Chapter 13

Hogan number two continued to watch the receding back of Kinch, and the backs of Carter and Newkirk which were nearly out of sight, when he felt someone tap him on the shoulder. He turned to see the figure of Hogan number one staring at him.

"What do you want?" Hogan number two asked coldly.

"Just so you know, our Kommandant wants you to report to his office right away," Hogan number one explained, dark eyes flashing dangerously. As his namesake started to walk away, Hogan number one put a hand on the man's chest stopping him. "Before you go anywhere, I have a bone to pick with you, friend."

"Oh?" Hogan number two asked with raised eyebrows. He had a suspicion as to what the problem was, but decided to act innocent. "Something wrong?"

"You bet your ass something's wrong. What did you do to Hilda last night?"

"Me? Nothing at all. I was the perfect gentleman. Why?" He suddenly smirked. "What's wrong? She suddenly won't give you the time of day?" Hogan number two watched the other Hogan grinding his jaw, and smiled. "Perhaps she's finally getting wise to you as well. Well, gotta go see what my Kommandant wants. We'll talk later." He brushed past Hogan number one and headed in the direction of the Kommandantur with Hogan number one glaring after him before shaking his head in disgust, turning, and walking quickly across the compound and in the direction of barracks number two.

As Hogan number two neared the steps of the Kommandantur, he turned upon hearing his name called, and was approached by a young prisoner, a private, whom he had seen around but as he hadn't had the chance to mingle with the other prisoners yet, didn't know. He paused with one foot on the bottom step of the building as he waited for the young man.

"Can I help you, Private…?" Hogan number two asked with a pleasant face.

"Hill, sir. Private Seymour Hill. I've only been here for one week and, well, sir, I just have to ask you something."

"Go ahead."

"Sir, I haven't yet met the Senior POW officer, but I've heard the whispers going around the camp. So, are you really Colonel Hogan?" asked Hill.

Hogan number two smiled genuinely. "Yes I am, so you can put your mind at rest. I am pleased to meet you, Private Hill. I'm only sorry I haven't yet had a chance to meet any of the other prisoners in camp yet." He shook the hand of the younger prisoner who smiled warmly.

"I'm honored to meet you finally, sir," Hill said. "And please forgive me for asking this question, but, why should I accept just your word that you are Colonel Hogan? I mean, everybody else seems pretty sure the other guy is the real Colonel Hogan."

"Well, I can certainly see your confusion." He draped an arm around the younger man's shoulders in a fatherly manner. "But I'll certainly try to answer your question. This other man has been here for awhile and has apparently worked his magic, so to speak, on everybody in this camp, including the guards, the Kommandant, and your fellow prisoners. It's no wonder everybody believes him. He's given them no reason not to. But see, that's what he's counting on. He wants everybody to feel comfortable around him, and to trust him. Then, when the prisoners least expect it, he'll have the Gestapo or whoever he's working for, swoop down on this camp and take over. And everybody knows how ruthless the Gestapo can be."

Private Hill looked confused. "I understand what you're saying, sir. It's just that to listen to the others who have been here longer talk, the other Colonel Hogan has been here for nearly three years and has done nothing but take care of the prisoners."

"Of course he has," Hogan number two squeezed the younger man's shoulders tightly. "That's all part of his charade. It takes time to build trust with so many men in this camp. It can't be done overnight. I bet anything every time he goes to see the Kommandant, he's squealing on what he's found out about certain prisoners trying to show the Germans they can trust him. Why do you think he didn't try too hard to keep those prisoners out of the cooler who got into the fight?"

Hill's eyes widened. "You mean the other Colonel Hogan asks for a diversion and then lets the men who took part in it get thrown into the cooler and doesn't try hard to get them out?"

"Exactly. I got them all released and had their privileges restored." He brought his head closer to Hill's. "Did you say diversion?"

"Yes, sir. The fight was staged from what I understood."

"Hmmm. That's interesting. Do you know the reason behind it?"

"No, sir. I just know it was staged. Didn't you know?"

"No, I didn't. Seems this imposter is smarter than I thought he was."

"What do you mean, Colonel?"

"What I mean, Private, is that it sounds like this imposter probably used the diversion he set up so he could slip information to the Gestapo or whoever he works for. Very clever of him."

Hill looked horrified at the thought. "You mean he used some of us prisoners to create a diversion so he could contact the Nazis and tell them things?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying, son."

"He's got to be stopped, Colonel. What are we going to do?"

"I intend to stop him, but I can't do it alone. I could use your help."

"What can I do, sir? You just tell me what you want me to do," Hill said eagerly.

