Chapter 5---Message Sent and Received
The men stood in stunned silence with the sound of the echoing gunshot ringing in their ears.
"He shot the Colonel!" Carter shouted incredulously. "He murdered him!"
"Bloody bastard!" Newkirk added, enraged. "He won't live to see the morning!" The Englander abruptly turned and started for the door but was stopped by Kinch who, while in shock himself, managed to reach out and grab Newkirk's arm. "Let me go, Kinch, or I swear I'll deck you! He executed the Gov'nor!"
"I, I know," the radioman managed to get out. "But we have to plan this right. We can't just go barging into Klink's office and attack a Gestapo Major. Colonel Hogan wouldn't want us to get ourselves killed because of him." They continued arguing when Carter became animated, waving his arms.
"Hey, be quiet and listen," he urged them. "I think I heard…"
"You're a lousy shot, Major," said a familiar voice. It was Hogan's.
"I seemed to have missed," Guthrie said calmly. "That's never happened before from this range. You should be dead."
"Guess it wasn't your lucky day, was it? Major, I want my men released! NOW!"
"Hogan," Klink said shakily glad to see the American still standing after Guthrie fired. He suspected the Gestapo Major purposely missed. "I suggest you consider yourself lucky and leave. Disss-missed!"
"I'm not going anywhere, Kommandant, until my men are released from solitary. Unless you're allowing this idiot to run things now."
"Be careful, Colonel," Kinch said as they continued listening. "He might not miss next time."
Guthrie glared at the American and was growing weary of his pigheadedness. "Your men are not being released until it is time to take them and you to a labor camp. So I suggest you stop your pleading and get out before I change my mind and try shooting you again. I promise next time I won't miss."
Hogan's anger was boiling over at this point, and he knew he was lucky that Guthrie had slightly moved his weapon to the side before he fired. The shot whizzed past Hogan's head and lodged in the wall. He believed Guthrie wouldn't kill him because he needed him alive right now to lure von Herwarth into his trap; but when he saw the Gestapo Major point his weapon at him, Hogan wondered if the Major had possibly changed his mind deciding it wasn't worth keeping him alive in the end. His only regret was that his men were listening to this conversation and would hear him being executed.
"Hogan," Klink sounded as if he was begging. "You've been dismissed. I suggest you get out before I have you thrown out."
"Fine," the Colonel said, his voice taut. "I'll go. But you and I aren't finished, Guthrie. And let me warn you. I will not let you harm my men. You touch any of them and I'll kill you."
Guthrie chuckled. He had to admit this American had nerve and was definitely providing a challenge. "You dare to threaten me, swine?" he asked, amused. "When we leave here, I am going to enjoy watching you grovel before the superiority of the Master race."
Hogan walked towards the door and, grabbing the doorknob, opened the door. He looked over his shoulder and glared at the Major. "No threat, Major; a promise." Hogan disappeared out the office slamming the door behind him.
Guthrie smirked once he and the Kommandant were alone. He glanced at Klink. "Kommandant, once these prisoners are in solitary, there are two additional people who will be joining them."
"Who will be joining them?" Klink asked nervously.
"Two of your guards; a Corporal Karl Langenscheidt and a Sergeant Hans Schultz. I insist they both be placed in solitary as well."
Klink's eyes widened like saucers. "Langenscheidt? Schultz? What for, Major? Surely you don't suspect them of something. I swear to you they both are loyal Germans and honorable soldiers."
"If you say so, Klink. But that is not why I want them locked up." Guthrie was becoming annoyed with this Kommandant's questions, not to mention his apparent incompetence.
"Then why?"
"Sergeant Schultz is in charge of barracks two. I suspect he has been looking the other way regarding Colonel Hogan and his sordid activities. Also, Corporal Langenscheidt has a few questionable items in his file."
"What are you saying, Major?" Klink asked.
"What I'm saying, Klink, is that I suspect these two guards of working with Colonel Hogan in his suspicious activities, and I am requesting you have them locked up."
Hogan stormed back inside the barracks, slamming the door so hard everybody thought it come loose from it's hinges. Almost immediately Kinch, Carter and Newkirk emerged from the Colonel's private quarters in time to see their commander quickly strode towards them, motioning for them to go back inside. He entered the small room and slammed the door. The men could see their commander was still seething over what happened.
"Idiot!" Hogan muttered to no-one as he paced. He rubbed the back of his neck.
"Colonel, you all right?" asked Kinch.
"I should not have lost my temper. I played right into that bastard's hands. But I would have given anything to knock the smirk off that bastard's face," Hogan growled. "That smug, arrogant bastard."
"Sir, you had us really worried," Carter said. "When we heard that gunshot…"
"I know," Hogan's face softened. "I'm sorry about that. For a moment I thought I had gone too far with Guthrie and that he considered shooting me was better than using me to get von Herwarth. As I said, I shouldn't have lost my temper with Guthrie and it won't happen again."
