting to her feet. Her movement caused both Klink and her brother to look at her curiously.
"Where are you going?" asked Burkhalter.
"If you gentlemen will excuse me, I will head back to my quarters and rest."
"But we have not finished dinner or had dessert yet," the General reminded her. He saw his sister stare hard at him disapprovingly.
"I have suddenly lost my appetite. Please give my apologies to the cook. The dinner was delicious. Goodnight." She abruptly turned and walked away slamming the door to Klink's quarters loudly. Burkhalter frowned.
"Well," Hogan said with a slight tilt of his head. "Does that mean the dinner's over?" he asked innocently. He knew he couldn't visit Gertrude until lights out, and that was another two hours away at 2200 hours.
"Hogaaaaaannnnn!" Klink muttered with a shake of his fist at the American. Sometimes the American could be totally annoying, and now was such a time.
"Hogan, I suggest you cease with your wisecracks before I order Klink to toss you in the cooler for the duration of the war!" Burkhalter hissed glaring at the American. Keeping his calm, Hogan arched his eyebrows.
Things remained tense throughout dessert and continued afterwards when the men retired to the living room with Snifters of brandy and cigars.
"Tell me, Hogan…" Burkhalter had that cunning smirk on his face seated in a chair staring at Hogan who was seated on the couch. "…exactly what have you been up to lately? I sense you have not exactly been sitting idly by watching the war pass you by."
Hogan took a drink of brandy and shrugged, leaning back and crossing his legs. "Nothing special, General. In fact, my men and I have finished the tunnels we were digging, and are now working on an elevator to reach them. See, the tunnels are on a lower level." He looked at Klink. "You remember me mentioning that to you, don't you, Kommandant?"(1)
Burkhalter turned and glared at Klink; he was not amused and it showed.
Klink chuckled nervously, promising himself he would punish Hogan after the General left to return to Berlin. "Colonel Hogan was just kidding, Herr General."
"Klink, I've always wondered about Hogan. But now I'm starting to wonder about you as well," Burkhalter admitted. He knew Hogan enjoyed aggravating him and he fell for it every time for some reason. He then faced Hogan again who was checking his watch. "Going somewhere, Colonel?"
"Just checking the time. I have to relieve one of the men who's working on the elevator soon."
"Tell me about this elevator," Burkhalter requested deciding to go along with the American's tall tale. He had to admit the American was often very entertaining despite being a pest and having a smugness about him.
Finishing his brandy and putting out his cigar, Hogan leaned forward after uncrossing his legs. "Tell you what, General. I'll show you the blueprints for the elevator if you tell me what old Crazy Eyes is up to of late?"
Burkhalter's face turned so deep a shade of red and his eyes narrowed so much, that Klink thought the General might have a stroke at any minute. He himself glared at Hogan.
"Hogan, I suggest you get out of here before I do something I might regret!" the General hissed, his face turning a deeper red. "Like having you shot!"
"Hogan, I think you'd better return to your barracks before I order you put in the cooler," the Kommandant bellowed.
Shrugging, Hogan got to his feet and looked at both men. "Does that mean I don't get to find out what…"
Klink pointed to the door. "Out! Out!"
"Okay, okay. I know when I'm not wanted. Good evening, gentlemen." Hogan gave a sloppy salute to both men and left the room with an unseen smirk on his face. As his men were probably just beginning to clean up in the kitchen, he'd wait for them to return to the barracks. Then once in the barracks, he'd have to wait until lights out before slipping out the window in his room and to Frau Linkmeyer's quarters where he knew she'd be waiting up for him. A smile graced his face at the thought.
Gertrude was smiling as she stepped out of the bedroom still wearing the green dress she wore at dinner. She carried a silver tray on which sat a bottle of red wine and two glasses, and placed the tray on the coffee table then checked her watch. She still had just under two hours before Hogan would arrive. She had plenty of time to take a leisurely hot bath, freshen up, and change into something more comfortable before his arrival. She was satisfied that nearly everything was the way she wanted it to be. Just a few more things and everything would be perfect. She turned and headed for the bathroom.
Hogan was seated at the common table with a cup of coffee and reading a paperback when the door opened, and in trudged four very tired-looking men. Hogan looked over at them while closing his book.
"You guys look like you all had a long night," Hogan remarked with a sympathetic chuckle.
"I don't know about anybody else, but I'm beat," Carter admitted tiredly.
"Make that we're beat," Newkirk added stifling a yawn.
"I can't believe we have three more days of this," Kinch sighed.
"I hate cooking for filthy Bosche," LeBeau muttered. "They have no appreciation of French cuisine." He then knitted his eyebrows and looked at Hogan. "Colonel, what happened to Frau Linkmeyer? Newkirk told me she wasn't there by the time dessert was served."
"She and Burkhalter had a disagreement," Hogan explained. "And before I forget, LeBeau, the coq au vin was delicious."
LeBeau smiled and bowed. "Merci, Colonel. I know it is your favorite."
