Chapter 28

After Hilda had departed, Hogan number two fell back in his seat mumbling under his breath at his own stupidity for moving too fast too soon. But he was positive that Hilda would eventually submit. He couldn't understand what had gone wrong. All he could hope for now was that the blond wouldn't report him to Klink. All he could do is wait and see what the morning brought, and deal with any trouble then. With a sigh, he slowly emerged from the back seat and noticing nobody in the area, decided to seek out his partner before returning to the barracks.

He found Gower taking a cigarette break behind barracks eighteen, hidden in the shadows. But he could still recognize his outline and notice the wisps of smoke from the cigarette.

"Hans," Hogan number two greeted the man softly not wanting anybody in the barracks to overhear. He heard Gower chuckle as the man turned his face toward Hogan number two. "You're here early. What happened with Klink's secretary? Couldn't score with her?"

Hogan number two placed his hands on his hips and shook his head and exhaled. "Naaaa. The little bitch is playing hard to get. But that's okay. Next time I get her alone, I won't be taking no for an answer. But I didn't want you to meet me here to discuss the blond slut. I need you to do something for me."

Gower took another drag on his cigarette and blew the smoke out his nose. "What do you need?"

Hogan number two looked over his shoulder making certain nobody was around before he spoke again. "I need you to get in touch with van Kueren. Tell him I need two weapons, fully loaded, and I need them by tomorrow night at the latest."

Gower took a final drag on his cigarette before dropping it on the ground and crushing it with his boot. "You still planning on killing Hogan?"

Hogan number two smirked. "I do. And I really don't care if Major Hochstetter doesn't like it. I'll just tell him it was self-defense. Once Hogan's out of the way, I can then take over as Senior POW without any interference from him anymore, and expose his entire operation."

"I'll get myself a pass from Klink tomorrow and have van Kueren meet me in town and talk with him," Gower explained. "Getting a bit risky to keep having him come to this pigsty too much and only talking to you." He suddenly crossed his arms. "Just out of curiosity, why the rush to kill Hogan all of a sudden?"

Hogan number two quickly explained the deadline Klink had told him about set by Burkhalter. "Not counting today, I got exactly four days to take care of things before Hogan and I are both turned over to the Gestapo."

Gower sighed. "I understand that. And we both know that Hogan would be executed by the Major and you'd probably be returned here as the real Hogan to continue the assignment."

Hogan number two shook his head and crossed his arms. "I very much doubt that, Hans," he said. "Major Hochstetter will see my mission as a failure and have me shot as well rather than send me back here to replace Hogan, and I cannot allow that to happen. No, the only way to succeed is to kill Hogan, take over here, and expose his operation before Friday. So get me those weapons."

Gower nodded. "I'll slip into Klink's office, contact the Captain, and set up a meeting for tomorrow evening. You'll have the weapons when I return."

Hogan number two smiled and gripped Gower's shoulder. "Excellent. By this same time Friday, there will only be one Colonel Hogan in this camp and it'll be me."

Hogan listened carefully as Olsen updated him on what had transpired between Hilda and the phony. The Colonel, despite the anger he felt rising in his throat at just hearing that the phony had attempted to force himself on the woman, a slight smile appeared on his lips knowing that Hilda had handled things on her own and had gotten safely away. After thanking the Sergeant, Hogan then ordered him to keep watch at the door before pouring himself a cup of warm coffee knowing that in the morning he'd make certain that Hilda was never alone with the bastard again. But first he would check on her himself. Sitting down at the table, he glanced over at Carter who was seated on his bunk looking at him. The young Sergeant quietly approached the table and sat down across from Hogan.

"Something on your mind, Carter?" the Colonel asked seeing the young man's expression.

Carter shrugged. "I'm just worried about Newkirk, sir," he replied. "I mean, I know he's better than he was, but I'm still worried."

Hogan smiled. "I know you are." He took a drink of coffee before continuing. "But seeing as LeBeau hasn't returned yet I assume he's with Peter and Louie is more than capable of looking after him, so I wouldn't worry. Believe me when I say if I didn't need Newkirk I wouldn't have used him. But he knows that radio almost as well as Kinch."

