** There are some insulting names in this chapter.**

Chapter 25-Revelations

Before any of the men could respond to the echoing of the gunshot over the speaker, Hogan was out the door of his quarters and racing out of the barracks, in a dead run, in the direction of the Kommandantur. He bounded up the front steps, two at a time, and soon found himself in the waiting room. He didn't bother to knock and burst through the office door promising himself that if Newkirk was dead, so would be one useless Gestapo Major, Hochstetter or no Hochstetter. Hogan paused as his eyes took in the sight that greeted him. Newkirk was crouched down in the chair cowering, but very much alive. But there was no mistaking the bullet hole in the wall a scant few inches from his head.

Hogan's face was a deep shade of crimson and his dark eyes blazing. He looked at the Englander. "Newkirk? You all right?"

After convincing himself he was indeed alive, Newkirk looked weakly over at his Colonel. "Yes, sir. I think so. I mean, this don't exactly look like heaven if you get my meaning, sir." He swallowed hard. Hogan's glare then turned to a smirking Guthrie.

"Bastard! You're lucky he's still alive. Because if he wasn't…."

"You would do nothing, Schweinhund," Guthrie said, having put his gun back in its holster, and clasping his hands behind his back. Klink meanwhile had collapsed in his chair behind his desk, still in disbelief with what he had just witnessed.

"Don't you be calling the Gov'nor names either, you bloody bastard," Newkirk hissed.

"Your man is still alive, so why are you upset? Seems I missed again when I fired." Guthrie ignored the Englander. Reaching into his pocket, he removed and tossed the keys to Hogan. "Your man looks a bit shaken. Perhaps you should take him back to your barracks." He watched as Hogan gently helped a shaky Newkirk to his feet before unlocking and removing the handcuffs, tossing them onto Klink's desk. Newkirk rubbed his sore wrists.

Guthrie calmly looked at the Kommandant. "Klink, I suggest you leave this office."

"But, but, Major. If you are going to interrogate Colonel Hogan, General Burkhalter has…"

Guthrie sighed, annoyed. "Klink, I am not going to interrogate Colonel Hogan. He and I are simply going to have a talk, just the two of us. I will not lay a single finger on him."

Hogan looked at his friend. "Newkirk, go back to the barracks."

"No sir, I'm not going to leave you alone with this bloody maniac."

"I'll be all right," Hogan assured him. "Just do what I say."

"Yes, sir," Newkirk said reluctantly. He glared at Guthrie. "You lay one bleedin' hand on the Gov'nor and there won't be any place in Germany you could go that I won't find your sorry hide. You just remember that."

"Newkirk…." Hogan warned.

"Yes, sir." Newkirk slowly walked out of the office after giving Guthrie one last look.

Guthrie then turned his hollow-eyed stare on Klink. "Well, Klink? Why are you still here?"

Swallowing hard, Klink glanced imploringly at Hogan as if silently begging him to be careful. Getting up, Klink slowly walked around his desk and left the office shortly after Newkirk leaving Hogan and Guthrie alone.

"All right, Major," Hogan began, trying to maintain control over his anger. "We're alone. What do you want?"

"Have a seat, Colonel," Guthrie suggested as he slowly walked around Klink's desk and sat down in the chair.

"I'll stand if you don't mind," Hogan replied coolly. He stood before the Kommandant's desk with thumbs hooked in his pockets.

Guthrie smirked. "Colonel, I could just have easily shot your British Corporal and you know it."

"What's your point?"

"I still think we can work together and obtain what we both want."

"You're still talking about von Herwarth and this supposed journal."

"Oh the journal does exist, I assure you. I know von Herwarth is in this area somewhere. And I intend to find him either with or without your help. But it would be easier with it. Of course it would be in your best interest to work with me. Better for you…and the men under your command."

Hogan smirked. "And why should I help a member of the Gestapo?" He noticed an ever so slight change in the Gestapo Major's face.

"Colonel, I told you who I really am. I assumed you believed me. Has something happened to change your thinking?"

Hogan shrugged. "No," he lied. "But your last action with Corporal Newkirk didn't exactly endear you to me. In fact, it tells me you're more Gestapo than Allie. And I hate all Gestapo as each one I meet is crazier than the previous one."

Guthrie's face darkened. "Very well, Itzig. You asked me to get to the point so I will. You are going to help me lure von Herwarth into a trap. If you refuse or try and trick me, I will have the other Jewish prisoners transferred to other camps, including you, if you get my meaning."

