Chapter 24-Making Plans and Dodging Bullets

Hogan nervously paced back and forth in the tunnel with LeBeau and later Kinch sitting and watching.

"Try to relax, Colonel," Kinch said, worried. "You just got out of the infirmary after almost dying. You're going to make yourself ill."

Hogan, with his thumbs hooked in the pockets of his jacket, continued pacing and glanced at his second-in-command. "Can't help it, Kinch. With Guthrie prowling around even the so-called simplest of missions such as this are adventures."

LeBeau smirked. "With Andre and Pierre, a simple mission is an adventure even without the filthy Gestapo Bosche." A look from Hogan told the Frenchman the Colonel was not in the mood for levity at the moment. He cleared his throat and remained quiet.

"They'll be all right," Kinch repeated. "They can take care of themselves. Besides, they wouldn't dare take chances knowing they would face your wrath when they got back." Hogan continued to pace as he looked at his watch. "Colonel," Kinch continued calmly. "They've only been gone an hour."

Standing still for the moment, Hogan let out a deep breath. "I guess I'm turning into an over-protective mother hen, aren't I?"

Kinch and LeBeau both smiled. "We wouldn't say mother hen, mon Colonel," LeBeau began innocently. "But definitely over-protective. You act like Wilson does when you are hurt."

Hogan's eyes narrowed. "Let's not get insulting, LeBeau," he said with a small smile. He knew how protective Wilson was when he or one of the men were sick or injured. But Hogan never thought…no, hoped, he was that bad, at least not yet. He sighed.

"So what is the plan, Colonel?" asked LeBeau. "Why do you want to see Garth?"

"I want to find out more about this body that was found. Also, we need a diversion to get Guthrie out of this camp so a bug can be planted in his guest quarters. This way we will know who in the Gestapo he's working for even though I have a pretty good idea who."

"Hochstetter?" asked Kinch.

Hogan nodded. "Hochstetter."

"You think he wants the journal?" asked Kinch.

"I do. It wouldn't surprise me in the least. And even if he doesn't, we can't take a chance that he doesn't at least know about it. Also, Guthrie has his own personal agenda which is von Herwarth running off with his wife." He checked his watch again, then, wrapped his arms around himself. "What worries me though is who in this camp might be working with Guthrie. That thought concerns me, especially if it turns out to be somebody in our barracks."

Just then, there were voices heard coming from the opposite end of the tunnel causing the other three men to turn and look. Newkirk and Carter soon appeared with Gustav close behind them. Smiling, Hogan extended his hand to Gustav who shook it firmly. "Good to see you again, Gustav."

"And you as well, Colonel," Gustav replied with a fond smile on his face. "Your men said it was urgent and that you wanted to see me."

"Yeah, I do. Have a seat," Hogan said as he sat down at the radio table while Gustav sat down on a nearby bench. Once he was seated, Hogan looked at the underground agent. "What can you tell me about the body in the woods and how do you know it's Rochet?"

Gustav took off his cap and ran a hand over his brown hair before putting his cap back on. He was found about 3 miles outside of Hammelburg. My brother and I discovered his body by accident. He was buried near an abandoned shed. Despite there being decomposition, there was enough of the body left to see that the face was badly beaten about the head. There was also a bullet hole in the back of the skull. But the scar on his right forearm was the clincher, Colonel. I was with Rochet when he was injured. I would know him anywhere despite the condition of the body. I am positive it was him. Why do you ask, Colonel?"

Hogan pursed his lips and shook his head. "We have a Gestapo Major in camp named Tice Guthrie who claims he is really Rochet, although his actions so far have made me seriously doubt that to be true."

"Colonel, I have known Alain Rochet for many years. In fact, you could say he is a friend. Tiger has worked with him awhile ago. We both know him although she does not know him as well as I do. I assume she told you he was injured in a knife fight?"

"She did."

"He was in a knife fight with an underground operative who was a double agent. He ripped open Rochet's forearm with a knife in an attempt to get away before Rochet managed, despite his injury, to wrestle the knife away and kill him with it. His injury took a long time to heal and was still healing when the French resistance wanted him to go undercover with the Gestapo. Nobody was aware of what his undercover name was because it was decided that the less people who knew the less chance of something slipping. He passed on regular information to the Allies while with the Gestapo. Then, one day, we did not hear from him for two weeks. The resistance thought that was very strange and became worried."

"That bothered me as well as the Gestapo always has something going on. It's never quiet in Gestapo land. Did they investigate?"

"Yes, Colonel. But as far as we could find out he simply had nothing to report which again was strange. Next thing we knew, we were contacted by one of your men that Captain Rochet was here at Stalag 13 pretending to be Major Tice Guthrie of the Gestapo. Colonel, what's going on?"

Hogan wrapped his arms around himself. "You're aware that von Herwarth is hiding out here until we can get him out of Germany?"

"Yes. My people handed him off to your men. It was he and his wife and a journal." His eyes widened. "The Germans have not found the journal, have they?"