Carter smiled. "I know you wouldn't, sir. And I know Peter wouldn't want to let you down if you really needed him. None of us would in fact."

Hogan patted Carter's arm. "Thanks."

Both men turned at the sound of the door opening and noticed Kinch quickly squeezing past Olsen who immediately resumed his post of keeping watch. The radioman poured a cup of coffee and sat down with Hogan and Carter.

"Well?" asked Hogan looking at his second-in-command anxiously.

Kinch shook his head and took a drink of coffee. "The antenna's jammed all right," he said sadly. "But the problem isn't up on the roof inside the flagpole. Therefore, the problem has got to be below." He took another drink of coffee and studied the tired look on the Colonel's face. "I noticed Olsen watching the door. How'd things go as far as Hilda's date was concerned?"

Hogan exhaled through his nose. "It could have been worse. Our friend tried but Hilda was able to handle things without Olsen having to intervene. But tomorrow I have to make sure she has protection from that guy for as long as he's here which hopefully won't be much longer."

"That's gonna be kinda hard, Colonel," Kinch said. "I mean considering Hilda doesn't exactly trust you right now."

Hogan shrugged his shoulders and allowed a devious grin to appear. "Who says I'm gonna tell her about the protection?"

Olsen suddenly looked over his shoulder at Hogan. "Colonel, somebody's coming this way. I think it's LeBeau." Seconds later, an out-of-breath Frenchman entered the barracks. He exhaled deeply sitting down at the table with the others. They waited patiently until the Frenchman got his breath back.

"Pierre is back in the cooler, Colonel," LeBeau said finally. "I stayed with him to help as he was still a bit shaky from being poisoned, but he is all right. Just tired. The problem with the antenna is below, mon Colonel. It is apparently bent at the bottom and is jammed up tight against the inside of the flagpole. According to Pierre, it looks like it happened when Kinch tried raising the antenna, and when it got stuck, then tried lowering it."

Hogan sighed, closed his eyes, and pinched the bridge of his nose. Just what he didn't need was another problem. "Can it be fixed before a new radio detector truck arrives in camp?" he asked not opening his eyes.

"Non, Colonel," LeBeau replied with a shake of his head as Hogan opened his eyes to look at him. "According to Pierre, the antenna is jammed tight and might take perhaps a week or more to fix it." He noticed the Colonel just shake his head. "Sorry, Colonel," he added.

"It's not your fault, LeBeau, yours or Newkirk's." Hogan gripped his coffee cup with both hands as it sat on the table and tapped his fingers against it as he thought about what to do. "Well, looks like contacting London is out for now." He turned to the radioman. "Kinch, tomorrow I want you to start working on that antenna and see if you can un-jam it and fix it. We need to get that radio working. Newkirk will have to help you."

LeBeau's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. "But Colonel, Pierre is…"

Hogan nodded. "I know. But I can't afford to have you or Carter missing for three straight days, especially Carter. It would arose suspicions if Carter is missing for any length of time. Same with your culinary skills, LeBeau. Our friend would miss you as would we all."

"But Colonel, I could help Kinch with the repairs," LeBeau offered. "Please let me take Pierre's place with Kinch. I can do it." The Frenchman saw and recognized the look on Hogan's face indicating the Colonel was not going to budge. He frowned and hung his head.

"I'm sorry. I appreciate the offer but I just can't risk it. If you work all night with Kinch below, you're going to be too exhausted to do anything during the day. And believe me when I say it won't take long for our friend to start wondering why you are suddenly so tired during the day. Also, I can't use anybody from another barracks as with the exception of you guys and Newkirk, I can't be certain who I can trust right now."

LeBeau began to nod as he raised his head and looked at his commanding officer. "Oui. You are right, mon Colonel. I did not consider that."

"Excuse me, Colonel," said Kinch, worried. "But this guy's influence seems to be only over the newbies. Surely the ones who have been here longer know you and are trustworthy enough."

Hogan sighed. "I'm not so sure anymore. Lately, I've been receiving some odd but subtle looks from people here that I thought I could trust. Also, I've been hearing some whispers when I walk around the compound."