Hogan fought to control his temper. "You leave my men out of this. This is between you and me."

"I'm afraid I can't do that. See, if I transferred just you, I've seen enough to realize you would gladly go if it would save your men. But if I transfer you and the others together, although to different camps, you'd do whatever you had to in order to prevent it from happening to your men. Am I right?"

Hogan let out a deep breath. "Y'know something, Guthrie, of all the Gestapo I've met, you have to be the sickest one of all. You're nuttier than your boss, Major Hochstetter."

Guthrie smirked. "So, I can expect your help?"

Hogan smiled sweetly. "I'll think about it."

Guthrie slowly got to his feet. He glared at the American. "You have one minute to decide swine. You will help me capture von Herwarth and his journal. Otherwise, I will make a phone call and all the Jewish prisoners and one insignificant American Colonel will be sent elsewhere where you will all learn respect for the Third Reich."

Kinch, Carter and LeBeau were gathered around the coffee pot listening in on their Colonel's conversation with Guthrie when the door to Hogan's quarters opened and Newkirk walked in, slamming the door behind him. He was mumbling obscenities under his breath as he joined the others at the desk.

"Boy were we scared when we heard that gunshot," said Carter.

"You and me both, mate. I'm more convinced than ever that this bloody Major is off his bleedin' rocker. He's bloody crackers."

"Are you all right, mon ami?" asked a still worried LeBeau.

"I'm fine. How's the Gov'nor holding out?"

"Guthrie threatened to transfer the Colonel and others to other camps if he didn't help him catch von Herwarth and recover the journal," Carter explained.

"Cochon," LeBeau sneered. "I will kill him before I let him send the Colonel or anybody else to one of those other camps."(1)

"Be quiet," Kinch suddenly said. "Listen."

"Your time is up, Hogan. Give me your decision."

Hogan let out a deep breath. "I'll help you against my better judgment but only to protect my men. If afterward you try and double-cross me, I'll kill you. Do we understand each other?"

"Perfectly," Guthrie smirked.

"Good. And two other things, Major."

Guthrie leaned back in the chair with an amused grin. "And what might those be?"

Hogan stepped closer and placed both hands, palms downward, on the desk. He glared intensely at the Gestapo with all the rage he had. "First, we will do this my way or no way. Understood?"

"And the other?"

"You keep you filthy Gestapo hands off of my men now and for all time while I help you. If you try and go back on this arrangement I will make you sorry you ever heard of Stalag 13. Now, do we have an agreement? You have one minute."

Guthrie stared at the American for a few minutes before a smirk appeared. He found this American so amusing. It was going to be a shame to get rid of him when this was over. He would either kill him outright, or send him to another camp befitting his kind. He hadn't yet decided as both means appealed to him. But then again there was his boss to consider.

"Very well, Schweinhund, we have a deal." Guthrie sighed. "Do you have a plan?"

"Not yet. I have no way of contacting this von Herwarth so we must wait for him to make contact with me somehow. When he does, I will let you know and then we will plan. Until then, am I dismissed?"

"You can get out. I no longer require your worthless presence here, you Verdammter Jew."

Hogan didn't bother to even salute as he walked to the door. He paused with his hand gripping the doorknob, and looked over his shoulder at the Gestapo Major. "One last thing, Major. My name is Hogan. Colonel Robert Hogan. I suggest you remember it." Then, without waiting for a response, he opened the door and walked out passing Klink in the waiting area, closing the door. The Kommandant looked at the American with a worried look. He had been listening outside the door and heard most of the conversation. As Hogan grabbed the doorknob to the door leading to the compound, Klink grabbed the American's arm, stopping him. He glanced to make sure the door to his office was closed before he spoke in a low voice.

"Hogan, I must be quick. I know you. You've got something in mind to deal with Major Guthrie. I heard what he told you he would do. I just want you to know that whatever you have planned, I will help however I can. He must be gotten rid of."

Hogan looked innocently at Klink with arched eyebrows. "What are you suggesting, Kommandant? I hope it's not what I think it is."

"All I'm saying is that I'll support you. That's all. Do you have a plan?"

Hogan smiled. "Don't worry, Kommandant, if I come up with something you'll be the first to know." That said, he quietly walked out the door closing it behind him leaving Klink standing scared and worried.

Inside Klink's office, Guthrie's lips curled back in a cold sneer. How dare that Verdammter Jew speak to a member of the Master race like that? Enjoy your time, Itzig. When this is over, instead of killing you, you will be sent to one of those camps to learn your place while I deal with others of your kind still here along with your Kommandant who does not adhere to the rules of how to run a prisoner-of-war camp.

