Chapter 42

Carter sat on the bunk in a cell staring at the wall between the bars across from him. He wasn't concerned about his own situation right now, but for LeBeau and Hogan. Carter had found it hard to maintain his blank expression and detachment as he had pulled the trigger and watched Hogan fall, and then as the little Frenchman was shot in the back of the shoulder by the phony. And even though he knew there were blanks in the weapons for which he was grateful, he was aware that they could still cause damage, even kill. He reminded himself to ask the Colonel about Louie as soon as he was released. It was then he heard footsteps and voices approaching. He grinned when he saw the Colonel and Schultz standing outside his cell door.

"Carter, you are being released by order of the Kommandant," Schultz announced as he unlocked the cell door and held it open.

"Boy, Colonel, am I glad to see you," Carter smiled jumping up from the bunk and hurrying forward, exiting the cell. "Sir, how's Louie? Is he okay?"

Hogan grinned. "He's fine. A bit sore but fine."

"And what about you, sir? Are you okay? Because I was really worried after I shot you and saw you fall…"

Hogan draped an arm around his young Sergeant's shoulders and smiled. "Wilson assures me I'm fine, so don't worry. You did a great job all the way around." A wide smile broke out on Carter's face.

"Thanks, Colonel."

Knowing that Schultz was behind them, Hogan decided to hold off on what else he was going to say until they were out in the compound and away from listening ears.

"Thank heavens this is over," Schultz sighed as he closed the cell door.

"Hate to burst your bubble, Schultz," Hogan said. "But this mess isn't over until the phony is out of this camp permanently where he can't cause any more trouble."

Schultz threw up both arms in frustration. "And here I was thinking all I'd have to worry about now was just monkey business."

With smirks on both their faces, Hogan and Carter walked out into the compound leaving the obese guard behind. When they were in the middle of the compound, Carter suddenly stopped walking which caused Hogan to stop as well. He faced his young Sergeant sensing something was wrong that Carter wasn't telling him.

"I can tell something's wrong," Hogan said, eyebrows knitted together. "What is it? If you're still worried about me and LeBeau, I told you we're both…"

"It's not that, Colonel," Carter interrupted.

"Then what is it?"

Carter licked his suddenly dry lips. "Well, I'm not sure how to tell you this, Colonel, but when the phony was threatening me in order to make me shoot you, he told me if I refused or tried anything, he had somebody in the barracks who would do the job for him." Hogan's face was unreadable.

"Did he say who it was?"

"No, sir. But my guess is Corporal Jensen. I mean, of all the guys there, he's been here the least amount of time. But I can't say for sure."

Hogan's face suddenly brightened. "He lied to you, Carter. Jensen was somebody I also worried about when the phony was trying to convert some of the new prisoners. But Jensen came to me and told me he had been approached by our friend, and he told him to get lost." Hogan smirked. "But I'm afraid he didn't put it quite as politely as I just did."

"Really?" Carter asked, face brightening. "So there is nobody else in the barracks to worry about?"

"Nobody. Now, let's get back to the hut. We have work to do still."

Klink knew he had to phone both General Burkhalter and then the Gestapo. And since with the Gestapo he'd have to deal with Captain Fuchs, he was tempted not to call them until Major Hochstetter had returned. But who knew when that would be? He picked up the receiver. "Fraulein Hilda, get me General Burkhalter's office. Priority call." As he waited, he tried to organize his words.

"Burkhalter speaking."

"General Burkhalter, this is Colonel Klink."

"Who?"

"Klink, sir."

"This better be important, Klink. What is it?"

The Kommandant quickly updated Burkhalter on what had transpired. The silence on the other end lasted so long Klink at first suspected his call had been disconnected.

"Herr General?"

"Klink, have you contacted the Gestapo yet?"

"No, sir. But I'm going to right after…."

"Klink! Listen to me and listen carefully. Under no circumstances are you to contact the Gestapo. They will make us the laughing stock of Germany. I am on my way now to Stalag 13."

"But…but Herr General, why shouldn't I contact…"

"KLINK! You Dummkopf! If you so much as think about calling the Gestapo I will make sure you leave Stalag 13...for the RUSSIAN FRONT! So don't argue with me! You are to do nothing about this until I get there."

Klink stiffened. "Yes, sir. I will…what? Oh, Heil Hitler." He then hung up the receiver and frowned.

Carter barely had time to enjoy the welcome back from the other prisoners before Hogan ordered his team into his quarters and closed the door. He wrapped his arms around himself. "Okay, what happened in Klink's office after I left with Schultz?"

"Not much, Colonel," Newkirk explained. "Ole Klink phoned Burkhalter, told 'im what happened, and apparently Burkhalter ordered 'im not to phone the Gestapo."

"Not only that," Kinch added. "But Burkhalter's on his way here now."

"What do you think it means, Colonel?" asked LeBeau, his right arm in a sling to immobilize his injured shoulder.

Hogan smiled. "It means that old roly-poly wants to keep this entire thing in-house and the Gestapo out which is exactly what I thought he'd do. I think we can use this to our advantage."

