A/N: I'm glad so many people are enjoying this story. It has been just as enjoyable to write.
Chapter 43
The rest of the day was a whirlwind of constant planning and activity for Hogan and his men from the moment they learned of Burkhalter's phone call from Klink's office. First, Olsen and Jensen returned to the tunnels with the four underground operatives who immediately were fitted for Luftwaffe uniforms which then needed several minor alterations before they fit perfectly.
Carter then made sure the truck from the motor pool was parked in the woods not too close to camp, but not too far away either, but also where it wouldn't be found by guards.
Hogan climbed down the ladder and entered the tunnel followed by Carter. Heading directly to the sewing room, they found Newkirk and Simmons busy with the fittings regarding the uniforms. Watching, Hogan wrapped his arms around himself. He hadn't yet disclosed to the men what he and General Butler had discussed; he had too much to do right now. But later he would tell them when there was a few minutes to relax before getting back to work.
"How's it going?" Hogan asked.
"We should be done in two shakes, sir," Newkirk replied adjusting the shoulders of one uniform. He saw Hogan sigh and nod his head. The officer then checked his watch.
"Don't take too long," Hogan added. "Those guards from Luftwaffe Intelligence could arrive anytime within ten to twelve hours and we have to make our move before they arrive. Where's Kinch?"
"Right here, Colonel," the radioman replied stepping into the sewing room from another tunnel holding some papers in one hand. He handed the papers to the Colonel to review with Carter looking over Hogan's shoulder.
"Good work, Kinch," said Hogan smiling at his radioman before looking at Felix. "The papers are signed by Colonel Hans Kaiser of Luftwaffe Intelligence assigning Captain Albert Metzger to pick up a prisoner from Stalag 13," Hogan explained to Felix as he handed over the papers for Felix to peruse.
Hogan then resumed watching Newkirk and Simmons work. "Felix, you and your men will show up in camp at 1930 hours and pick up the prisoner. If Burkhalter or Klink inquire, you were on your way to pick up another prisoner at another Stalag when you got the radio call from Colonel Kaiser diverting you here instead."
"Understood, Colonel," Felix replied.
"And whatever you do," Hogan continued. "Get out of here as fast as you can because you can't still be here when the real Luftwaffe Intelligence shows up. You'll find a truck ready for your use in the woods not too far from camp. After you leave with the prisoner, drive a safe distance from camp and park the truck in the woods. We'll take care of it. Then walk back with the prisoner toward the emergency tunnel. He'll be shackled wrists and ankles so he won't give you any trouble."
"Understood," Felix replied.
"Good luck," Hogan stated before he, Carter, and Kinch turned and left the tunnels, climbing back up into the barracks. Hogan looked around. "Where's LeBeau?" he inquired curiously.
"He's in your quarters, Colonel," explained Reynolds from his post atop his upper bunk. "I think he's still monitoring the coffeepot."
Nodding, Hogan walked towards his quarters with Carter and Kinch following. Going inside, they found LeBeau seated at Hogan's desk resting his face against the palm on his good hand, elbow on the edge of the desk. The Frenchman shifted his eyes to the trio. He looked bored.
"Anything new?" asked Kinch.
"Non. It has been quiet since Burkhalter left Klink's office. I just thought it would be a good idea to continue monitoring until Burkhalter leaves camp in the morning."
"Good idea," Hogan remarked. He plopped down on the edge of his footlocker while Kinch and Carter sat side-by-side on the lower bunk. Hogan wrapped his arms around himself. "Kinch, you can fill Newkirk in later. I spoke with General Butler and updated him on our situation concerning Captain Wylie and the men who attacked me in the rec hall. Needless to say he wasn't pleased. I asked him to send a plane in forty-eight hours to transport all of them to London where the good Captain Wylie will face charges of treason, and the others court-martials. He informed me he will need our written depositions the same time as the prisoners, so, he is sending a courier plane to pick up everybody and the depositions. So each of you will have to find time to write a detailed report as to everything that occurred since this entire mess began and hand them to me. I will make sure they accompany the prisoners on the plane. Is that understood?" A chorus of 'yes sir' was heard.
