Chapter 3---Metzger's Offer

"That's some choice you're offering, general," Hogan remarked. "To be shot by the Gestapo or hung as a traitor by London. Why don't you tell me what you want."

"Of course, Hogan. But first, you will turn around with your back to me, and put your hands on top of your head."

Sighing, Hogan did as he was told. He felt the click of a handcuff as it was clamped tightly around his wrist. Then, his other arm was jerked roughly behind his back with the other cuff clamped on his wrist. Metzger, pressing the gun in Hogan's back, pushed him forward. The walk was only a few yards before they came to an unmarked black car. Metzger held open the front passenger side door and with his gun, motioned for Hogan to get in. Hogan hesitated.

"I can put you in the car with a bullet in your head, or you can get in the car under your own power, Hogan. Makes no difference to me either way." Hogan slowly manuevered himself into the passenger seat with difficulty as his wrists were restrained behind him. Metzger slammed the door shut and walked around to the driver's side and got in, closing the door. Then, he uncocked the pistol and laid it on the dashboard in front of him. He smirked at the American officer's helpless position, and a chuckle escaped his lips.

Hogan shook his head. "What do want from me, Metzger?" he demanded, curious.

"I'm surprised you haven't figured it out yet, Hogan."

"I've never been very good at guessing games, so why don't you just get to the point."

"Very well. One year ago you stole a million dollars in artwork from me and I want it back! Every box! Every crate! And you are going to get it for me!"

Now it was Hogan's turn to appear amused. "I have no idea what you're talking about, general," he said. "If memory serves, I believe there was a commando raid of some kind. They probably took your boxes and crates. I had nothing to do with it."

"You don't lie very well, Hogan," Metzger replied. "You see, for the past year I have been researching you, reading everything I could find out about you. In fact, there is nothing I don't know about you and your operation. So you see, lying to me serves you no purpose."

"Just what is it you think I can do for you, Metzger?"

"I just told you, Hogan. You are going to recover the one million dollars of artwork you stole from me over one year ago and give it back to me."

"And why should I do this?"

"You mean what is your incentive?" Metzger replied with a devious smile. "I told you earlier that should you refuse, I can take you to Gestapo headquarters where I am certain a Major Hochstetter would enjoy your company before he has you shot. Or, I can send proof to the Allies in London that you are a traitor and you will be hung as such."

"There's no proof I am anything but loyal to my country," Hogan remarked, wondering what kind of proof Metzger had fabricated.

"Oh I think London would find just the opposite, Hogan, when they see this." Metzger, reaching inside his inner coat pocket, pulled out a photograph and held it in front of Hogan's face. It was a photo of Hogan meeting with a man he recognized immediately. The look on Hogan's face didn't escape Metzger. He smirked. "I see you recognize the man you know as Skyhawk, Colonel. His real name isn't important. But Skyhawk is a German agent and has been for years. I hired him about one year ago to pass on useful information to you to pass on to the Allies as part of my plan. Now, what do you think London would say if they saw this photo of you meeting with a man who they later find out is a German agent for the Nazis?"

"They'd never believe it, Metzger. Photos can be doctored."

"True. But you see, Hogan, I also have the negative as well. And the negative hasn't been altered in any way. Once London sees the photo and the negative together, they will have no choice but to believe Colonel Robert Hogan has turned traitor and should either be hanged or serve life in prison."

"London would find out it was a set up once they investigate."

"Perhaps. But you see, Hogan. My ace in the hole is that Skyhawk will be the key witness against you at your trial in London. He will testify that on numerous occasions you passed on Allied information to the Germans through him. And that everytime you passed information to him, it will correspond with an act of sabotage against the Allies by the Nazis. So you see, Hogan, London will have no choice but to believe you are a traitor."

Hogan's mind was reeling right now. He couldn't think clearly. It was apparent Metzger had constructed an elaborate trap and he was caught in it. He needed time to figure out how to destroy the fabricated evidence Metzger had against him, stop the general at the same time, and protect his men and his operation.

"You win, Metzger," Hogan said quietly. "I'll get back your artwork for you on one condition."

"And what would that be?"

"Once I get your artwork back to you, I want that photo, the negative, and Skyhawk's true identity."

"But of course, Hogan. Now, I will take you back to Stalag 13 and let you out near your emergency tunnel."

"How much time do I have to recover the merchandise?" Hogan asked.

"Knowing how some of your plans are somewhat involved, I will give you two weeks from today. In other words, Hogan, today is April 12. You will have until April 26th. Should you fail, on the 27th, I will decide how you will die. Do we understand each other?"

"Crystal, general," Hogan replied with disdain.

"Very good, Hogan." Metzger then turned the key in the ignition, started the car, and slowly headed in the direction of Stalag 13. There was a twisted smile on his face that didn't go unnoticed by Hogan. All he could do right now is hope that during the two weeks he had he could come up with something to turn the tables on Metzger.