"We know that smile, Colonel," said LeBeau with a grin. "You have something good in mind."

Hogan smirked. "I do, and it's a bit complex. But if it works, we'll be rid of the phony permanently without the Gestapo becoming involved."

"So what's our first move?" asked Carter, hands stuffed in jacket pockets, excited.

"Fortunately with Bluebird ordering the new radio detector truck out of Hammelburg, and the antenna being temporarily repaired, we need to contact and update him on the happenings here, and find out what happened with van Kueren and Gower, although I suspect I already know. Then, we need to contact the underground. Kinch, make contact with Bluebird and let him know what happened, and find out about the other two. Then contact Karl in the underground and tell him I want to speak with him immediately. Then come and get me. I'll also need to update London and let them know what's been happening, but that be done later."

"Right away," Kinch replied as he hurriedly left the room.

"What do you want us to do, Gov'nor?"

"Newkirk, make sure our Luftwaffe uniforms are ready because we're gonna be needing about four of them. Carter, I need you to get us a good deal on a truck from the motor pool. I'll have a better idea exactly when the truck should be moved into the woods but not too close to camp after I hear the conversation between Burkhalter and Klink."

"You got it, Colonel," Carter and Newkirk replied simultaneously before leaving. That left Hogan and LeBeau.

"What about me, mon Colonel? What can I do?"

Hogan sighed. "Sorry, Louie. But you're staying out of it." He saw the look of dismay on the Frenchman's face.

"But, Colonel…"

"No buts," Hogan used his authoritative voice and expression. "You're injured and should be resting. I can't have you injuring yourself further." The forlorn expression on LeBeau's face didn't escape his observant eyes. "However, what you can do for me is monitor the coffee pot when Burkhalter shows up. I'll probably be on the radio and I need somebody to tell me what happens between my favorite comedy team." He saw LeBeau frown. "It's that or nothing."

"Oui, Colonel. I will monitor the coffee pot," LeBeau sighed knowing he couldn't win this argument.

The corners of Hogan's mouth curled slightly upward knowing he got LeBeau to feel like he was contributing, and that would make the diminutive Frenchman feel better.

Kinch, accompanied by Olsen, had just finished updating Bluebird as to the latest happenings at Stalag 13 with the promise to pass along his message as to how grateful he was his friend was alive and unhurt and the news of Gower and van Kueren. After disconnecting the call, Kinch then made contact with the underground.

"This is Karl, Papa Bear."

"Stand by for Colonel Hogan." Kinch glanced at Olsen. "Brian, go get Colonel Hogan and tell him Karl's on hold."

"Right, Kinch," Olsen replied as he turned and hurried away in the direction of the ladder leading to the barracks. He came back a few minutes later followed by Hogan. Hogan sat down at the radio on the chair as soon as Kinch vacated it. After removing his crush cap, Hogan put on and adjusted the headset on his head.

"This is Papa Bear. How are you, Karl?"

"I'm fine, Papa Bear. How can I help you?"

After giving the underground operative a capsule highlight of what had taken place in camp leaving out several more intimate details, Hogan then got to the point of his call.

"Karl, I need four of your best men that Klink and Burkhalter have never seen before, and I'll need them right away and then again later. But I'd like them here as soon as possible to be fitted with Luftwaffe uniforms. I'll have to get back to you with the exact time I'll need them. Can do, Karl?"

"Can do. I'll have them at the regular rendezvous place in about two hours."

"Thanks, Karl. Papa Bear out." Hogan then removed the headset. He glanced at Olsen. "Olsen, I want you and Jensen to meet Karl's men at the regular rendezvous place in two hours, and bring them through the emergency tunnel. Now it's afternoon so be extra careful out there."

"Yes, sir," Olsen replied as he hurried back upstairs to get Jensen. After he left, Hogan clasped his hands and rested one forearm on the radioman's shoulder after he sat back down.

"Okay, Kinch. I need you to contact London and ask for General Butler."

"Right away, Colonel," Kinch replied putting his headset back on. "Papa Bear to Goldilocks. Papa Bear to Goldilocks. Come in Goldilocks."

"This is Goldilocks, Papa Bear," said a British female voice.

"Goldilocks, Papa Bear needs to speak with General Butler. Urgent. Repeat. Urgent."

"Hold for General Butler, Papa Bear."

Kinch removed the headset and handed it to Hogan as he vacated the seat and Hogan sat down again.

"Thanks, Kinch," Hogan said.

"This is General Butler, Papa Bear. What can I do for you?"

Hogan took a deep breath before repeating his story again while Butler listened.

Alone now, LeBeau paced inside Hogan's quarters periodically glancing at the coffee pot on the Colonel's desk. He gingerly touched his injured shoulder and silently cursed under his breath at his misfortune. If only if I had been a little bit quicker getting under the table, he thought with a sigh. I should have killed that batard sooner so the Colonel and Andre would not have had to put themselves in such a situation. He stopped his pacing when the door opened and Garlotti looked in. He had been keeping watch at the barracks door.

"Hey, Louie, Burkhalter's staff car just pulled up outside Klink's office."

