Chapter 24:
Nighttime fell quickly that day. No one really discussed much of what happened that morning in the compound. They were still in too much of a shock to really comprehend it all. Newkirk, on the other hand, was lost in his own mind and thoughts trying to comprehend the events of the day.
It was after dinner, and Kinch, Newkirk, LeBeau, and Carter were sitting at the table talking with one another about today.
"I just can't believe he's gone," Carter gasped. "I thought that he was never gonna leave me again...now he's gone." The young sergeant was still stunned with the fact that the man who had horrified him the most was now dead and never able to harm or humiliated him again. As relieved as he was that his worst nightmare was gone, it still surprised him. He thought he would never get away from Walters for the rest of his life.
"I don't get it!" Newkirk cried. "I checked my aiming and everything. How did I fire smack dab in his chest?"
"We make errors, Newkirk. You wouldn't be human if you didn't." Kinch answered.
"You heard, Joe. There was no way of saving him. The bullet went straight through his aorta...whatever that is," LeBeau said.
"If I remember something that Joe told me once, I think it might be a major vein or artery that sends blood throughout the body and circulatory system. Something you don't wanna happen to yourself. He said trauma or ruptures are almost always fatal."
"I should've never picked up that gun." Newkirk murmured sadly.
"And watched as Klink slowly and painfully died leaving us with some whack job as a commanding officer and threatening the entire operation?" LeBeau asked, stunned.
"Louis makes a point, buddy," Carter said. "You did the right thing. It may not feel like it, but you saved the operation, us, Schultz, Klink, the underground, and most of all, you saved Colonel Hogan."
"Andrew, on a regular basis, I would agree with you, but this is an Allied commanding officer we're talking about. I killed an American lieutenant. I've committed a fragging. I could be put in front of a firing squad for what I've done," Newkirk replied, a whimper in his tone.
"We're gonna make sure that doesn't happen, mon ami," LeBeau said softly.
"If you can prevent that from happening, Louis, you're a bloody miracle worker." The Englishman grumbled.
Kinch was about to say something, when the doors to the barracks opened with Klink sprinting in. He was out a breath and had a fist held up to his chest.
"You alright, Kommandant? You look like you just saw a ghost," Kinch said, raising an eyebrow.
Klink took a minute to catch his breath.
"I just got a call from Berlin. Colonel Hogan's condition has changed." Klink gasped.
"WHAT?!" The four of them shot up from their spots.
"Is he alright?" Carter worried.
"I don't know. Dr. Trommler would not go into specifics, but he said to come to the hospital at once!" Klink answered.
"Come on, guys!" Carter cried.
"Let's go," LeBeau said, anxious.
The four of them dashed out of the barracks and over to Klink's car.
"Wait! I didn't say all four of you could come! Schultz!" Klink bellowed, and started after the four prisoners headed towards his staff car.
Soon enough, after several persuasions and debating going back between Kinch and the Kommandant, the five of them had left Stalag 13 and were on their way to Berlin.
About four hours later, Klink and all four of Hogan's men arrived at the hospital in Berlin. They hurried out of the elevators to Hogan's floor and quickly scanned to see if they could find Dr. Trommler. The five of them ran up to the receptionist, Klink being ahead of his prisoners.
"Excuse me, Fraulein. I am Kommandant Klink of Stalag 13. You have a prisoner as one of your current patients, ah, Colonel Hogan." Klink flustered.
"I need a first name, Kommandant," the lady said flatly. She had black hair tied up into a bun and looked completely emotionless. Her voice told them she was irritated and just wanted to go home.
"Robert, ma'am. Robert Hogan," Newkirk said.
LeBeau leaned towards Kinch.
"She's no where near as pretty as Barbara," he said softly. (1)
"I'm starting to think that's the only thing you ever think about." Kinch remarked.
As the lady started looking through several medical files, a young doctor walked out from behind the reception desk from what looked like doors entering into a large hallway headed towards the operating room.