Hogan number two smiled broadly. "For starters, I need you to keep your eyes and ears open, and let me know anything suspicious you hear or see. Next, are you friendly with any other prisoners in camp? Especially any new prisoners? "

Hill shrugged. "Not too many, sir. Maybe a couple of newbies I arrived in camp with who were assigned to other barracks, but that's about all so far. Corporal Stoddard and I were assigned to barracks nine. Oh, and Sergeant Rowland of barracks nine. He arrived nearly a month before we did. But he's an okay guy."

"How close to this imposter is this Sergeant Rowland?"

Hill shrugged. "I don't think he knows him that well. But I don't think he likes him."

"How do you know that?"

"Well, I overheard him talking to another prisoner when he thought I was asleep. I overheard him complain about not being made barracks chief in barracks nine. He seemed pretty upset about it. Seems this other Colonel Hogan made Captain Horner barracks chief and Sergeant Rowland was awful mad."

"Interesting. I would appreciate it very much if you would pass the word onto any new prisoners for me. It would be most helpful. Well, it was nice getting to know you, Private Hill. But I have to see what our Kommandant wants, and he's probably wondering where I am. I'm trying to convince him I'm the real Colonel Hogan. So I'll say goodbye for now. But, we'll talk again."

"Same here, Colonel. And don't you worry. I'll make sure to talk to as many new prisoners as possible and let them know that the other Colonel Hogan is a spy out to use them and that he probably works for the Gestapo."

He patted Hill on the back. "Good man." He then turned and trotted up the steps with Hill watching him until he disappeared through the door.

Watching the door close, Hill exhaled and smiled broadly. Turning, he ran back to his barracks knowing immediately what it was he was going to do.

Hogan number two noticed the sexy smile on Hilda's face when he entered the outer office. With a quick glance at the closed door to Klink's office, he approached Hilda's desk and leaning over it, gave the blond a quick kiss on the lips. "I'll see you after roll call tonight, beautiful," he said in a low voice.

Hilda smiled coyly at the man. "I look forward to it," she replied. She then gestured with her head to Klink's closed door. "But you'd better go on in. The Kommandant's waiting for you."

Hogan number two sighed sadly before exchanging another quick kiss on the mouth with the blond. He then walked over to the closed door and knocked.

"Come in," he heard the voice on the opposite side order. Gripping the doorknob, he opened the door and immediately exchanged salutes with Klink who he found lazily leaning back in his chair behind his desk, with fingers now pyramided in front of him.

"You wanted to see me, Kommandant?" Hogan number two asked innocently.

"Yes, I did. Come in. Come in," Klink announced gesturing with one hand for the man to come into the office. "Shut the door, Hogan number two." He waited until the man closed the door and stood in front of his desk. "Please, sit down. I'd like to talk with you a bit."

Curious, but not worried as to why the Kommandant wanted to see him, Hogan number two did as he was instructed. He sat down and crossed his legs, resting both hands on the arms of the chair. "What do you want to talk with me about?"

Klink slowly got to his feet, walked over to his liquor cabinet, and poured two glasses of Schnapps. "Nothing terribly important," he said with his back turned to the man. Picking up the two glasses, he walked over to the prisoner and handed one to him. "I just wanted to find out how things were going since we last spoke." He lifted his own glass in a salute before taking a sip of his drink.

Hogan smiled as he duplicated Klink's action and smacked his lips after taking a drink of the liquor. It was obviously the cheap stuff, but he really couldn't be picky. "Nothing much has changed since we last met, Kommandant," he said carefully.

"I see," Klink replied with what appeared to be a disappointed expression as he returned to his chair and sat down. "Well then, perhaps you can tell me how things are in barracks two having two Colonel Hogans present?"

Hogan number two figured out quickly that Klink was on a fishing expedition, probably to placate General Burkhalter, and decided to play along. He shrugged his shoulders.

"Interesting," was all he said. "What I mean is, sir, is that it's confusing to some of the men."

"Oh? In what way?"

"Well, I think some of them are confused as to whom to believe. I feel some of them would like to believe I am, but are hesitant to say anything because of the others. But on the bright side, I honestly feel Sergeant Carter is beginning to believe I am Colonel Hogan and that the other one is a fake."

Klink nearly choked on that news as he was taking a sip of Schnapps. He coughed and put the glass down on the desk. Sergeant Carter was one of Hogan's tight knit little group who was always with him. If he was beginning to think this new prisoner was the real Colonel Hogan….

"Are you sure about this?" Klink asked with open mouth and wide eyes.

"We've been talking, sir, and I believe he is beginning to accept me as the real thing. It's only a matter of time until he does. And once he does, the other prisoners will soon follow." He took a drink.

