Chapter 6---Friend or Foe?
When the door to barracks two burst open the following morning, the prisoners felt as if they had just gone to bed.
"Raus! Raus! Everybody outside for roll call! Schnell!" the German announced.
"Go away, Schultz!" Newkirk said with closed eyes. His head jerked up when the guard slapped the side of his bunk, startling him. "C'mon, Schultzie, don't do…." he paused when he saw the stranger in a Luftwaffe uniform walking around inside the barracks. "Weber? What are you doin' here? Where's Schultzie?" he asked.
Sergeant Albert Weber, looking grim, let out a deep breath. "I am the acting Sergeant-of-the-Guard. Now, all prisoners outside for roll call! Mach schnell!" He continued walking around the interior of the barracks slapping the sides of bunks when prisoners didn't wake up at first.
"Acting Sergeant-of-the-Guard?" asked Carter with a yawn. "What happened to Schultz?"
"He is in the cooler along with Corporal Langenscheidt," Weber replied looking around the barracks.
"What are they doing in the cooler, Weber?" asked Hogan having emerged from his quarters, zipping up his leather jacket. He had heard the end of Weber's conversation.
Weber looked disturbed as he approached Hogan. Glancing over his shoulder, he then turned and faced the American officer. "It's that Gestapo Major. Guthrie. He ordered the Kommandant to lock them in solitary. Colonel Hogan, you have to do something about him. Langenscheidt and Schultz haven't done anything. Can you help them?"
Sighing, Hogan hooked his thumbs in the side pockets of his jacket. "Let me give it some thought, Weber," he said. "Do you have any idea why he had them locked up?"
"I'm not sure. All the Kommandant told me this morning after he called me into his office was that I was temporarily the acting Sergeant-of-the-Guard. I guess he couldn't say more because that Major was with him. But I can tell you one thing, Colonel. The Kommandant is scared. I've never seen him so afraid before."
Hogan chewed his lower lip before putting a hand on Weber's shoulder. "I promise you I will see what I can do."
Weber smiled. "Danke, Colonel Hogan. Danke. If there's anything I can do to help let me know. Please have your men hurry outside for roll call. The Kommandant and Major Guthrie are waiting."
"Tell Klink to hold onto his monocle. We'll be right out," Hogan said. He held open the door and closed it after Weber exited.
"Gov'nor, why do you think Guthrie put Schultz and Langenscheidt in the cooler?" asked Newkirk as he finished getting dressed.
Hogan shook his head. "If I had to make a guess as far as Schultz is concerned, I'd say Guthrie figured Schultz looks the other way where we're concerned as he is our barracks guard. But I have no idea as to why Langenscheidt."
"Maybe he found out Langenscheidt is friendly with us, Colonel," said Kinch.
Hogan shrugged. "Whatever the reason, I'm sure we'll find out. Right now I suggest we turn out for roll call. With Guthrie in camp we can't afford to take any chances." Opening the door, Hogan walked outside with the other men behind him. In less than five minutes the men had formed two lines. Hogan kept his hands clasped behind him as he and Guthrie glared at each other. Weber quickly counted each prisoner before turning and saluting Klink and Guthrie who returned the salute.
"Herr Kommandant, all thirteen prisoners present and accounted for."
"Very good, Sergeant," Klink replied. He glanced sideways at Guthrie and caught him and Hogan staring at each other. "Major Guthrie, do you have anything to say to the prisoners before I have Sergeant Weber dismiss the men?"
Guthrie casually strolled forward until he stood face-to-face with Hogan who didn't blink. "I am still watching you, Hogan. You will see me everywhere you turn. You probably have noticed your barracks guard, Sergeant Schultz, is not here. He and Corporal Langenscheidt are both in the cooler."
"I thought someone was missing," Hogan replied. "Am I permitted to ask why they are both in the cooler? Or is that classified information?"
"Not at all, Colonel. I suspect your Sergeant Schultz looks the other way thus allowing you to continue with your endeavors. As for Corporal Langenscheidt, I found some questionable things in his file."
Hogan raised both eyebrows. "I have no idea as to what these endeavors you're talking about are, Major. And you've got Schultz pegged all wrong. He's the toughest of the bunch. We can't get anything past him. And as for Corporal Langenscheidt, he's as sharp as they come. I also know they're both loyal Germans." He glanced briefly at Klink and saw him mouth the words 'thank you'.
Guthrie smirked. "Speaking of German, Hogan, I noticed the other day you spoke perfect German. How do you account for that?"