"Tell me who these people are, Colonel!" LeBeau hissed, jabbing his forefinger onto the table. "Tell me, and I will straighten them out for you!"

Hogan smiled at the little Frenchman. He was touched by the Frenchman's loyalty to him, but he also knew he was quick to anger when somebody threatened, insulted, or harmed any of his friends. "Calm down. The only way to change the opinions of these people is to expose the phony for what he truly is and get rid of him."

"But Colonel…." LeBeau began.

"No. I do not condone fighting among the men here no matter what the reason. So you will not be 'straightening' anybody out. Consider it an order, Corporal."

"Oui, Colonel," LeBeau said quietly while not looking happy. He hung his head and stared at a spot on the table.

"Do you know how you're gonna explain my absence from the barracks just in case?" Kinch asked eying his commanding officer, hoping to change the subject. He saw Hogan look his way.

"I have an idea but I need to work out some details," Hogan replied with a grin. "You both begin tomorrow evening after lights out. Just keep in mind you only have possibly three days to get the radio working."

Kinch sighed wearily. "Colonel, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but what happens if we can't get the antenna fixed in the allotted time period?"

Hogan exhaled through his mouth. "Then we are on our own with no help from anybody on the outside whatsoever," he said grimly.

"Not to mention only four days to resolve things before the filthy Gestapo Bosche come and take you and the batard away, Colonel," LeBeau reminded him with a grave look on his face.

Hogan was about to respond when Olsen spoke out closing the door of the barracks.

"Colonel, the phony's heading this way," he announced.

Hogan glanced around at his men. "Scatter and look natural," he ordered as he remained seated with Kinch and LeBeau while Carter scrambled back to his bunk, grabbed a paperback book from his bed and pretended to resume reading when the door of the barracks opened and Hogan number two walked in and looked around.

Corporal Gower quietly entered Klink's office using his flashlight in the darkened office, but being careful not to let it be seen by anybody from outside. Closing the door behind him, he quietly made his way to the Kommandant's desk, placed his flashlight on the desk and pulled the phone close to him. Picking up the receiver, he pressed it against his ear.

"Gestapo headquarters in Hammelburg," he said in a low voice not wanting to alert anybody outside the Kommandantur or in Klink's quarters. He smiled cunningly. "Captain van Kueren, bitte. Danke." After a few minutes, he heard the familiar voice on the other end.

"Captain van Kueren speaking."

"Herr Captain, this is Corporal Gower."

"Yes, Corporal. What have you to report?"

"Herr Captain, I have a request which needs to be filled."

"What does he need?"

"He needs two fully loaded lugers by tomorrow night, sir." There was a minute of silence on the other end before van Kueren replied.

"And why does he need these weapons? And unless I am mistaken, don't you have lugers in the camp?"

"Yes, sir. But somebody is always watching and it is difficult to confiscate any weapons without being seen. As far as what they are needed for, our friend intends to murder Colonel Hogan."

"That was not the mission, Gower. You were to aid our friend in replacing Hogan as Senior POW officer and exposing his operation. Major Hochstetter wouldn't like it if somebody other than him put a bullet in Hogan's head."

"I understand, sir. But Hogan has become a serious problem. Our friend cannot make any move of late without Colonel Hogan watching his every move. Also, he's become too suspicious of late. Both of us are worried that he is up to something."

"Is Hogan aware of our friend's true identity? Is that why he must die?"

"Nein, Herr Captain. Hogan has no idea our friend is a former member of the 504th. But the way he is watching and poking around, it will not take him long to figure it out. And you know what that could mean for us if he does."

"I know. Gower, the Gestapo is coming to Stalag 13 Saturday to remove both our friend and Colonel Hogan from camp. Surely our friend can wait until then. After Saturday, the Major will have Colonel Hogan in a Gestapo cell and he will cease to be a problem; and our friend will be returned to Stalag 13 as the real Hogan."