"Dr. Trommler," Klink gasped. He hurried to the young doctor followed by Hogan's men. "How's Colonel Hogan?"
Dr. Johannes Trommler: a young doctor just out of medical school. He was about 6'1", had slick dark brown hair, and dark blue eyes. He was one of the best doctors in Germany and only 27 years old in age. His records with medicine and experience was impressive for anyone in their late twenties.
Hogan's men babbled, talking over one another in their rush to learn if Hogan was alright.
Trommler sternly hushed them.
"One at a time and keep your voices down. There are very sick people here trying to rest." He admonished.
"Sorry," all of Hogan's men said, hanging their heads in shame.
Klink looked at his prisoners briefly then back to Trommler.
"How is he, Dr. Trommler?" Klink begged to know.
The young man sighed, crossed his arms, and looked at the five before him. He noticed the four men behind Klink and turned to face them.
"Are you close with Mr. Hogan?" Trommler asked.
"We're his friends, mate." Newkirk answered softly.
Trommler nodded and gestured for them to follow him. Following orders, the four men trailed behind the young man, who stopped at the beginning of a long hallway. He took his pointer finger and pointed to his left at an angle.
"Go down this hallway and take the second right turn. You're gonna go down another hallway and make a left at the end. Mr. Hogan's room is E441." The young doctor spoke firmly.
"Thanks, Doc," Newkirk said.
"Come on, guys. Let's get going." Kinch answered.
The four of them walked speedily in the halls and after what felt like an hour's worth of a walk, Hogan's men arrived at their commanding officer's room. Kinch placed his hand on the door knob and was about to open the door, when Newkirk stopped him.
"Any of ya mention one thing about Walters, and I break your bleedin' neck." Newkirk hissed.
"Well, that's a bit violent," LeBeau commented.
"Not in the mood, Louis."
Kinch shook his head and rolled his eyes. He looked back at the door knob and sighed. Once he prepared himself for whatever was behind the door, he turned the knob, heard a 'click', and slowly opened the door. The four of them looked inside and dropped their mouths slightly. They saw Hogan lying in bed connected to several wires and tubes. Both hands were placed on his middle, though his right one had the IV and gauze taped over it. He was looking at them, smiled barely, and waved at them with his right hand before putting it back on his still swollen belly.
All four of them grew grins on their faces.
"Colonel, you're awake," Kinch said.
Carter hurried in and ran towards Hogan. Once he reached his commanding officer, he gently hugged him. Hogan smiled tiredly and gently patted Carter's hand.
"Me next," LeBeau said, with enthusiasm. He walked to the American officer and repeated Carter's action.
Kinch stood at the foot of the colonel's bed, and Newkirk sat on Hogan's left side and smiled at him. The Englishman was glad to have his commanding officer back again.
"How are ya feelin', Gov'nor?" Newkirk asked softly.
Hogan swallowed before answering in a soft, raspy voice.
"Tired."
"Do you want us to leave, Colonel?" Kinch asked, worried he had disturbed Hogan's rest.
The American officer barely shook his head.
"No," he answered. "I want you guys here."
"Then we'll do just that, Colonel." LeBeau answered, with a smile.
"How long have you been awake, sir?" Kinch asked.
"About a few hours," Hogan said. He would tell them more of what happened when he woke up, but was so drowsy and exhausted, nothing made sense to him in his mind. He was still trying to remember what happened after he was shot. Nothing but a black gap filled his memories from the time he was shot up to the time he regained consciousness again. "How long...was I out?"
"A little over three weeks, Gov'nor. We were scared we were gonna lose you." Newkirk answered.
"Colonel, I've never been more scared in my life. When I thought we were gonna lose you, I…" Carter could not finish. He was starting to choke up.
Hogan noticed his youngest team member and smiled faintly.
"I'm gonna be just fine, Carter. Doctor says I could come home in about another week," Hogan said softly.
"Really?!" The young man cheered.
Hogan closed his eyes and smiled barely.
"Really."
"Boy, can I not wait for you to come back to camp!"