Hogan shrugged innocently. "Major, I've been here since November, 1942. In case you're not aware, there is nothing but German spoken here. It isn't that difficult to pick up a few words here and there when talking with the guards or listening to them."
Guthrie allowed a twisted grin to appear. "You are a man of many talents, Hogan. I can't wait to examine each one individually. Then and only then will you cease to be a mystery to the Gestapo. But until I solve the mystery that is Colonel Hogan, catch von Herwarth and his wife, and secure the journal, your men will remain in the cooler."
Hogan smirked knowing he was getting under Guthrie's skin by not losing his cool. "Whatever makes your day, Major."
"Tell me, Colonel. Would you like to visit your men?"
Hogan cocked his head to the side wondering what the Gestapo Major was up to now. "Why would you permit me to visit my men?" he asked, eyes narrowed and curious.
"I am not without compassion, Colonel. I will allow you to visit only one of your men each day beginning today. Now, who would you like to see first?"
Hogan wondered if this was some sort of new game Guthrie was playing. But for now he would play along if it meant he could visit his men in the cooler, even if it was one at a time. "I pick Corporal Grossman," he said seriously.
Guthrie smiled cunningly. "By all means, Colonel. I will inform the guard watching Corporal Grossman that you will be visiting his cell sometime today. And by the way, Colonel, each visit is only an hour and no more. Understand?"
"Perfectly, Major," said Hogan maintaining eye contact. Guthrie turned and walked away while Klink looked at Weber.
"Sergeant Weber, dismiss your men." He turned and followed the Gestapo officer.
Weber let out a deep breath. "All prisoners dismissed!" He turned and walked away. As the prisoners went their separate ways, Kinch, Carter and Newkirk gathered around Hogan who wrapped his arms around himself as he watched Klink and Guthrie walking away.
"What was that all about, Colonel?" asked a puzzled Kinch. "How come Guthrie is being so generous all of a sudden?"
"Good question," Hogan replied. "I don't know what he's up to, but I don't trust him as far as I can throw a baseball. But at least I'll have a chance to see LeBeau and the others."
"How come you asked to see Corporal Grossman and not LeBeau, Colonel?" asked Carter, puzzled.
Hogan sighed. "Because Grossman has only been in this camp for three weeks, and he's got to be terrified. After Grossman, I'll ask to see Cohan who's been here at least two months. The others have been here longer. And even though I probably won't find any, I'll sweep the cells for bugs anyway. Best not to take any chances."
"Seems like Guthrie was tryin' to get under your skin again," Newkirk said.
"I know. And I so hated to ruin his day," Hogan chuckled. Then becoming serious, he glanced sideways at his second-in-command. "Everything ready for tonight, Kinch?"
"We're all set, Colonel," he said.
"Good. We'll have to be extra careful out there tonight."
"Y'know, Colonel, something just occurred to me," Kinch said folding his arms.
"What's that?" asked Hogan.
"If Guthrie is so sure you can lead him to von Herwarth, why hasn't he ordered Klink to double the guards or ordered extra patrols in the woods? I mean, that's what I would do."
"It's occurred to me too. Something's very strange about this Major Guthrie." Hogan checked his watch. "Before I see Grossman, I think I'll pay a visit to Klink's office."
"Be careful, Gov'nor," Newkirk said what was on their collective minds.
"Always am," Hogan remarked over his shoulder as he walked away.
"C'mon," Kinch suddenly said heading back towards the barracks; Newkirk and Carter hurried to catch up with him.
"Where are we going?" asked Carter.
Kinch opened the barracks door. "It's time for a coffee break," he remarked.
Klink and Guthrie were seated in the Kommandant's office talking when the door opened and Hogan walked in, closing the door. Guthrie, arms folded across his chest, smirked as he looked up at the American. Klink looked nervous as always, his eyes darting back and forth between Hogan and Guthrie.
"What do you want, Hogan?" asked Klink.
"Actually, Kommandant, I'm here to see Major Guthrie," Hogan replied. "I'm curious as to why he's allowing me to visit my men in solitary and the reason behind it."
Guthrie arched an eyebrow. "Do you object to being allowed to seeing your men, Hogan? I would think you'd jump at the chance."
"Don't get me wrong, Major. I'm anxious to see my men. I'm just curious why you're doing this all of a sudden." Hogan folded his arms, waiting.
"I simply thought you'd like to see for yourself that your men are being treated very well and have not been harmed in any way."