"What about the two filthy Bosche, mon Colonel?"
"Bluebird sent a message to Kinch that van Kueren and Gower are no longer a problem," Hogan replied. He could tell by the looks on his men's faces that he didn't need to elaborate.
After dinner, Klink and Burkhalter were seated in Klink's office sipping his French brandy when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in, come in." Klink ordered as he looked up; Burkhalter merely turned his head to see who was interrupting. Corporal Langenscheidt saluted stiffly at both officers.
"Herr Kommandant," the Corporal said nervously.
"What is it, Langenscheidt? Can't you see I'm busy with the General?"
"I'm sorry, Herr Kommandant." Langenscheidt walked into the office and handed Klink some folded papers. "But a Captain Metzger is waiting outside. He said he is here on behalf of Colonel Kaiser to pick up a prisoner."
Klink didn't respond as he unfolded the papers and perused them quickly. "These seem to be in order." He then handed them back to the Corporal. "Show the Captain in and then make sure the prisoner is shackled wrists and ankles in the cooler until he is to be loaded on-board the truck."
Langenscheidt exchanged salutes and stood aside. "Captain Metzger, the Kommandant will see you now." He swallowed nervously as a rather imposing Luftwaffe Captain passed by him and into the office. He immediately smartly saluted both Burkhalter and Klink.
"Captain Metzger at your service," Felix replied with authority. He had been used to impersonating German officers so much, that he knew he could make even a lowly non-com quake in his boots. He smirked.
"I wasn't expecting anyone for several hours, Captain," Burkhalter remarked staring curiously at Felix. "Tell me, how is it you are here earlier?"
Felix clasped both hands behind his back. "It is no great mystery, Herr General. We were en-route to another Stalag to pick up a prisoner when we received a radio call from Colonel Kaiser instructing us to come directly here first. Said it was of the utmost importance."
"I see," Burkhalter replied. "Captain, would you like some refreshment perhaps? Some French brandy?"
"Danke, but I must refuse, Herr General. I still have to pick up that other prisoner after I leave here, so I'm afraid I must request your prisoner be brought to me so my men and I can be on our way. Colonel Kaiser was not in a very good mood when I spoke with him."
Burkhalter smiled amusingly and chuckled as he and Klink both got to their feet. "Corporal Langenscheidt!" the General bellowed.
The door opened. Langenscheidt raised a shaky hand in a salute. "You summoned me, Herr General?"
"Yes, Corporal. Has the prisoner been securely restrained as ordered?"
"Jawohl, Herr General. He has been shackled as ordered. But…but…"
"But what?" hissed Burkhalter. He was becoming annoyed and wanted to get this entire mess behind him.
"He is demanding the Kommandant contact Captain van Kueren of the Gestapo," Langenscheidt's eyes shifted to the Kommandant. Klink then let his own eyes shift to the General.
"He is, is he?" Burkhalter bellowed. "Well, he's not in charge here so I don't care what he wants. So, gag him if need be. Just get him out of here! Now go load him in the truck so these gentlemen can be on their way."
"Jawohl, Herr General," Langenscheidt replied standing aside waiting as Felix saluted both the General and Klink before passing the Corporal by and walking into the outer office. The Corporal closed the door behind him.
Leaning back in his seat, Burkhalter smiled a satisfying smile as he held up his drink. "And that, Klink, is the end of one very unimportant Gestapo plant." He took a sip and smacked his lips.
Klink nervously raised his own glass. "But Herr General, the Gestapo is coming out tomorrow to remove both Colonel Hogans from this camp. Are we just to let them come out?"
"Of course not, Dummkopf! After Captain Metzger leaves camp with our friend, you will then contact Gestapo headquarters and speak with Captain Fuchs and tell him the problem of having two Colonel Hogans have been resolved, and we are in no need for any visit from them. That should end the matter once and for all."
"But…but…" Klink stammered.