The colonel turned his head back to Kinch and looked at him through barely opened eyes.
"How's Walters?" He croaked.
"He's fine, sir. Don't worry about him, Colonel," Kinch said.
"You just focus on getting better, Gov'nor. Nothing more," Newkirk said, grinning.
"We got everything under control, sir." Carter added in.
"Good," Hogan said. "I'm glad to hear it."
"Colonel, I will make you the finest meal, when you come home," LeBeau praised.
The commanding officer smiled again.
"I'm afraid it'll have to be little, LeBeau. My belly here isn't ready for big meals." Hogan answered, patting his middle gently.
"Do you hurt, Colonel?" Carter asked, concerned.
Hogan shook his head faintly.
"No...I'm just a little sore is all."
There was a knock on the door, then it opened silently. Trommler walked into the room and approached his patient with a friendly smile.
"You doing alright, Papa Bear?" The young doctor asked.
The American officer sighed heavily.
"As good as can be, Johannes."
"Good," Trommler turned to look at Hogan's men. "Sorry with being hard on you, guys. Had to keep myself believable."
"It's all good, mate," Newkirk said.
"Hey, Dr. Trommler, is it true you know Richard?" Carter asked, curious.
"Which one?" The doctor asked, crossing his arms.
"There's more?!"
Hogan smiled at Carter, then turned to Trommler.
"Klaussner, Johannes. Dr. Richard Klaussner in Hammelburg." He clarified.
"Oh, yes. I'm good friends with Richard. Taught me everything I needed to know as his intern." The young man answered.
"Wow. You must be really good, if you know Richard," Carter said, impressed.
"Carter," Newkirk groaned.
Trommler chuckled softly.
"No, my friend, I'm afraid Dr. Klaussner will always be the better doctor. That man doesn't give up on anybody, until he's done absolutely everything known in medicine. Willing to travel out of the country to get better medicine and treatments, if it means saving one of his patients."
"Richard's a good doctor. An even better friend," Kinch said.
"I couldn't agree with you more, Kinch...that's you, right?" Trommler asked.
The radioman smirked.
"That's me. That's Newkirk, Carter, and LeBeau."
"Bonjour, mon ami." LeBeau spoke, with a smile.
"Hi there," Carter said friendly.
"Pleasure to be acquainted, mate." Newkirk spoke courteously.
Hogan smiled with his eyes closed.
"These are my boys, Johannes," he gently said. Sleepiness was grasping him too much for his liking.
"Would you like some rest, Colonel?" Trommler asked, concerned.
"I don't want my men to leave," Hogan said, dozing off.
"You'll see them again real soon."
Hogan's eyes fluttered and soon enough fell asleep.
"Colonel," Carter said.
Nothing.
"Colonel?" Carter quivered.
"Don't worry, kid. I'd be concerned, if he wasn't so sleepy. He's on a very strong pain medication, as of now. I will reduce the dose once he's ready to be released, but he'll need another few days of rest. After that, he should be able to get back on his feet and do minor activities." Trommler spoke.
Newkirk sighed and looked at his commanding officer once more.
"Get some rest, Gov'nor. You deserve it. We'll see you again really soon."
"Sleep well, Colonel. We'll be alright until you can come home," Kinch said.
"Bon soir, mon Colonel. We will see you very soon," LeBeau said.
"Goodnight, Colonel. I'm glad to have you back, sir. I hope you're feeling better really soon." Carter spoke, smiling.
The four of them silently followed Trommler out the door and closed it behind them.
Hogan came home from the hospital about a week and a half later. He was welcomed back with smiling faces, pats on the shoulder, and several 'get well' cards made for him. Although flattered, he did not have enough energy to be awake for most of it. He slept a lot of his first days back in camp. When he was awake, LeBeau brought him in meals gradually getting bigger to help his stomach go back to normal, Kinch came in and discussed business regarding the underground and/or London, Newkirk amused him with jokes or stand up, or Carter sat by Hogan in his desk chair and just told him about how his day was going. Sometimes Hogan would just doze off while one of his men spoke with him, but knowing he was hearing them at least made them satisfied.