"You were angry, Colonel, about Guthrie having other prisoners locked in solitary because of their religion," Newkirk explained. He paused a moment. "Gov'nor, you think LeBeau and the others will be all right?"
"Yeah, I do. Guthrie wants to torture me and figures locking up the other Jewish prisoners will rattle my cage." His eyes suddenly narrowed. "Anything happen after I left Klink's office?"
"Don't know, Colonel," Kinch said. "We unplugged the coffee pot after you left."
Hogan, wrapping his arms around himself, resumed pacing. His team watched him for awhile.
"Colonel, you never did tell us what the underground had to say about Guthrie," remarked Newkirk.
Remembering the message Kinch had given him before LeBeau and Garlotti were removed from the barracks, Hogan paused in his pacing, reached inside his jacket pocket, and pulled out the folded blue paper and opened it. His eyes scanned the information.
"Our friend Guthrie is an early party member; first wife killed in a car accident in 1941; remarried January of 1943. No children. Has been passed over several times by the Gestapo brass for promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel. Hmmm."
"Found something, sir?" asked Newkirk
"I think so, Newkirk. It appears our friend is looking for a chance to get the promotion he's been wanting."
Kinch leaned against the bottom post holding up the top bunk. "You think Guthrie hopes by capturing von Herwarth and recovering the journal, that he'll get that promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel?"
"Plus add the Gov'nor to the package," Newkirk reminded him.
"Yes to both of you," Hogan said, looking up. "Guthrie thinks he can use me and my men to advance his career, eh. Well, he's gonna be sadly mistaken."
"We gonna get rid of him, sir?" asked Carter.
"Yes we are, Carter," Hogan assured him. "Right after von Herwarth, his wife, and the journal are safely on their way to London, then we concentrate on Major Guthrie." The Colonel noticed Carter's face. "What's wrong, Carter?"
"Well, sir, I can't forget the sound of that gunshot. I mean, I was never so scared in my entire life. I thought for sure he had killed you."
"Well, he didn't, Carter," said Hogan seeing how distressed his young Sergeant was.
"I know that, Colonel. But he could have, and there would've been nothing we could've done to stop him."
"I know, and again I'm sorry for that. But what's important is that Guthrie presents a danger to us, this mission, and our entire operation. I'm afraid he has to be liquidated."
"Liquidated, sir?" asked Carter. "You mean as in killed?"
"That's exactly what I mean, Carter. We have no choice. Kinch, contact London again and update them on what's happened and ask them what their orders are."
"Right away, Colonel," said Kinch heading for the door. After Kinch had left, Hogan wrapped his arms around himself again and leaned against his desk.
"Are we still going out tomorrow night, Colonel?" asked Newkirk.
"Yes. I'm not gonna let Guthrie interfere with this mission. Also, I'll feel better once we have von Herwarth in the tunnel. We can still manage even though LeBeau's in solitary." Hogan shook his head and let out a deep breath. He then rubbed his eyes with one hand.
"Headache bad, Gov'nor?" asked Newkirk, worried.
"Yeah. Newkirk, Hand me two aspirin and a glass of water please."
"Yes, sir." Newkirk got up from where he was seated at Hogan's desk and grabbed the aspirin bottle, shaking out two aspirin into the palm of his hand then poured a glass of water. He handed both to Hogan who popped the pills in his mouth, and emptied the glass before handing it back to the Englander. He massaged his forehead with his fingers.
The door opened and Kinch walked in carrying a folded blue sheet of paper and handed it to the Colonel. "Reply from London, Colonel."
Letting out a deep breath, Hogan unfolded it and read the message. A few short minutes later he folded the paper again and sighed wearily.
"What'd they say, Colonel?" asked Carter. "They gonna back you in getting rid of this Major Guthrie?"
Hogan glanced around at his second-in-command. Kinch could see the weariness in his commander's eyes. He looked at Carter and Newkirk.
"London said, and I quote, 'unless the operation's compromised, Guthrie is not to be touched,' unquote," Kinch explained.
Newkirk made a sound with his throat. "London's gone crackers, they have," he said in disdain.
"Boy, have they ever," Carter added with narrowed eyes. "What'd they say about the six Jewish prisoners he's got locked in solitary?" He looked at Kinch.
Kinch frowned. "According to London, the six prisoners are expendable."
"Bloody hell! What the hell do they mean expendable?!" Newkirk shouted as both he and Carter jumped to their feet. "Colonel, you can't let that bloody bastard do whatever he wants with Louie and the others!"
"Colonel, that's not fair! London's sacrificing six of our men and sparing the life of a Gestapo Kraut! You can't let them do that, sir!"
"We're not gonna sacrifice 'em," Hogan responded. "I don't care what London says. They may be ready to let six men die but I'm not. We'll just have to be careful how it's done." He glanced around as he continued. "I can't and won't order any of you to help with this because it means disobeying orders. I'll handle Major Guthrie alone."