"But what, Klink?" Burkhalter hissed, eyebrows knitted together, eyes hardened.
"What if they want him back?"
"Tell them he escaped during the night for all I care! If you find lying to the Gestapo so distasteful, perhaps I can change your mind with a trip to Stalingrad." Burkhalter noticed Klink's body stiffen at his words. "I hear just a short time there toughens you up significantly."
"That's all right, Herr General," Klink plastered a shaky smile on his face as he looked at his superior officer. "I will contact Captain Fuchs immediately after Captain Metzger and his men leave camp."
"Excellent, Klink. I knew you would come to your senses in the end."
Chuckling, Hogan bowed his head and shook it.
"Klink sure knows how to give in, doesn't he?" asked Kinch with a chuckle of his own.
"Oui. Perhaps he could be called the Yellow Eagle instead of the Iron Eagle, " LeBeau snorted.
"Keep listening, LeBeau," Hogan ordered. "Kinch, Carter, come with me. We need to get ready below when Captain Wylie is brought back to camp through the emergency tunnel." The trio left the smaller room and entered the common room. Hogan immediately went to the sink, raised the faucets which doubled as a periscope hidden in the water barrel outside the barracks, and pressed his eyes against the eyepieces. He watched Langenscheidt and two other guards lead a struggling Captain Wylie to the truck parked outside the Kommandantur, and force him into the back. He noticed Wylie had been wearing shackles on his wrists and ankles. He then saw Langenscheidt exchange salutes with Felix who then got inside the front seat beside the driver. Hogan's eyes followed the truck as it drove away and out the front gates. Lowering the faucets, he put them back in their normal position. "Let's go," he added to the others as he approached the double bunk. "Saunders, watch the door," he ordered as he slapped the hidden mechanism on the bed frame of the upper bunk, watched the lower bunk rise and the bed frame lower. He then stepped over the lower bed frame and climbed down the ladder with Carter and Kinch following.
Hogan found Newkirk and Simmons relaxing in the sewing room, and motioned for them to follow him into the area near the radio room.
"What's up, Gov'nor?" asked Newkirk as he, Simmons, Carter, and Kinch gathered around.
"Felix should be bringing our friend back anytime now, and despite being shackled, I want him secured to a chair with an armed guard. I don't trust our friend for anything. Also, I don't want him to know I'm alive yet. Carter, I think you should also stay out of sight for now; Kinch, Simmons, Newkirk, and the underground operatives can handle the good Captain. If necessary, gag him. We don't need the Germans to hear his loud mouth before we send him to London. Now, any questions?" There were none. Hogan glanced at his young Sergeant. "Let's go back upstairs."
Once the two men were back in the barracks, Hogan poured himself a cup of warm coffee and then poured one for Carter; the two men sat down at the table.
"What now, Colonel?" asked Carter.
Hogan sighed wearily before taking a drink of coffee letting the warm liquid slide down his throat. "Now we wait," he replied calmly.
Captain Wylie sat on a wooden bench in the back of the truck surrounded by two armed guards, both of whom stared at him as if they wouldn't hesitate to put a bullet between his eyes. Having no idea how far from camp he was, he shifted slightly. In fact, he had spent each moment since leaving camp wondering how he was going to get away from these men when he felt the truck pull to a sudden stop. The first thing that crossed his mind was that he was going to be dragged from the back of the truck and into the woods, forced to his knees, and shot execution-style in the back of the head.
He began to feel the sweat run down the back of his neck when the canvas flap at the back of the truck was pulled aside, and the Captain glared at him removing his sidearm from its holster, and gestured at him to get out of the truck. Eying the guards, he quickly decided that it was now or never. He lunged at the Luftwaffe officer grappling for the man's sidearm, but quickly found hands on his arms yanking him to his feet and pulling him away holding him back in a tight grip as the Captain brushed himself off all the while maintaining control of his weapon. He smirked slyly.