"Merci, mon ami. Could you plug in the coffee pot for me?" LeBeau stood back allowing Garlotti room to plug in the coffeepot. As he started to leave, LeBeau called out to him. "Why don't you stay? Somebody will have to go down below and let the Colonel know what Burkhalter says." That said, LeBeau sat down at the desk while Garlotti leaned against the double bunk to listen.

Klink was busy going over reports when his office door burst open and General Burkhalter stormed into the office, slamming the door behind him so hard that not only had Klink not had a chance to stand up, but when he did, he nervously saluted his superior officer, his mouth unable to form words at first. He swallowed hard as Burkhalter returned the salute quickly.

"Welcome to Stalag 13, Herr General," he stammered.

"Never mind that, Klink," Burkhalter said, his beady eyes hardened. "I want you to tell me again what happened here, and don't leave anything out." He sat down in the chair beneath the photo of Hitler with the hidden microphone.

Klink then repeated what he had on the phone to the General who remained silent as he listened carefully.

"Tell me, Klink. Just why did you release Sergeant Carter and rescind your order for Corporal Newkirk to be confined to barracks?"

Klink shuddered. He then explained about Carter and Newkirk. He saw Burkhalter sigh. "I can have both men sent to the cooler if…"

"Klink, I don't care about Newkirk or Carter. They were pawns in this little game this Gestapo plant was playing trying to make the Luftwaffe look foolish! I will leave whatever punishment you wish to render to you. Is the phony still in the cooler?"

"Yes, sir."

"Sehr Gut! I trust you followed my orders concerning the Gestapo?"

"Yes, Herr General. But I still don't see…" He let the rest of the sentence trail off when he saw the General's face change.

"Because, Dummkopf, if the Gestapo finds out we are onto them, they'll pull their man out of here, and cover everything up. This situation must be handled delicately and carefully which is why you will do exactly as I tell you. Understood?"

"Yes, Herr General."

Removing his cap, Burkhalter got to his feet, laying the cap on Klink's desk. He then grabbed the receiver of the phone, pressing it to his ear. "This is General Burkhalter. Connect me with Luftwaffe Intelligence in Berlin." There were a few minutes of silence before the call was connected. "I want to speak with Colonel Kaiser," he said to whoever answered the phone. "What do you mean who is this? This is General Burkhalter. Now get me Colonel Kaiser, Dummkopf!"After a few more anxious moments, Colonel Hans Kaiser was on the other end. "Kaiser? Burkhalter. Listen and listen carefully. I want you to send a truck to pick up a prisoner at Stalag 13 and take him to Berlin for interrogation. No, you do not need to know the reason why other than to consider it a direct order. Also, the Gestapo is not to be informed under any circumstances. How soon can you have a truck here?" Burkhalter's face turned blood red. "Forty-eight hours isn't good enough! I will be here at Stalag 13 until tomorrow morning and I want the prisoner picked up before I leave tomorrow morning." Burkhalter suddenly chuckled like a cat that had captured a mouse. "I thought you'd see things differently. I'll be expecting you." He hung up the phone and stared at a nervous Klink. "Klink, you will have a guest quarters prepared for me. Looks like I'll be staying here tonight."

"Yes, sir," Klink replied. "Schuuuullltz!"

The door opened and Schultz stood against the open door saluting. "You called for me, Herr Kommandant?"

"Yes, Schultz. General Burkhalter will be staying tonight. Please escort him to my quarters. I'll take one of the guest quarters."

"Jawohl." He then stood aside to allow the General to pass into the outer office leaving Klink nervously watching him.

Garlotti exchanged looks with the Frenchman.

"You'd better go tell Colonel Hogan what we overheard," LeBeau said. "He will know what to do. I'll keep listening in case Burkhalter returns, or he or Klink get a phone call concerning the phony."

Garlotti nodded and opened the door nearly running into Hogan as he was coming in. "Sorry, Colonel," Garlotti apologized. "Didn't see you."

"Don't worry about it," Hogan replied. "What happened? Did Burkhalter arrive yet?"

"Oui, Colonel," LeBeau replied as Garlotti excused himself figuring LeBeau could explain and exited the room, closing the door leaving the two men alone. LeBeau then reported what had transpired in Klink's office.

Exhaling, Hogan checked his watch. "Okay, it takes about ten to twelve hours to get from Berlin to Hammelburg. We have to get our version of Luftwaffe Intelligence here to pick up Captain Wylie before the real ones get here."

LeBeau looked worriedly at Hogan. "But won't Burkhalter be asking questions when the real guards from Berlin show up and the phony is already gone?"

Hogan wrapped his arms around himself and smirked. "No. Because he knows our friend is working for the Gestapo, he will believe that the Gestapo sent men in Luftwaffe uniforms to get him causing him to blame the Gestapo, when all the time, Captain Wylie will be below, in the tunnels, waiting to be escorted to a plane heading to England and face charges of treason." Glancing at the Frenchman, Hogan saw a wide smile break out on the Frenchman's face causing one to appear on his own at the same time.