"No. But there are certain uh, complications that have arisen since your people handed him over to us that I don't want to discuss for your own protection. But needless to say, Major Tice Guthrie appears to be nothing more than a Gestapo thug who may be working for Major Hochstetter."

Gustav's eyes widened. "Colonel, be careful. If this man is Major Guthrie, he is a nasty character not to be trusted. He'd as soon kill you as look at you." He paused. "And he is very anti-Semitic, I'm afraid."

"I know. I've already been introduced to some of his methods," Hogan explained.

Gustav looked at Hogan questioningly when Newkirk suddenly explained.

"That bloody bastard injected the Gov'nor with bee venom which he's allergic to. Nearly killed him it did."

Gustav looked at the Colonel with deep concern.

"I'm fine, Gustav," the Colonel assured him.

Gustav let out a deep breath of relief. "Thank God, Colonel. If the underground had lost Papa Bear, we don't even want to think about what would happen. Now, what did you wish to see me about?"

"We need your help in creating a diversion to lure Major Guthrie out of camp for a few hours so we can plant a listening device in his quarters."

"Just tell me what you want me to do."

As quickly as possible Hogan explained what he wanted from Gustav. When finished, the American smiled. "Can you do it?"

Gustav smiled in return. "For Papa Bear, there is nothing we in the underground would not do. When do you want it done?"

"Tomorrow night." Hogan checked his watch. "Eighteen hundred hours. And be careful. Guthrie's no fool and he's dangerous. And if he's working for Hochstetter, that makes it twice as bad." He held out his hand; Gustav shook it.

"Eighteen hundred hours tomorrow night. It will be done."

"Thanks." Hogan let out a deep breath and rested a hand on Gustav's shoulder. "Now, all we have to do is stay out of his way until he leaves camp tomorrow evening. Thanks for coming." He looked around at his men. "Carter, Newkirk, escort Gustav out and see he gets safely away."

"Yes, sir," Newkirk replied as he and Carter headed in the direction of the ladder to the emergency tunnel with Gustav following leaving Hogan, Kinch and LeBeau alone. Hogan stood with his back to them and hands on his narrow hips.

"Something wrong, mon Colonel?"

Hogan turned and looked over at the duo. "I hope not, LeBeau."

Kinch's eyes narrowed as he folded his arms. "You expecting trouble, Colonel?"

Hogan's eyes took on a worrisome look. "Kinch, as long as Guthrie is in this camp I will always expect trouble." He sighed and turned. "You guys go upstairs and get some rest. I'll wait here for Newkirk and Carter. They should be back soon."

"If it's all right with you, sir, we don't mind waiting with you," Kinch added. "Besides, neither LeBeau or I are sleepy right now."

Hogan chuckled knowing his remaining two men wouldn't be able to relax either until Carter Newkirk were back safely. "Thanks. I appreciate the company," he said with a wry grin.

The following morning minutes after Schultz had barged into the barracks to announce roll call, Hogan and the men from barracks two slowly walked outside and stood in formation, and much to Hogan's dismay, Major Guthrie stood beside the Kommandant waiting, his eyes boring directly at the American officer. Schultz turned and saluted both men. "Herr Kommandant, Major, all prisoners present and accounted for."

"Thank you, Schultz," Klink said without his usual bravado. His nervous sideways glance at Guthrie didn't escape Hogan. Klink looked at him. "Colonel Hogan, while it's good to see you back attending roll call again, I don't recall the camp medic clearing you to appear at roll call."

Hogan shrugged, his thumbs hooked in his pockets. "I feel better than I did, Kommandant. I just have to take it easy for a few days and I'll be back to my usual robust self again." He maintained eye contact with the Gestapo officer.

"Schultz, you may dismiss your men," Klink ordered.

Schultz smiled nervously. "Jawohl, Herr Kommandant." He turned towards the prisoners.

"One moment," Guthrie suddenly announced.

Schultz and Klink both froze and stole looks at each other wondering what Guthrie was up to now.

"Something wrong, Major?" asked Klink.

Ignoring the Kommandant, Guthrie slowly walked toward Newkirk until he stood face-to-face with him. "Corporal Newkirk, I presume?"

Newkirk arched an eyebrow. "I'm Newkirk. What of it?"

"You will come with me, Corporal."

Before Newkirk could respond, Hogan stepped forward and put an arm across the Englander's chest barring his way. "Major, he's not going anywhere with you. And if you force the issue, I will be going with him to make sure you don't overstep your bounds. As Senior POW officer here…" he started when Guthrie turned his attention to the American.

Guthrie smirked. "You are not invited, Hogan. Should you press the issue, I shall be forced to take drastic measures." To emphasize what he was saying, Guthrie rested a hand on his sidearm; a move that did not escape the eyes of either Hogan or Newkirk.

From the corner of his eye Hogan could see the other prisoners were becoming anxious and if he didn't do something soon, they were liable to attack Guthrie and he'd have a riot on his hands. He quickly gave them one of his stares which told them to stand down. The men quieted down. "Major, according to the Geneva Convention…" He saw Klink looking at him silently pleading.