"Excellent," Klink said with a smile as he clapped his hands and rubbed them together excitedly. "General Burkhalter will be pleased with this news."

Hogan number two shifted a bit in his seat. "Kommandant, if I may ask, what will happen to the phony once he's been exposed?"

"That's none of your business. How much longer do you think it will be before we know for sure?"

Hogan number two shrugged as he finished his Schnapps. "I really can't say, Kommandant. These things take time. But I feel I am making progress slowly."

"And how are you getting along with the other Colonel Hogan?" He chuckled as he again picked up his glass. "You both obviously haven't killed each other as he was in my office earlier and here you are now."

Hogan number two sighed wearily, although how much was feigned and how much was real couldn't be told. "He's a pain in the…."

"Never mind. I already know. He said the same thing about you earlier. Very well, carry on. Dissss-missssed."

"Yes, sir," Hogan number two replied getting to his feet. He gave the Kommandant a sloppy salute before exiting the office, winking at Hilda as he passed her desk, and leaving the building. He had things to do.

"Can you believe that guy," Carter exclaimed as LeBeau unplugged the coffee pot. "Boy, it's a good thing you saw the phony going into Klink's office, LeBeau." When he didn't get a response, the young Sergeant noticed Kinch, LeBeau and Newkirk were all staring hard at him and frowned. "What?"

"That's what we'd like to know, Andrew," Newkirk said a bit harshly. "Just what's going on between you and this blighter?"

"Nothing," Carter said. "He talks and I listen to what he has to say. That's all."

"That's not how it sounded to us," Kinch said.

"Oui. It sounded more like you are starting to believe what he's saying," added LeBeau.

"Look," Carter began slowly. "I don't care how it sounds. I'd never turn against the Colonel."

"Yeah, but which Colonel wouldn't you turn against, Andrew?" asked Newkirk. "That's the question we have."

Carter didn't hide his hurt at not being believed by his friends even though, in a way, he could understand. "The Colonel Hogan we've shared a barracks with all this time, who else?" he asked.

"I hope you're tellin' us the truth, mon ami," said LeBeau. "Because if we find out you are trying to con us, things could become most unpleasant around here."

Carter's jaw dropped and his eyes widened in disbelief. "You guys are too much," he protested as he turned and brushed past Hogan number one who, during the tail end of the conversation, had quietly entered the room and stood in the doorway. The Colonel looked at the young Sergeant who brushed past him and then at his three remaining team members.

"What's wrong with Carter?" Hogan number one asked.

"Nothing, Gov'nor," Newkirk replied just a bit too quickly which only confirmed Hogan's suspicions. He folded his arms and stared at his men.

"It's as Newkirk says, mon Colonel. It is nothing to get upset about."

"Then why don't you tell me what it is so I can see if it is something I should get upset about," Hogan told them sternly. He was not in the mood for guessing games. "I'm waiting."

Kinch glanced at the others momentarily. "It's just that we over heard your namesake in Klink's office talking. And well, sir….he made it sound like Carter was starting to have doubts about you and would soon turn against you."

Hogan's eyebrows shot upward in amazement. "I see. Look, I understand you're all concerned about this guy as am I. And we all know Carter can be a bit talkative when he gets going. But he would never turn on us, and we don't need to be turning on each other. This is probably exactly what he wants. For us to start doubting and turning on each other just like you're doing with Carter."

"You are right, Colonel. Andre has always been a…how do you Americans say, a chatterbox. We're sorry, mon Colonel," said the Frenchman. "I guess we did sort of overreact."

"We reacted without thinking, Gov'nor. We're sorry."

"It's not me you need to apologize to," Hogan told them firmly. "It's Carter. I won't make it an order, but I suggest you go to him and tell him you're sorry. The sooner the better."

LeBeau smiled. "Oui, Colonel. Right away."

Just then the men paused when Olsen appeared behind Hogan. They all looked at him.

"What is it, Olsen?" asked Hogan.

"Sorry to interrupt, Colonel, but Schnitzer's truck is coming through the front gates."

With Hogan leading the way, the men all followed their commanding officer out of the barracks.

Schultz slowly trudged in the direction of the dog pen when he noticed the vet's truck pull up outside the pen. He resented having his nap interrupted by Schnitzer's truck making an unscheduled visit into Stalag 13, but as the Sergeant-of-the-Guard, it was his duty to keep the prisoners away from the dog pen. But before he could even come within sight of the dog pen, he was stopped by LeBeau, Kinch, and Newkirk who blocked his path.

"Was ist los?" the German asked impatiently.

"We just wanted to speak with you for a moment, Schultzie," the little Frenchman said with a devious smile.