"I should shoot you for that," he said coldly. "But there are people waiting for you." He then waved his gun to indicate to the others to start moving. The guards and the driver who had now joined them, shoved Wylie ahead of them but stayed close with their sidearms pointed at him.
"Where are we going?" Wylie asked while walking, wondering if maybe Gower or van Kueren had sent these men disguised as Luftwaffe to bail him out without attracting attention. With the shackles on his ankles he couldn't run at all; hell, he could just barely walk. Even now, his mind was working how best to get back into Stalag 13 and take care of the Frenchman, the Englander, that stupid Carter, and finally, Sergeant Kinchloe. And with Hogan now dead, he imagined that shouldn't be too difficult.
"You'll see," one of the guards said giving him another shove nearly causing him to stumble and fall.
After what seemed like forever, Wylie was stunned to find himself at Stalag 13 as he came into a small clearing at the end of the woods. He stood frozen in place wondering what he was doing back here until one of the guards pushed him down and held him in place until the searchlight passed over the area. Then, Felix crept forward and raised the lid of a tree stump and gestured with his weapon.
"You're kidding me, right?" Wylie asked. "Exactly what the hell's going on?" He found himself shoved forward again.
"Just climb down," he was told.
Deciding not to risk disobeying, Wylie stepped inside the tree stump and climbed down the ladder. Once his eyes adjusted, he looked around and his jaw dropped in amazement at what he saw. He was completely thrown at seeing a series of tunnels leading in all directions. In fact, so engrossed in his surroundings that he didn't hear footsteps approaching until someone spoke.
"Well, well, look who's here again," a familiar voice said. Turning, Wylie spotted Kinch and Newkirk both standing close by and pointing pistols at him. Kinch was smirking.
Wylie glared at both men with a distasteful look. "You two recover yet from the loss of your beloved Colonel Hogan?" he said sarcastically.
"You shut your ruddy mouth," Newkirk started forward but was stopped by Kinch. "You've done enough to the Gov'nor and me best mate, Andrew."
Wylie smirked. "Hogan got exactly what he deserved," he said. "And as far as Carter is concerned, it was only fitting he be the one to do it as punishment for thinking he could con me." He then chuckled seeing the rage showing on Newkirk's face. "That little French frog is next so don't think I forgot about him just because I'm in chains now." He stepped back as Newkirk lunged forward only to be stopped by Kinch again who was barely controlling his own anger.
"Forget it, Newkirk. He's not worth it," Kinch told him. He looked beyond Wylie to see Felix and his men standing behind him. He smiled at Felix. "Thanks for your help, Felix, we appreciate it."
Walking around Wylie, Felix patted Kinch's shoulder firmly. "Anytime, my friend." He then patted Newkirk on the shoulder. "We were glad to help."
Wylie was carefully studying Felix and his men curiously sensing something was amiss. "What's going on here?" he snapped. "It looks like Major Hochstetter was right about there being some kind of sabotage operation going on from this camp."
"Too bad you won't be able to tell him anything about it," Kinch remarked coldly.
Wylie chuckled. "But now that Hogan's dead, I won't have any trouble getting rid of the two of you plus exposing the goings on in this camp," he hissed to Newkirk and Kinch. "And as for the four of you," he directed at Felix and his men. "My guess is you're all with the underground. I can't wait for the Gestapo to get their hands on you and your kind, now that you don't have your precious Papa Bear to protect you anymore."
Newkirk's face was darkening dangerously. "Why you bleedin'…" He strained against Kinch's grip on his arm.
"Let's just tie him to the chair and let 'im wait awhile," Kinch suggested.
Anxious to put the entire unpleasant matter behind him, Klink picked up the phone and was about to contact the Gestapo, when his office door opened and a nervous-looking Langenscheidt stepped just inside the office saluting; Klink immediately hung up the phone and eyed his Corporal who was swallowing hard.
"What is it now, Langenscheidt?" Klink asked not really wanting to hear the answer.
The Corporal's eyes briefly darted to the General before back to the Kommandant. "Herr Kommandant, there is a Captain Fleisher outside wanting to see you and General Burkhalter."