Hogan smiled. "And I have good news for you fellas. You all have Thursday off."
The men all slowly sat down at the table eying their commanding officer, puzzled.
"What happened, Colonel?" asked Kinch. "We were suppose to serve as waiters the entire week."
"I know," the Colonel answered. "But Burkhalter had Klink make a reservation for four at the Ratszeller for Thursday. He figures this way he can meet Bertha." Hogan glanced at his watch. "You guys better get changed as roll call will be happening soon, and afterwards, I suggest we all get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day."
After roll call and lights out, Hogan bid his men goodnight and walked into his private quarters to a chorus of 'goodnights' from his men. He quickly checked himself in his small mirror before turning out the lights in his room giving the men in the outer room the impression that he had gone to bed. After waiting for all sounds in the outer room to quiet down, Hogan then opened the shutters, and silently climbed out of the window, and quietly closed the shutters behind him. Then, keeping to the shadows, he made his way to Frau Linkmeyer's quarters.
Gertrude, now wearing a light blue cotton nightgown beneath a navy blue robe, belted at the waist, eyed the living room quickly making sure everything was just right. She allowed a small smile to appear as she closed the curtains to keep out any prying eyes from the outside. Her smile widened hearing the knocking on the door. Hurrying forward, she gripped the doorknob and opened the door to find a smirking Hogan standing outside with his hands behind his back. He casually walked inside and waited until she closed the door and locked it. Turning, she noticed him staring up and down approvingly with a grin on his handsome face.
"Very nice indeed," Hogan remarked. "That color looks good on you."
"Thank you, Robert. Would you pour us some wine, bitte?" She walked to the sofa with Hogan following, suspecting he was watching her ample hips as she moved, and sat down. She felt the dip on the cushion beside her as Hogan sat down. Picking up the bottle, Hogan opened the bottle and proceeded to pour some of the red wine into each glass; then handed one to Gertrude and took the other. Leaning back, he rested one arm across the back of the sofa, crossed his legs, and took a drink of wine as did she. She then moved closer and leaning back, rested her head on Hogan's shoulder. He heard her sigh wearily.
"I'm sorry about your brother earlier," he said quietly. "He had no right to say what he did about your husband. I so wanted to say something to him, but it would have been out-of-place for me to speak up without dire consequences to me."
"I'm glad you didn't speak up," Gertrude looked up into his face without moving her head off his shoulder. "He might have had you shot; or at least thrown in the cooler." She took a sip of her wine. Gertrude slowly moved her head upward and placed a brief kiss on Hogan's lips. Hogan, leaning forward, sat his glass down on the tray, then took hers and did the same. Then, he leaned his forehead against hers, eyes closed. He could feel Gertrude's hands touching both sides of his face. Then without warning, he crushed his lips against hers, his arms encasing her body and crushing her against him.
"Perhaps we should continue this conversation in your bedroom," Hogan suggested in a low voice, heavy with need and desire as he looked in her eyes. Instead of a verbal answer, Gertrude rose from the sofa, tightly grabbed his hand, and led him into her bedroom where a single lamp on one nightstand, bathed the bedroom in a pale glow. She closed and locked her bedroom door. Removing Hogan's cap, she tossed it onto the post of the bottom bed frame, then ran her fingers through his thick, soft hair as their lips met again passionately. Then they pulled apart and looked into each other's eyes, each one knowing how much the other needed this.
Gertrude unzipped Hogan's leather jacket first, and then slowly unbuttoned his shirt, needing to feel him. Once done, she ran her hands across his bare chest as Hogan pulled open the belt holding her robe together. He pulled the robe off her shoulders as she did his jacket and shirt. They then removed the rest of each other's clothes before falling onto the bed. Gertrude, her arms now wrapped around Hogan, pulled him closer to her as she and the American's limbs became entwined. They made love slowly, each wanting to savor the moment and have it last as long as possible until both were completely satisfied.
Nearly two hours later, Hogan lay with his head on Gertrude's chest. He felt her hand gently stroking his hair making him feel safe and warm in a way he hadn't felt with any other woman. Content, they both fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms.
Hogan stretched when he awoke in the early hours of the morning, but didn't get out of bed. Moving an arm behind his head, he turned his head to the side only to see Gertrude watching him intently. A slow smile appeared on her face causing one to appear on his.
"Hi," he said softly as he returned her smile.
"Hi, yourself," she replied. "How do you feel?"
"Tired but wonderful. And you?"
"The same."
"Good," Hogan said. He was about to say something else, but before he could utter a word, Gertrude kissed him passionately, plunging her tongue into his mouth and kept him pinned in place until he pulled away to breathe.
"Gertrude," Hogan sighed huskily.
"Yes, Robert?" she asked arching an eyebrow.
"Nothing," he replied as he leaned over her, took her in his arms, and again crushed his lips to hers.
(1) Discussion of the tunnels and an elevator is from the episode Happy Birthday, Adolph, Season 1.