Chapter 34---Hogan's New Nightmare
Wilson cleaned the cuts to the Colonel's face with alcohol, and breathed a sigh of relief to see they looked worse than they were. Stitches weren't necessary; bandages would suffice. Also, Hogan's jaw was not broken. Although the Colonel was in and out of consciousness, for which Wilson was not overly concerned, it allowed him to check the Colonel's vitals without an argument from Hogan. Fortunately, the vitals were all good.
The medic then proceeded to unzip Hogan's jacket and unbutton his shirt, spreading the halves apart enabling him to get a look at the area where Hogan had been kicked. There was an ugly blackish purple bruise forming. He gingerly felt the area and shook his head as he looked at Kinch. "He's got two broken lower ribs," he said. "Doesn't appear to be any other injuries. Also, his breathing is a lot better. I had examined his throat earlier and the swelling has gone down a bit on the inside, and the redness is fading. But the bruising will take a few more days." He reached into his bag and removed a roll of tape. He looked at Kinch. "I'm going to need you to help him sit up and ease him out of his jacket so I can give him a shot of morphine. It'll make things easier for him when I have to wrap his broken ribs."
Sitting beside Hogan on the bunk, Kinch gently slid his arms behind Hogan's head and back and eased him into a sitting position. A low moan left Hogan's lips as his eyes opened a slit.
"Kinch…" he whispered. Hogan winced when he tried to take a deep breath. His side ached so much where he'd been kicked. With his head resting on Kinch's shoulder, he didn't object when the radioman gently eased him out of his jacket. Turning his head a bit he noticed Wilson filling a syringe. "Joe. Side hurts…"
"I know, Colonel," Wilson replied, not stopping what he was doing. "You have two broken lower ribs where you were kicked. After I give you this shot of morphine, you'll feel better. Then I'm going to wrap your ribs, and afterwards give you a sedative. I want you to sleep for awhile."
"No sedative," Hogan whispered. "Don't want sedative."
Wilson smiled despite himself. "Don't argue with your kindly camp medic," he joked. "You're gonna have to take it easy for awhile to allow your ribs a chance to heal. Kinch, hold him." Wilson proceeded to roll up Hogan's shirtsleeve and jab the syringe into his arm and inject its contents. After a few moments, Hogan's face became peaceful and he seemed not be feeling as much discomfort as before. Wilson then began wrapping the Colonel's ribs with the tape while Kinch continued holding his commanding officer, letting the Colonel's head rest on his shoulder. When Wilson was done, he ordered Kinch to lay Hogan back down.
The radioman carefully eased his commanding officer back down on the bed. Hogan winced at the motion. He watched as Wilson fills a second syringe, and jabs it into Hogan's arm. Rolling down his shirtsleeve, he and Kinch both watched as Hogan's eyes slowly fluttered closed and his breathing slowed. The medic slowly got to his feet, and reaching into his bag, removed his stethoscope and checked Hogan's vitals again. He tossed the stethoscope back in his bag and looked at Kinch as he got to his feet.
"His breathing is good and he's sleeping now. He should sleep for about twelve hours. I'll be back in a few hours to check on him." He headed for the door as Kinch got to his feet and gently pulled the blanket over his commanding officer and tucked it under his chin. Then, he followed Wilson into the common area where Newkirk, Carter, and LeBeau were still seated at the table waiting for news.
Wilson, placing his bag on the table, grabbed an empty coffee cup, and poured himself a cup of coffee. He and Kinch both sat down.
"How's the Gov'nor?" asked Newkirk, concern etched on his face.
Wilson took a long sip of coffee. He sighed. "He has two broken lower ribs, cuts on his face that don't require stitches and should heal completely leaving no scars. His breathing has improved considerably. His jaw isn't broken, thankfully. I've wrapped his ribs and given him a shot of morphine and a sedative. He should sleep for awhile."
"But will he be all right?" Carter asked quietly.
"If he gives himself time to heal, he should be fine." He finished his coffee and got up, grabbing his bag. "I'll be back to check on him later." He then turned and left the barracks.
LeBeau and Carter had just finished the dinner dishes following evening roll call and rejoined Newkirk and Kinch at the table drinking coffee. Kinch checked his watch.
"I better get down to the radio room," he announced finishing his coffee. "Newkirk, you and LeBeau be ready to head to Klink's office. Carter, you'll stay with the Colonel. According to Wilson, he should sleep for about twelve hours so you shouldn't have any problems."
"But what about Burkhalter and Klink?" asked LeBeau. "They might still be in Klink's office. What do we do then?"
Kinch sighed. "If they're still there, then the only thing we'll succeed at for now is to get Hochstetter out of camp for a few hours. That'll at least keep him away from the Colonel. If Klink and Burkhalter are still in Klink's office, the two of you will just have to wait until they've gone to bed before you make your move. We'll listen in on the coffee pot and see what the two of them are up to before you and Newkirk try for Klink's office."