"Captain, if I may be so bold as to remind you that even if the Gestapo removes both our friend and the real Colonel Hogan without uncovering Hogan's operation, the Major will consider the mission a failure, and you, I, and our friend will pay the consequences of that failure. You know as well as I that the Gestapo does not accept failure of any kind. And the only way to avoid it is to dispose of Hogan." There was a long moment of silence before van Kueren spoke again. There was the sound of an exhaling of breath heard.

"Very well. But afterwards we will have to come up with a plausible explanation that the Major will accept without question. And Gower, this murder will remain between the three of us and will never be discussed again. Is that understood?"

"Jawohl, Herr Captain."

"And make sure our friend understands it as well. Our lives will depend on it."

"Understood, sir. Now, what about the weapons?"

"I will have them for you tomorrow evening and can bring them into camp on the premise of having to question our friend again."

"Nein, Herr Captain. It is too risky as Hogan is watching and I believe he is suspicious of your repeated visits here and questioning our friend. But I have a suggestion."

"And that is?"

"I have given it some thought. I will get a twelve-hour pass into town and meet you for dinner at the Hofbrau tomorrow evening. You can pass the weapons to me then and I will then return to camp with them."

"Very well, Gower. But we'd all better pray that nothing goes wrong because if it does, we will all face the wrath of Major Hochstetter, and I need not remind you it will not be a pretty sight."

"I understand, Herr Captain. Danke. Until tomorrow evening then. Heil Hitler." He then hung up the phone and grinned as he placed it back in its original place on the desk. Picking up the flashlight, he turned it off and quietly left Klink's office. A smile crossed his face as he thought that despite how clever Hogan was, if the plan worked, the American Colonel would never see it coming.

The phony continued to look around the barracks before his eyes hardened as they fell on the Colonel. "Still awake, Colonel? I'm touched you were so worried that you waited up for me to return home." He smirked.

Hogan looked over his shoulder at the man and then looked away as he took a drink of coffee. "Actually," he said with a chuckle. "I stayed awake hoping to hear you had perhaps escaped never to be seen or heard from again." He decided not to bring up Hilda in any way unless the phony brought her up first.

Hogan number two chuckled. "Well I'm afraid to disappoint you by still being here then."

LeBeau glared up at the man. "But you hopefully won't be much longer," he hissed.

Hogan glanced at the fiery little Frenchman and patted his hand. "Now, now, LeBeau. He can't help it if he's a disgusting, unwanted, not so nice person with no redeeming qualities." Hogan saw Kinch smirk out of the corner of his eye same time he heard LeBeau chuckling. Hogan number one chuckled himself.

"I could hear Pierre saying the same time, mon Colonel," LeBeau remarked grinning.

But Hogan number two smirked as he studied the trio. "If I were you, Colonel, I would be careful for what you wish for. You may be in for a rude surprise."

Hogan number one, Kinch, and LeBeau all turned their heads in the direction of the man. Even Carter had put down his book and glanced back and forth between the two officers now. In fact, the entire barracks had gone quiet and everybody was watching the two men.

"I'm not worried," Hogan number one explained, his face unreadable but relaxed. "But since we're exchanging threats, I suggest you keep looking over your shoulder every chance you get, because sometimes what you wish for others comes back to you twofold. And when it does, I'm going to be right there to witness and enjoy it."

Grinding his lower jaw in controlled anger, Hogan number two turned and marched into the smaller quarters and slammed the door. Now alone, he began pacing in an attempt to work off the anger he felt as well as the nervous excitement of what was to come. Slowly, he smiled and crossed his arms across his chest.

"Laugh all you want to now, Hogan," he sneered. "Because while I enjoy the last laugh, I will enjoy it while standing over your dead body at the hands of Sergeant Carter."

Meanwhile, in the common room, Hogan finished his coffee. He glanced at Kinch, LeBeau, and Carter who was still sitting on his bunk, feet on the floor. They were all watching their commanding officer whose face was grim.

"Something wrong, Colonel?" asked LeBeau, worried.

Hogan let out a deep breath. "He's up to something," he said in a low voice so only the three men could hear. "And we have to find out what it is and quickly because I have an uneasy feeling that whatever he's up to isn't good."