A nervous sweat suddenly broke out on Burkhalter's forehead. "And just what does this Captain Fleisher want?" Burkhalter demanded turning towards the Corporal.
"He…he said he is from Luftwaffe Intelligence and is here to pick up a prisoner."
"Whaaat!" both Klink and Burkhalter said simultaneously as they got to their feet.
"Captain," Langenscheidt said looking into the outer office as he stood aside allowing the fortyish-looking blond-haired Captain to enter, smartly saluting both officers. He handed his paperwork to Burkhalter who unfolded and examined it closely. He then turned his hard eyes on the Captain.
"What is the meaning of this, Captain?" Burkhalter demanded angrily. "These papers are signed by Colonel Kaiser saying you are to pick up a prisoner from Stalag 13. Only two hours ago a Captain Metzger was here from Luftwaffe Intelligence and picked up the prisoner."
"Captain Metzger?" asked a puzzled Fleisher. "Herr General, there is nobody with Luftwaffe Intelligence by that name."
Burkhalter and Klink both sank slowly back into their seats. "I…I don't understand," Klink said looking at Burkhalter. "What does this mean, Herr General?"
Burkhalter wiped a hand across his now sweaty forehead. "It means, Klink, that the Gestapo waltzed into this camp in disguise, and took their man out right from under our noses! That's what it means!"
Captain Fleisher was confused. "Excuse me, but I'm afraid I don't understand. Do I have a prisoner to pick up or don't I?"
Burkhalter shoved the papers back into the Captain's hands. "We'll let you know, Captain. You are dismissed! Tell Colonel Kaiser we'll be in touch."
"But Herr General…." Fleisher began.
"I said you're dismissed, Captain!" Burkhalter shouted angrily. The Captain saluted both men, turned, and left the office.
Burkhalter, his face now beet red in anger, looking as if he was about to suffer an attack of apoplexy, snatched the receiver of Klink's phone. "Connect me with Gestapo headquarters immediately!" he demanded.
Hogan, Carter and LeBeau had been listening to the entire exchange over the coffeepot. They found themselves unable to control their laughter.
"I love it when they fight among themselves," Hogan remarked with a smirk as he heard Burkhalter screaming at Fuchs about the Gestapo kidnapping a Luftwaffe prisoner from Stalag 13, and Fuchs' calm denial to sending anybody to the POW camp, and was highly offended that the Luftwaffe would dare accuse the Gestapo of such tactics. "It just makes my entire day," he added.
"Looks like your plan is working so far, mon Colonel," chimed an amused LeBeau. "Do you think Bluebird can handle Burkhalter?"
Hogan chuckled. "I'm not worried about Fritz. Seeing as how he handles Hochstetter, handling Burkhalter will be a piece of cake as Newkirk says."
They continued listening as Burkhalter threatened the Gestapo Captain only to have Fuchs again deny the accusations and demanded that unless the General had proof the Gestapo sent men into Stalag 13 to pull the man out, he had work to do and hung up after a 'Heil Hitler'.
"What do we do next, Colonel?" asked Carter.
Hogan looked at his watch. "Felix has probably brought the good Captain back by now. And unless Newkirk has killed him, I intend to get some answers out of him. But I want to have him sit and wonder for awhile before I question him." There was a knock on the door. LeBeau warily cracked it open to find Kinch and Newkirk standing outside. He then opened the door and let them enter, closing the door. The others quickly brought them up-to-date. "How's our friend?" Hogan asked finally.
"He's still breathing if that's what you're worried about, Colonel," Kinch readily explained. "But we had to gag him because he just wouldn't shut up. Also, Felix and his men just left."
"Plus, he was becoming' a wee bit loud if you get me drift, sir," Newkirk added. "Also, Olsen and Simmons are keepin' 'im company right now."
"Good," Hogan replied. "Tomorrow I'll question him and see what I can find out about this elaborate ruse. But for now, I suggest we all get some rest. Tomorrow we have a busy day ahead of us."