Chapter 13-A Night to Remember
The dinner on this night had not only been delicious, but one of LeBeau's best efforts as far as Hogan was concerned. He had ordered LeBeau to prepare something special for Gertrude being this was her last night in camp covering by indicating a special meal might make her more 'talkative' later. The Frenchman hadn't disappointed his commanding officer. Hogan reminded himself to compliment LeBeau on his meal when he returned to the hut afterwards. After an equally delicious dessert and coffee, it was time for everyone to gather in the living room for after dinner drinks and talk.
Hogan joined Klink, Burkhalter, and Gertrude into the living room, and sat beside Frau Linkmeyer on the sofa holding a Snifter of brandy as did Gertrude and the others. The two of them made sure to keep their eyes off each other so as not to arouse Burkhalter's suspicion in any way. Burkhalter was seated in a large chair, and Klink in one of the smaller ones. Intending for things to go smoothly tonight, before he joined the others for dinner, Hogan had slipped into the kitchen to check of the progress of the meal, and managed to slip the bottle of sleeping pills to LeBeau with instructions for following dessert, to drop one pill into each of the drinks of both German officers.
All during dinner and dessert, Hogan had kept his eyes on both Burkhalter and Klink listening to the General's not so subtle questioning of Klink about several guards of whom he was curious. He figured the General was trying to find out who spent the night with his sister. And if there was one thing of which Hogan was certain, it was that Burkhalter was not subtle with his questions. Now watching the two German officers as they sipped their drinks, knowing the pills would be taking effect in less than twenty minutes, he quickly drained his own glass, yawned, and stood up stretching.
"Well, Kommandant, I've had a nice time at your dinner, but I'm gonna head back to the barracks and turn in for the evening. It's been a long day and I'm beat."
Burkhalter glanced at the American. "Leaving us so soon, Hogan?" he asked. "I would have thought you'd want to take advantage of the free drinks and cigars."
"I would except you and the Kommandant refuse to tell me what old Bubble head is up to of late and…"
"That's enough!" Burkhalter hissed as Klink froze at the American's words. "I suggest you get out of here now! At once!"
"Schultz!" Klink bellowed.
Hogan offered both men a sloppy salute before turning to Gertrude. "Frau Linkmeyer, a pleasure." Hogan took her hand and kissed it in a gentlemanly manner before turning around to see the large figure of Schultz who had entered the room quietly. He stared, puzzled, into the room at the gathering.
"You called for me, Herr Kommandant?" he asked.
"Home, James," Hogan joked. Not understanding what Hogan was saying, Schultz looked at the Kommandant.
"Dummkopff, escort Colonel Hogan back to the barracks, then return and escort his men back as well. They should be finished cleaning up by the time you return."
"Jawohl, Herr Kommandant." Schultz exchanged salutes with Klink, then stood aside to allow Hogan to pass him.
Minutes later, Hogan walked into barracks two and turned in the doorway. "Thanks for the escort, Schultz," he smirked. "But I can handle it from here. I promise to be here for roll call. Make sure you get the guys back here safely also."
"Jawohl, Colonel Hogan," Schultz replied turning away and heading back to the Kommandant's quarters. Hogan, meanwhile, waited until his bulky figure was out of sight before closing the door and heading to his private quarters to relax until after evening roll call.
By the time Schultz returned to the Kommandant's quarters nearly ten minutes later, Burkhalter and Klink were looking like they were falling asleep. Gertrude suspected they had too much alcohol. Regardless, she was amused watching the two men fighting to stay awake.
"I have returned, Herr Kommandant," Schultz announced.
"Excellent, Schultz," Klink stifled a yawn behind a hand. "You will escort Colonel Hogan's men back to the barracks."
"Jawohl." As Schultz started for the kitchen area to retrieve the other prisoners, a voice stopped him.
"Sergeant Schultz." It was Frau Linkmeyer. "I would appreciate it if you would escort me to my quarters after you return Colonel Hogan's men back to their barracks."
Burkhalter yawned loudly. "Why are you leaving this early, Gertrude?"
"Because we have a long drive ahead of us tomorrow morning. And since we are leaving shortly after breakfast, I would prefer to get my packing done tonight than wait until the last minute."
Burkhalter nodded, his head bobbing up and down as he struggled keeping his eyes open, while Klink's head kept falling to the side.
"Make sure you get Frau Linkmeyer…" the rest of Klink's orders were lost on everybody.
Gertrude exhaled loudly and shook her head as she and Schultz exchanged looks. "Albert, you and Klink should really go to bed. You are both falling asleep."
Burkhalter yawned loudly and struggled as he pushed himself up from his chair. "Perhaps you are right," he mumbled sleepily. He looked at Klink who was sleeping in his chair, head resting on one shoulder, and shook his opposite shoulder startling the man. Klink looked up at the General as Gertrude and Schultz walked into the kitchen area to retrieve Hogan's men.