"Understood, mate," Newkirk replied getting to his feet, as did the Frenchman. Kinch headed toward the double bunk in the corner and struck the hidden mechanism and waited for the lower bunk to rise and the ladder to drop. When they did, the radioman stepped over the bed frame and climbed down the ladder. He quickly made his way to the radio room while Newkirk and LeBeau waited up above. Carter quietly entered Hogan's quarters, plugged in the coffee pot, then pulled out the chair from the desk, and positioned it beside the bed. He could now listen to what took place in Klink's office and keep and eye on Hogan at the same time. Sitting down, Carter gazed at the sleeping form of his commanding officer. His eyes took in the two bandages on Hogan's face from where he had been struck by Hochstetter. He listened to the Colonel's even breathing and was relieved that at least his CO wasn't having any trouble. Carter was determined that nobody would hurt the Colonel while he was sitting here now. He would do whatever he had to keep this man safe from harm.
Kinch plugged in the switchboard and rang Klink's office phone. It rang about three times before it was picked up.
"Kommandant Klink."
"Colonel Klink? This is Major Bauman, Gestapo headquarters in Düsseldorf," Kinch said in his best German voice.
"Yes sir, Major. Heil Hitler. What can I do for you, sir?" Klink asked nervously.
"I'd want to speak with Major Hochstetter, Colonel."
"Yes, sir, Major. He's right here." Klink handed the phone to the Gestapo Major. Hochstetter glanced at Klink for a long moment before putting the receiver to his ear.
"Major Hochstetter here."
"Major, this is Major Bauman, Gestapo headquarters in Düsseldorf. We were told by Gestapo headquarters in Hammelburg we could contact you at Stalag 13."
"What seems to be the problem, Major?" Hochstetter asked aware that Burkhalter's eyes were on him.
"We are holding a man here who may be involved in the death of a Luftwaffe General where you are. A General Metzger I believe the name is. We would like you to come to Düsseldorf and conduct the interrogation."
Hochstetter stiffened. "Jawohl, Major. I will be there as soon as possible. Auf Wiedershen. Heil Hitler." He hung up the phone.
"What was that about Major?" asked Burkhalter, interested after having noticed Hochstetter's reaction on the phone.
"That was a Major Bauman in Gestapo headquarters in Düsseldorf. They have picked up a man who may be involved in General Metzger's death. They want me to come to Düsseldorf to interrogate the suspect."
Burkhalter slowly got to his feet. "I will escort you out, Major as I must return to Berlin." He glanced at the Kommandant. "Klink, I will be back here tomorrow morning." As Hochstetter opened the door to Klink's office, Burkhalter called out to him. The Major, hand frozen on the doorknob, turned and looked at the rotund General.
"One final thing, Major," he explained. "And listen to me very carefully. As of this moment your involvement with Stalag 13 and Colonel Hogan is finished. You have no need to question him again. I suggest unless you have definite proof of Hogan's involvement in Metzger's death that I can accept, you will no longer have access to him. You will also not be allowed entry through the front gates. In fact, I am ordering Klink to have you put in the cooler and then to call me in Berlin if you somehow do get through the front gates and try to question Hogan. Do I make myself clear, Major?"
"Jawohl, Herr General," Hochstetter growled. He figured he find a way to gain access to Hogan and interrogate him again. All he needed was one piece of evidence to prove Hogan killed Metzger. Somewhere out there was the proof he needed to arrest Hogan and take him to Gestapo headquarters. Perhaps this prisoner in Düsseldorf might be able to give him what he needed.
Kinch emerged from the tunnels and stepped over the lower bed frame. He struck the hidden mechanism and watched the lower bunk drop as the ladder rose. Turning, he spied LeBeau watching through the cracked open barracks door.
"What's happening?" Kinch asked.
"Hochstetter and Burkhalter are both leaving," LeBeau replied.
Carter emerged from Hogan's quarters, quietly closing the door behind him. The others glanced in his direction.
"Something happen to the Colonel?" Kinch asked, worried.
"He's still sleeping," Carter replied. "I just wanted to let you fellas know what Burkhalter told Hochstetter."
"What did the old barrage balloon tell our favorite man in black, mate?" asked Newkirk anxiously.
"Burkhalter told Hochstetter that he won't be allowed back in Stalag 13 or near Colonel Hogan unless he can show Burkhalter proof that the Colonel's involved in Metzger's death and that should he get past the front gates, Klink is to throw Hochstetter in the cooler and call Burkhalter to let him know."
"Well…" Newkirk said with a smile. "I'd pay to see that. But if nothing else, that should keep old Hochstetter out of Hammelburg for several hours anyway and away from the Colonel."
"Burkhalter and Hochstetter just drove away," LeBeau announced.
"That leaves Klink," Kinch said. "As soon as he leaves, go to work."
"Right, mate."
Carter quietly re-entered his commanding officer's quarters and noticed the Colonel still sleeping peacefully. Sitting back down in the chair beside the bed, he continued watching his CO, and listening carefully to his breathing, making sure to keep alert for any changes so he could hurry and fetch Wilson. He carefully adjusted the covers that Hogan had somehow managed to throw off of himself. Carter turned suddenly as he heard the door open and saw Wilson enter, carrying his medical bag. He smiled at Carter.