"Uh huh. I just don't buy it that you're suddenly concerned with their welfare, Major."
Guthrie eyed the Kommandant coolly. "Klink, leave us."
Klink swallowed the imaginary lump in his throat. He didn't trust Major Guthrie, nor did he trust Hogan to watch his mouth. In fact, the two of them together to Klink, was like lighting a stick of dynamite; with Hogan the match and Guthrie the explosive. Anything could happen, and Klink felt it was his duty to protect Hogan from this man. "Major, Colonel Hogan is my responsibility and under the protection of the Geneva Conven…"
"Klink, I will not tell you again to leave us! I suggest you don't cross me."
"Yes, Major." Klink slowly got to his feet and walked around his desk until he reached the door. Grabbing the doorknob he paused and looked back at the American with a look in his eyes that begged Hogan to be careful. "I'll be right outside, Hogan," he said opening the door. He walked out pulling the door closed behind him. Now alone with the Gestapo Major, Hogan gave him his full attention.
"Have a seat, Colonel," Guthrie said. He saw Hogan remain standing. "Bitte."
Still suspicious but curious at the same time, Hogan sat in the chair beneath the photo that housed their microphone suspecting his men were probably listening. "Okay, Major, I'm sitting. What do you want?"
Guthrie slowly got to his feet and clasped his hands behind him. "Colonel Hogan, I don't expect you to believe what I'm about to tell you, but I hope you will at least hear me out and think it over." He stood in front of Hogan.
"Think over what?" asked Hogan sarcastically.
"I am on your side with von Herwarth."
Both of Hogan's eyebrows shot upward. "You're on my side," he repeated disbelievingly. "When did you decide this may I ask?"
"I've always been on the side of the Allies, Colonel." Guthrie walked over to Klink's desk and leaned against it, arms folded and legs crossed at the ankles. "I know you find that hard to believe considering what transpired when we first met. But believe me when I say I do not want Hitler to get his hands on that journal anymore than you do."
Hogan crossed his legs and folded his arms; his face unreadable. "Why should I believe you?" he asked.
"You're right, of course, Colonel Hogan," Guthrie said with a grin. "Let me explain a few things to you, and perhaps then you will believe me. My real name Alain Rochet; I am a Captain with Military Intelligence and am with the French underground working undercover. The last few years I have been deep underground with the Gestapo as Major Tice Guthrie. I have a cover to maintain which is why I was so rough on you and your men. I suggest you have me checked out, Colonel. I believe you have that capability, non?"
Hogan paused a long moment. "Now how would I have a way to check out anything, Major…or should I say Captain? I'm only a prisoner-of-war."
"If you say so, Colonel. But let me continue."
"Go ahead, it's your nickel."
"When we heard this von Herwarth had a journal with some explosive information in it, London contacted me and asked that I work with you and make contact with von Herwarth and get him and the journal safely to London. Now, I have no idea what's in this journal; only von Herwarth knows. But it's vital that this information not fall into the hands of the Germans. Will you work with me?"
"Major, you seem to be under the impression I am some kind of underground operative and can come and go as I please. You've obviously paid too much attention to Major Hochstetter. Let me assure you I am nothing more than a simple POW in the toughest prisoner-of-war camp in Germany. Whatever else you've heard about me is pure fantasy. But let's pretend that I am what Major Hochstetter says I am for purposes of this conversation. Why should I believe you? The Gestapo are known for setting traps and lying to people."
"Touché, Colonel," Guthrie replied with an amused smirk. "Is there anything I can do or say to convince you I am being totally honest with you? Tell me and I will do it."
Hogan let out a deep breath. What he wanted more than anything was his men released from solitary, but right now he sensed he'd better refrain from asking for anything at the moment. First he'd check out this Captain Alain Rochet and take it from there. "I can't think of anything right now, Major. I have to think about this."
"Merci, Colonel. I can ask nothing else of you right now." Guthrie checked his watch. "You'd better go and visit with Corporal Grossman. The guards are aware of your pending visit so they will not give you any trouble. Just let them know when you're ready to leave."
"Fine." Hogan got to his feet and started for the door. He looked over his shoulder as he gripped the doorknob when Guthrie called out his name.
"I hope we will talk frankly again, Colonel," Guthrie said. "I also hope you will believe me so we can work together. We don't have a lot of time."
Hogan didn't respond at all as he left the office, closing the door. As Guthrie watched Hogan leave, a grin appeared on his face.