With a look of fury, Guthrie removed his weapon from it's holster and pointed it directly in Hogan's face. "I don't care about the Geneva Convention, Colonel. Still, I'm tempted to execute you where you stand, swine."

"You could. But I don't think Major Hochstetter would approve. See, he's kind of possessive when it comes to me although I'm flattered to have the Gestapo fighting over little ole me."

Guthrie removed the safety from his weapon much to the men's horror; but Hogan didn't budge. It was now a staring game between the two men. He aimed the weapon between Hogan's eyes mere inches from his face. His finger tightened on the trigger.

Making a quick decision, Newkirk swatted Hogan's arm away and placed himself in front of his Colonel with his back to Guthrie. He placed both hands on Hogan's chest.

"It's okay, Gov'nor. I'll go with 'im. I'll be all right. No need you gettin' yourself shot on my account. The men need you."

"Newkirk, you don't have to go anywhere with him."

"I know that, sir. But I have to. Don't you see, if I don't he's liable to shoot you right here and I can't allow that to happen. Not while there's breath in me body. I'll always watch your back, sir. Always."

Hogan, though appreciative, wasn't backing down. "Newkirk, no. I don't trust this bastard. Why would you volunteer to go with him anyway? It's my job to protect the men under my command not the other way around."

"And it's me job to help watch your back, Gov'nor." He grinned sadly. "Besides, I trust you'll come up with something. You always do." He grinned. "And if you don't, it's okay. Really." He then turned and faced Guthrie. "I'll come with you, Major. Just don't hurt the Gov'nor."

Guthrie chuckled. "You show no fear, Corporal. I admire that in a man. Even in swine like you. Nonetheless, you will come with me for questioning."

"And if I refuse to let him go with you? You'll do what? Shoot me where I stand?" Hogan's eyes flashed dangerously. He still wasn't ready to back down yet.

Guthrie smiled cunningly for a moment before he suddenly pointed his weapon in the direction of Newkirk's face. The Englander's mouth dropped open and his eyes bulged. "Then I will simply shoot him where he stands in front of you while you watch."

"Major, what are you doing?" stammered Klink.

"Klink, unless you want to incur my wrath, I suggest you shut up!" His eyes never strayed from the American's. "And now, Colonel Hogan, while I'm certain Major Hochstetter would object to me shooting you, I don't think he would object to my shooting one insignificant British Corporal." His finger tightened on the trigger. Newkirk's eyes shifted to his Colonel, a look of pleading in them for Hogan not to do anything.

"There's no need for any bloodshed. But I swear if you hurt him, I'll kill you!"

Smirking, Guthrie put the safety back on his weapon and slid it back into its holster. "Turn around." Newkirk reluctantly did as he was told. When he did he felt the cold steel of handcuffs being put on his wrists as his wrists were handcuffed behind him. Then Guthrie roughly seized one of the Englander's arms and jerked him forward. He paused long enough to glance at Klink. "Now you can dismiss your prisoners, Klink." He walked away leading Newkirk by the arm in the direction of the Kommandantur. Newkirk quickly looked over his shoulder one last time at Hogan and the others. He then glanced at Klink who followed them while sensing trouble for the Corporal and secretly hoping he could somehow protect the Englander.

Once they had been dismissed by Schultz LeBeau, Carter and Kinch gathered around Hogan. They watched the three men as they had reached the Kommandantur.

"We must do something, Colonel," LeBeau said, worried.

"And we will. But first I think it's time to take a coffee break." Hogan quickly entered the barracks followed by the others and made their way to his quarters where LeBeau plugged in the coffee pot.

The door to Klink's inner office opened and Newkirk found himself shoved inside roughly with Guthrie behind him followed shortly thereafter by Klink. Guthrie then pushed him down into a chair just under the photo of Hitler with the concealed microphone.

"Close the door, Klink," Guthrie ordered.

"What…what are you going to do, Major?" Klink stammered nervously as he shut the office door.

"Klink, either stop asking questions or get out and leave us alone. The choice is yours. If you choose to stay then you will keep your mouth shut! Is that understood?"

"But Major, General Burkhalter ordered me in front of you that I or one of my guards are to be present whenever you question…"

Guthrie sneered at the Kommandant who stood behind his desk, fear evident on his face. And you are present, aren't you?" he hissed.

"Yes, but…"

"Then I suggest you remain quiet." As he smirked he calmly slid his lugar from his holster and removing the safety, pointed it at the Englander who for the first time since he was led into Klink's office, felt a twinge of fear seeing the weapon pointed at him. He didn't regret his decision to stop Guthrie from hurting the Colonel. If his possible death would save Hogan and the others, he had no regrets. His only one regret was that his friends would hear him being killed if indeed that's what was about to happen, and he knew that Hogan would feel guilty and blame himself. He swallowed the lump in his throat. Don't blame yourself, sir. I've had a good run.

"Surely we can talk it over, Major," Newkirk managed to get out.

Guthrie smirked quickly and then just as quickly the smirk disappeared as he squeezed the trigger and the blast echoed in the stillness of the office.