"How's he been doing, Carter?" Wilson asked.
"He's been sleeping since you left earlier," Carter explained, eyeing the medical bag in Wilson's hand. "You want me to leave?"
"No. You can stay. I just want to check on him again and give him another shot of morphine. Without it, he's gonna have a lot of pain from those broken ribs." Wilson placed his bag on the foot of the bunk and removed his stethoscope. Pulling back the covers, he checked the Colonel's vitals and was pleased. Putting the stethoscope back in the bag, he removed a syringe and a vial and began filling it.
"Won't he feel that and wake up?" Carter asked.
"Thanks to the sedative, Carter, he won't feel a thing," the medic explained as he jabbed the syringe into Hogan's arm. The Colonel didn't stir even when the syringe pierced his skin which Carter found amazing. Wilson then adjusted the covers and tucked them under the Colonel's chin.
"You babysitting, Carter?" he asked with a grin.
"Yeah," the young Sergeant replied with a grin of his own. "Newkirk and LeBeau are on an assignment and Kinch is in the other room right now. He should be relieving me in a couple of hours. We didn't want the Colonel to be alone in case he developed breathing problems."
Picking up his medical bag and heading towards the door, Wilson glanced back at the young Sergeant. He smiled. "Carter, Colonel Hogan's throat is healing nicely. The swelling and redness are not as bad as they were, and the bruising should be gone in a few days. He only develops breathing trouble if he gets over-stressed or highly agitated. But in another week or so he shouldn't have any further problems."
"That's good to know," Carter said with a smile. "I mean until the Colonel finds out who killed Metzger, we're just afraid for him. He has been so stressed during this entire mess."
"I know, Carter," Wilson replied. "I'm just as concerned about him. And if he gives himself time to heal, he'll be ok. But, we all know how the Colonel is when it comes to giving himself time to recover."
Carter's face suddenly became sad. "I know. We all do. It's just that first there was this thing with Metzger attacking the Colonel, and then Hochstetter attacked him. I became scared, Joe. And I mean really scared."
"Try not to worry so much," Wilson advised him. "Colonel Hogan will be all right. I'll be back in another 4-6 hours. I'd better go."
"Thanks, Joe."
With a tired grin, Wilson exited the room leaving Carter alone.
Wilson nodded to Kinch as he passed him by in the common room. "He'll be all right, Kinch. I just gave him another shot of morphine. Goodnight."
" 'Night, Joe. And thanks," Kinch replied as Wilson exited the barracks. He checked his watch and figured he'd be relieving Carter in a few hours. Until then, he'd wait until Newkirk and LeBeau returned. Just then, the lower bunk rose and the ladder dropped. Kinch looked at the other prisoners. "Saunders, keep watch at the door," he said getting up quickly as Olsen climbed up the ladder and stepped over the bed frame and in to the barracks. He had a concerned look on his face.
"What's wrong?" Kinch asked, worried.
"Kinch, you better come below and get on the radio. There's a call that came in from someone named Skyhawk and he wants to speak with Colonel Hogan right away."
"What did you tell him?" Kinch asked, fearful of what this person wanted from the Colonel now.
"I told him Colonel Hogan was unavailable. But he still insisted on speaking with him. Said if the Colonel was unavailable that he'd better become available if he knew what was good for him. That's when I thought I'd better get you." Olsen sighed. "Kinch, what's going on?"
"Can't tell you but you did the right thing in getting me. I'll take care of it. Thanks. If Newkirk and LeBeau get back before I do, just tell them I went below and nothing else. And that includes Carter as well. He's sitting with the Colonel." Kinch hurried towards the tunnel entrance and down the ladder. He walked quickly to the radio room and, sitting down at the radio, put on the headset and adjusted it.
"This is Papa Bear, Skyhawk. What can we do for you?" Kinch didn't want to disclose any information to this person considering he worked with Metzger.
"Where is Colonel Hogan? I demanded to speak with him with the other man. Now where is he?" The voice on the other end sounded angry.
"I'm sorry, Skyhawk, but the Colonel is unavailable right now. Can I help you?"
"You will get Colonel Hogan and tell him he will either become available or I will see to it that London gets an interesting photo of him. Or perhaps Major Hochstetter might enjoy seeing it."
"I'm sorry," Kinch bit his lower lip to control his building rage. "But Colonel Hogan is unavailable because he was seriously injured and is unconscious. He's been confined to the infirmary. He had a run-in with the local Gestapo. He'll be confined to the infirmary for at least forty-eight hours." Well, it's not a complete lie, Kinch told himself.
There was a long moment of silence on the other end before Skyhawk responded. The annoyance could still be heard in his voice.
"Very well. But not forty-eight hours. I insist on speaking with him in, let's say, thirty-six hours. And he'd better be available then or else." The transmission then went dead.