"Huh? Wha..?" Klink muttered sleepily.
"Klink, wake up you Dummkopf! We are both falling asleep and should go to bed. It has been a long day." He waited for the Kommandant to stagger to his feet, and as if in a fog, stagger out of his living room with Burkhalter following him. As Klink staggered into his bedroom, Burkhalter left the Kommandant's quarters and somehow made his way to his own guest cottage where he managed to reach his bedroom. Both men were barely able to change out of their uniforms before falling into bed. They were asleep before their heads hit their pillows.
Hogan was relaxing on his upper bunk pretending to be reading a paperback book when he heard voices outside his door just before the door opened. He looked up to see the quartet walking inside his room. He laid the book down on his lap and stared with the familiar twinkle in his eyes.
"You guys look like you've had a long week," Hogan chuckled.
"Easy for you to say, boy. I mean Colonel," Carter interjected wearily.
"Oui. All you had to do was eat, drink, and talk to Frau Linkmeyer all night," LeBeau added.
Hogan folded his arms across his chest. "You think trying to find things to keep a conversation going is easy?"
"Opposed to standing over a hot stove cooking…" LeBeau complained.
"Or standing on your feet half the night serving food and pouring drinks, yes," added Newkirk.
Hogan feigned hurt feelings. "Then perhaps one of you would like to take my place tonight and get Frau Linkmeyer to spill her guts."
"Begging the Colonel's pardon," Kinch began. "But since Frau Linkmeyer's accustomed to talking to you, and we wouldn't want to have her become flustered by springing somebody new on her on her last night in camp." He smirked.
"Thanks," Hogan replied feigning sarcasm.
"Mon Colonel, is that why you had me add a sleeping pill to the drinks of Burkhalter and Klink?"
"That's right. I don't need any rude surprises from Burkhalter or Klink on my last night of getting information from Burkhalter's sister. One time was enough." He checked his watch.
"We'd better get ready for roll call. Afterwards, I will leave my quarters through the window, and will be back in time for morning roll call, so don't wait up for me."
"Yes, sir," Newkirk spoke for all of them.
"And relax," Hogan added moving the paperback aside and jumping down from his upper bunk. "At least after enduring a week with Burkhalter and his sister, I'm sure Klink won't be in the mood to entertain." He chuckled as his men grumbled leaving his quarters to get ready for roll call.
Gertrude tightened the belt around her robe as she placed the tray on which sat a bottle of wine and two glasses on the coffee table in front of the vase of flowers. She smiled as she thought about the two-part surprise she had in mind for Hogan. Part one he would get soon after he arrived, but the second part would come a short while later afterwards. She heard a rapping on her window and her smile widened.
Covering the short distance to the window, Gertrude pulled back the curtain and was greeted by the smiling face of Robert Hogan looking back at her. She raised the window and stood back allowing Hogan to climb inside the living room. He closed the window afterwards, and pulled down the shade to keep out prying eyes. He turned around to see Gertrude sitting on the sofa patting the vacant space beside her. Hogan sat down beside her and grabbing the wine bottle, poured a glass of wine for both of them.
"Cheers," he raised his glass; she did the same. Clinking their glasses together, the two took a drink of the red wine before leaning back on the sofa and looking at each other.
"You know, Robert," Gertrude began with a shake of her head. "Albert questioned me this morning at breakfast trying to find out who the young man in camp is who captured my attention," Gertrude explained with a chuckle. "He saw the flowers, champagne and caviar the other night."
Hogan arched an eyebrow. "Oh? What did you tell him?"
Gertrude repeated her story to Hogan who laughed. "I wish I could've seen his face when you told him that."
"No you don't," Gertrude replied with a grin as she clinked her glass against Hogan's again. "He didn't believe a word, and he spent the entire day looking closely at every man in camp under Klink's command who stopped to talk with me. It was quite humorous really."
"I'll bet," Hogan replied. He noticed a twinkle in her eyes. "What is it?"
"This time I remembered to lock the outer door unlike the last time. Should Albert decide to pay us an unexpected visit again, he will not be able to gain entry into my quarters."
Hogan sighed. "Good. Still, I don't think your brother or the Kommandant will be any trouble tonight. It's just a feeling I have."
Gertrude, taking another drink of wine, studied his face as she ran her hand holding her glass along the back of Hogan's. "Just why do you feel that way? You sound almost positive about it."
Hogan shrugged his shoulders. "No reason. I just think after the last time, I suspect the General would hesitate to burst in here again. And Klink wouldn't dare because he's afraid of your brother. Simple logic." Gertrude chuckled while he took another drink. Suddenly she placed her glass on the coffee table, took Hogan's glass and placed it beside hers, and slowly got to her feet. Standing in front of Hogan, she stretched out her arm gesturing for Hogan to take her hand which he did. He allowed her to pull him to his feet. He looked at her curiously. "What've you got in mind?"