"Colonel, I refuse to let you handle this bloody bastard alone," Newkirk said. He saw Hogan about to reply but held up a hand stopping him. "I know you're not asking for volunteers, but I'm not gonna let Louie and the others be sacrificed either. And I don't ruddy care what London says. Count me in, sir."
"Me too," Carter agreed. "I'm with Newkirk."
"So am I, sir," Kinch said. "Besides, if London court-martials all of us they'd have no team."
Hogan shook his head. "I can't ask you fellas to take part in this."
Kinch looked at the others and then looked at his commanding officer. "You're not asking, Colonel. We're volunteering."
The three men saw a small smile appear on their commander's face.
"Thanks," was all Hogan could say. He looked at his watch. "I suggest we all get some sleep. It's been a long day and tomorrow's gonna be even longer."
The men all bid Hogan goodnight and quietly left his quarters and returned to the common room. Now alone, Hogan sat down on his lower bunk and ran his hands down his face, finally resting his elbows on his thighs with his chin resting on his fists. He thought about the six men locked in solitary solely because of their religion and it galled him. It brought back a painful memory from his past.
There had been many incidents Robert faced growing up in a Jewish household. But to him, one of the best and one of the worst was the day of his ninth birthday. The best was his father being home on leave at that time and he was ecstatic because most the year his father was away. But this July 13th he was home. His parents had sent out numerous invitations to his friends in the neighborhood weeks in advance inviting them to his party. By count, his parents had sent out seventeen invitations to his friends in the neighborhood, boys and girls. Only ten had promised to be there; two were sick with colds and sore throats; two were forbidden to attend by their parents who had come right out and stated their children were not permitted to come because, to them, the Hogans didn't believe in Jesus, and three didn't respond at all. (1)
The day of his party, he got lots of presents including a brand new bicycle from his mother and father as up until then he had a used one that had belonged to one of his friends who had outgrown it. There was also a chocolate cake, ice cream, and plenty of food prepared by his mother. But to young Hogan, the very best present he could get was his father being home for his birthday.
After the party, he decided to ride his new bicycle around the neighborhood. As he did so, he noticed the three who didn't respond were outside playing catch and saw him ride past them. As he did, he heard them call out to him and that was the worst.
"Hey, Jew!" they shouted in unison, taunting him.
Young Robert rode past them as fast as he could with tears rolling down his cheeks. Why did people have to be so cruel? To the best of his short recollection, he had never done anything to these kids and had been outwardly nothing but friendly to them and polite to their parents. What had he done? Or had he really done anything at all? What had been the best day of his young life had ended miserably with name-calling. Reaching the end of the street on which he lived, Robert turned his bicycle around and headed back home. He was afraid to be outside with his new bicycle with kids, some older than him, and anti-Semitic. As he neared his home, he was glad to see his father waiting for him outside his home. It was later he found out that his parents had seen and heard him being taunted as he rode his new bike down the street, and were afraid someone would try and take it from him. He saw his son's wet cheeks, and after he got off his bike, the elder Robert Hogan got down on one knee, wrapped his arms around his son, and held him close as the boy buried his face in his father's broad shoulder, his own short arms wrapped tightly around his father's neck.
After a few minutes, young Robert straightened and looked into his father's deep-set eyes.
"Papa, why do some people hate us so much?"
"Stupidity; ignorance; listening to things passed onto them by others who don't understand the Jewish faith. Unfortunately, I'm sorry to say you may face this kind of treatment most of your life. But I'm mostly sorry you have to be exposed to this at your age."
Young Robert wiped his eyes with the back of his hands. "I just wish…." he screwed up his handsome young face as he tried to find the words he wanted. "I just wish people wouldn't be so narrow-minded about things they don't understand, and try to find out for themselves before judging something or someone." He again buried his face in his father's strong shoulder.
The elder Hogan held his son tightly with a grim smile on his face. He thought to himself even at nine, his eldest son was right. People should not judge others by what they hear but get to know them before they do. But as a military man he had heard the rumblings within the military of what was possibly on the horizon, and secretly hoped this wouldn't be the last time he would hold his son like this. Only time would tell.
Hogan sighed as he again ran his hands down his face as he recalled feeling back then that his father was keeping something from him. Despite being a kid, he was perceptive even then and had what he would later call his 'gut feeling' something was not right. But as a little kid, Hogan decided he didn't want to know and figured his father would tell him when and if he was ready. He let out a deep breath and stretched out on the lower bunk with his hands clasped behind his head. He had a lot to think about right now besides the men in solitary. He really did feel they were safe from harm for now; but couldn't guarantee it would remain that way. But right now, he had a mission to carry out tomorrow night and that had to have his complete attention right now.
(1) Thanks to snooky9093 for her suggestion regarding the birthday party.