"Yeah, we need you to settle a dispute for us," said Kinch with a glance over his shoulder. He saw Hogan number one quickly making his way to the dog pen and Schnitzer pulling a dog from the back of the truck by its collar.

"Out of my way, I have work to do," Schultz protested trying to move the three prisoners out of his way.

"C'mon, Schultzie," Newkirk begged. "You can't spare your ole mates five minutes?"

"Yeah, Schultz," Kinch said reaching into his pocket and removing two chocolate bars. Holding them up in front of the guard's pudgy face, the men all saw the German's eyes light up with anticipation of receiving the delicious treat.

"I guess I can spare five minutes for my favorite prisoners," Schultz replied with a smile as he took the chocolate bars in a large hand. "What is the problem?"

"Well," Newkirk began with a subtle glance over his shoulder and noticed Hogan talking with the vet and turned back to the guard. "See, it's like this, Schultzie. We were having an argument as to who's nuttier, Hitler, Himmler, or Goering."

The smile faded from Schultz's face. "Jolly jokers!" he growled and pushed past the trio and headed for the dog pen. The men watched him walk away.

"See, I told you he didn't know either," said LeBeau. "I win the bet."

Schultz noticed Colonel Hogan shaking hands with Schnitzer as he rounded the corner.

"Colonel Hogan, what are you doing here?" he hissed. "You know you're not suppose to be here! And why are you shaking hands with Schnitzer?"

Hogan arched his eyebrows. "Gee whiz, Schultz. Can't a guy offer congratulations?"

"It is verboten for a prisoner….congratulations? Congratulations for what?"

"Congratulations on Schnitzer and his wife on their wedding anniversary." Hogan glanced back at the vet with an amused expression and noticed the vet chuckling.

"That's right, Schultzie," Schnitzer said looking at the guard. "You at least could congratulate me and Greta. You should be ashamed that a prisoner knows and you don't."

"I'm sorry, all right," Schultz said apologetically. "Happy anniversary, Schnitzer." The overweight guard then stared at the vet suspiciously. "Why are you even here? You were just here two days ago to change the dogs." He smirked. "I suspect some monkey business is going on here."

"What monkey business, Schultz," Schnitzer answered. "I have to take Fritz here and brought Bruno to replace him with."

But Schultz was still wary. "And just why would you be taking Fritz, hmmm? There is something fishy going on." His eyes darted between Hogan and the vet.

Schnitzer just shook his head. "You've been listening to too many of the Fuhrer's longer speeches, Schultzie," he said with an amused grin. "The Gestapo wants Fritzie here and I simply brought another dog to replace him. Now, if you want to tell the Gestapo they can't have Fritz, go right ahead. Just make sure you leave an address where we can write you at the Russian front."

Hogan chuckled watching the rotund guard wilt. "Don't worry so much, Schultz. It might take longer, but I hear the mail will still get through. Besides, you know the mail carrier's motto. Neither snow…."

"Never mind!" Schultz shouted. He pointed at Schnitzer. "You, change the dogs! And you…" he then pointed at Hogan. "…back to the barracks before somebody sees you here. Back, back, back."

Hogan rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay, I'm going. Congratulations again, Schnitzer." He then walked away with a small smile on his face which the guard didn't see. He was soon met by Kinch, Newkirk, LeBeau and Carter. He was glad to see the young Sergeant as he had not been with them when they left the barracks.

Hogan's eyes wandered from Carter to the others questioningly. "Carter, everything all right now?"

"Oh sure, Colonel," Carter said with a slight grin. "I mean, when I thought about what we overheard, I could see how they could think what they thought. So, after Schultz walked away, I walked over to them and they apologized for what they said, and I told them I was sorry for causing them to think what they did and that they had nothing to worry about."

"So everything's fine now?"

"Oui, Colonel. Everything is fine now."

"What happened, Colonel?" asked Kinch. "Did Schnitzer have the information from Otto?"

Hogan smiled. "That he did. He brought Bruno and took Fritz. We'll get the information when our friend goes on his date after evening roll call. We can't chance him seeing our tunnel entrance. But I suggest for now we all return to the barracks and get some rest."

As Hogan led his men back towards the barracks, none of them noticed two sets of eyes which had been watching them the entire time.

"See, I told you," the owner of one pair of eyes said. "It's just like Colonel Hogan said. This phony's passing information to the Nazis, and I bet he's using the vet to do it."

The owner of the other pair scratched his chin. "We can't be sure about that, kid. But I agree him sneaking around just to see that vet is suspicious. I think we should tell this to Sergeant Rowland. He'll know what to do. C'mon."

The owners of the two pairs of eyes warily left their hiding place and headed in the direction of barracks nine.