"I have two surprises for you tonight, Robert, seeing as tomorrow after breakfast I will be leaving and returning to Berlin. She stood back from Hogan, releasing his hand and undoing the belt of her robe. Opening it, she noticed his eyes widen like saucers and his mouth drop; she was completely naked. He tried to say something but found the power of speech had momentarily eluded him.
"I…I think I'm somewhat overdressed," Hogan replied when he was finally able to speak again. Moving closer, he slid his arms around her waist pulling her close as she unzipped his jacket and started slowly unbuttoning his shirt. She ran her hands across his bare chest before her arms encircled his body. He began kissing her down her neck as he eased the robe from her shoulders, and ran his hands over her body. She had an amused grin appear on her face as his anticipation pressed against her. She unbuckled his belt and let it hang.
"You are still too overdressed for your second surprise," she added huskily. Grabbing his hand again, she led him into the bedroom closing and locking the door behind them. She quickly helped him remove his clothes and dropped her robe to the floor as they fell on the bed. Then, with him gazing down at her, she nuzzled his neck before kissing him passionately. He in turn, plunged his tongue into her mouth holding her in place until they needed to pull away for air. "Robert," Gertrude moaned as his excitement grew. "Roll over on your stomach," she whispered in his ear. Following her instructions, Hogan allowed her to help him turn over on his stomach.
Like a Cheshire cat with a mouse she had cornered, she climbed on his thighs straddling them, one leg on each side of his body. She began rubbing his shoulders, neck and back.
Massaging him, she felt the tightness of the muscles beneath start to loosen and the stress leave his body under her fingertips. She also knew she had been right; there wasn't an ounce of fat anywhere on his entire body. Hogan definitely kept himself in excellent physical condition. He turned his head sideways and rested it on folded arms, a smile on his face.
"Ummm," he murmured contentedly, eyes closed. "Feels so good. I wish I could stay like this until the war ends." Gertrude, deepening her caresses, continued moving down his back and lower until she reached his bare buttocks. She kneaded them expertly as well eliciting a contented moan from Hogan. A stirring began in her groin area in response to his reaction. About thirty minutes later, Hogan rolled over and he was again on top. With limbs entwined, their joining became immediate and quite passionate. They savored each caress, each kiss, until both were thoroughly and completely sated.
Afterwards, Hogan stretched both arms above his head as he now lay on his back. He was more relaxed and satisfied than he ever had since these liaisons began. He placed an arm behind his head, the other resting on his bare chest, and stared up at the ceiling. Not wanting to forget what had just occurred, he wanted to savor every minute, and have the memories seared into his brain. With movement beside him, he looked over and saw Gertrude cuddling up beside him, her head resting on his chest. He removed the arm from behind his head and sliding it under Gertrude's body, wrapped it around her shoulders pulling her close.
"So, did you like your surprises?" Gertrude asked with a sigh.
Hogan kissed the tip of her nose. "I did." He chuckled. "Do you want to hear something funny?"
"What is it?"
"All day I kept thinking of what to do to make our last night special other than having LeBeau cook something special for dinner which he did. While lying in my quarters thinking, I came up with what I thought would be the perfect thing. Only thing is, it was the same thing you just did. The massage."
Gertrude started laughing and covered her mouth trying to stifle it. "You're not serious?"
"I am. Now I'm kinda embarrassed because I wanted to give you what you already gave me. But I don't have the time to think of something else, so I don't know what to do."
Gertrude nuzzled Hogan's neck again. "Robert, I would love those hands of yours to work their magic."
Hogan lifted his head slightly. "You're serious?"
"Yes. I want to feel those hands."
"Okay," Hogan whispered in her ear as he helped her roll over on her stomach as he straddled her thighs. She purred her contentment as his hands worked their magic kneading the tender flesh beneath his hands. He found his breathing quickening and a stirring in his loins as she reacted to his administrations. Soon, they found themselves making love a second time, slowly, relishing and enjoying each other in every way. Once they were both completely satisfied, Hogan wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, snuggling his front against her back in a spooning position, and they were soon sound asleep.
"All right, let's say Otto is alive. How would he feel learning you slept with another man while he was missing-in-action?"
"You're not being fair."
Gertrude's eyes flew open with a start as those words flooded her mind. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Robert Hogan sleeping soundly, and did her best not to disturb him. She covered her mouth with a hand to muffle her sobbing as her brother's words kept echoing through her mind.
She exhaled deeply as her body continued to shake from sobbing. The question to be answered was would he forgive her for sleeping with another man? She wiped at her eyes with the pads of her fingertips as fresh tears started falling. So absorbed was she that she didn't notice the movement behind her.
"Gertrude? What's the matter?"
Looking over her shoulder, Gertrude found herself staring into Hogan's concerned eyes. She threw her arms around Hogan's neck and hugged him tightly burying her face into the crook of his neck.
"Robert…" she sobbed as he held her close. "I don't know what to do."