LeBeau unplugged the coffee pot and let loose a string of French obscenities. There were a few minutes of silence among the men before somebody finally spoke.

"Gee, why would the Colonel agree to help Guthrie after what he did to Newkirk?" asked a bewildered Carter.

"To buy us time," said Hogan as he entered his quarters in time to hear Carter's question. The other men looked at him, waiting. "I have no intention of helping that bastard do anything except die."

"Mon Colonel, how will you stop him from transferring you and the others to other camps as he threatened? We know he can't be trusted."

Hogan sighed wearily. "I won't let that happen, LeBeau," Hogan promised. "Right now he thinks he has me exactly where he wants me when in reality, he's right where I want him which is believing I will help him. I want him to keep thinking that until the right time." He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Something wrong, Colonel?" asked Kinch.

"Not sure. Klink said something strange as I was leaving."

"What's that, sir?" asked Newkirk.

Hogan wrapped his arms around himself. "He said Guthrie must be gotten rid of and he would support any plan I came up with."

"You think he meant it?" Kinch asked.

"Yeah, I do. Guthrie's got him so scare he's even afraid of Schultz right now. And he's in just as much danger as us, our operation, and von Herwarth."

"Blimey," Newkirk mumbled.

Hogan looked at the Frenchman. "How's our guest downstairs? Any problems?"

"Non, mon Colonel. He has been very well behaved and has caused no trouble. I think he's afraid to after the lies he's told us so far."

Hogan nodded. "LeBeau, go below and inform von Herwarth that in forty-eight hours he and I are going to retrieve that journal and I don't want to hear any excuses. If necessary, tell him I'm making it an order."

"Oui, Colonel. I will tell him." The Frenchman quickly exited the small room and headed for the secret tunnel entrance in the common room. A few short minutes after, Hogan and his men followed him into the common room.

Klink watched Guthrie stare out of the open window in his office, gazing at barracks two with hands clasped behind his back. Neither man had spoken since before Klink had left the office when Hogan was there. In fact, he suspected the Major was thinking of Hogan the entire time. Klink had tried doing some paperwork while Guthrie was staring out the window, but found he couldn't concentrate.

"Klink, how well do you know the American named Hogan?" Guthrie asked without turning around.

Klink was caught off-guard by the question as he wasn't expecting it. He looked at the Major's back. "Since he's been at Stalag 13. About three years. Why do you ask?"

"What do you think of him?"

"What do I think of Colonel Hogan?" Klink was silent for several seconds. "He is without a doubt the most exasperating, arrogant, obnoxious, infuriating, and rude individual I have ever met for an officer."

"Do you find him a spirited man?"

"Yes, sir." Klink had no idea where this line of questioning was going. "Major, why are you asking these questions about Colonel Hogan?"

Guthrie nodded his head still looking out of the window. "It will be a shame to break such spirit." He turned away from the window and stared at the Kommandant. "Klink, I will be leaving here in a few days and I will be taking Hogan with me. He will be sent to one of the other camps where he can be taught respect for a superior race. Oh, and Klink, he will not be coming back. Instead, he will made to carry out hard manual labor and be taught his place. I will then deal with the others like him in this camp. I also suggest unless you want to join him, you keep this bit of information to yourself. You will mention this to nobody. Do I make myself clear?"

Klink swallowed hard knowing he had to warn Hogan somehow. He could not allow the Gestapo Major to take Hogan to a labor camp as long as he was able to do something about it, even if it meant his own life was forfeited in the process. He had belief that Hogan would come up with something to stop Guthrie. Besides, Klink thought, I owe Hogan for all the times he's saved me from the Russian front.

Hogan was seated at the table drinking coffee with his men when a frantic LeBeau hurried upstairs from below. He appeared panic-stricken.

"Mon Colonel, it is terrible."

Hogan looked up, puzzled. "Louie, calm down. What's terrible. Has something happened to von Herwarth?"

"It is worse than that, Colonel. Von Herwarth is gone!"

Hogan almost choked on his coffee and started coughing. Kinch patted him on his back until he stopped.

"Gone? What do you mean gone?" Hogan asked anxiously. "Did you search the tunnels for him?"

"Oui. I searched everywhere below for him. He's gone, Colonel."

Hogan pinched the bridge of his nose with closed eyes. Could this day not get any worse?

(1) Cochon means 'pig.'