Another week went by, and Kinch, Newkirk, and Carter sat at the table while LeBeau made breakfast for them. Hogan was in his room resting.
"Boy, is it good to have Colonel Hogan home again," Carter said, cheerful.
"Sure do miss him when he's not around," Kinch said, smiling.
"I'm just glad things are back to normal around here." Newkirk replied.
Kinch, Carter, and LeBeau all turned to look at the Englishman with sympathetic looks. After a while, Newkirk grew irritated with all the stares at him.
"Alright, what is it?" He sneered.
"You've gotta tell Colonel Hogan about Walters, buddy," Carter said softly.
"He's gonna figure out something's up eventually, Newkirk." Kinch added.
"Oui. Mon Colonel catches onto things quickly," LeBeau added.
"What he doesn't know won't hurt 'im." Newkirk answered.
"And when he does find out?" Kinch asked.
"He won't...unless one of you is planning to rat me out."
"No one's ratting you out, Newkirk, but you've gotta tell him. The sooner, the better it'll be on you."
"I say we just carry on with our lives. Let's just act like the whole thing never happened."
Kinch looked at Carter, who exchanged the same look with him and sighed. Looks like they weren't talking Newkirk into it any time soon.
LeBeau shook his head sadly and continued with cooking breakfast.
The English corporal grabbed his cup of coffee, took a drink, then went back to socializing with the others, when the private quarters door opened, and Hogan came out into the main area. He was still slow with his pace and held his middle a lot of the time, but he was at least moving and back on his feet again. The American officer would have gone crazy had he'd been on bedrest any longer. He was dressed in his usual brown pants and shoes, khaki shirt, and his signature bomber jacket and crush cap.
"How are you feeling, Colonel?" Carter asked, concerned.
Hogan smiled small, while pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"I'm feeling a lot better, Carter. Thank you," he said friendly. He turned to look at his men while holding his coffee cup. His facial expression became more serious and grew a puzzled look to him. "You know, I've been thinking a lot. I haven't seen or heard of Walters since I came home from the hospital. Where is he, anyways?" Hogan took a sip of his coffee.
The others all turned to Newkirk, who never took his eyes off his coffee. Slowly, he flexed a casual shoulder.
"Couldn't say."
"Oh?" Hogan inquired. "Why's that?"
Newkirk sipped his drink, putting on his best, card-winning poker face.
"Why waste my time with him?"
"Newkirk..." Kinch warned.
"I ain't cracking, mate! He's fine!" He took another drink of his coffee before speaking in a more civil tone of voice. "Now, if you excuse me, I have to go run an errand to the Kommandant."
He got to his feet and by the time he passed Hogan, he was making a run for the door. Kinch and LeBeau rushed over, making sure not to run over their commander, and held back the Englishman from making anymore movements. Panic was now overflowing in his eyes.
"Time's up, Newkirk. Start talking," Kinch said softly.
"He'll understand, mon ami!" LeBeau tried to comfort his friend, but the poor English corporal was mortified and kept squirming, hoping to break from their arms free.
"What's going on here?" Hogan asked, harsh. He put his coffee cup down and his left hand on his hip.
"Nothing, Gov'nor. Just making a quick errand to Klink is all," Newkirk said, feigning a smile. He tried another attempt of breaking free, but it proved worthless. "Kinch, let go of me!"
"Come on, Newkirk. Colonel Hogan was accepting, when I told him what happened between me and Walters. This should be easy!" Carter spoke, encouraging.
"Andrew, you were the victim in that situation! I could be bloody murdered for what I've done!" Newkirk yelped.
"Where's Walters, and that's an order!" Hogan demanded. He was losing his patience with his men.
Newkirk finally sighed and stopped trying to escape. Feeling confident he would not try an attempt to flee, Kinch and LeBeau let go of their friend. The Englishman looked over towards the door. Seeing the look in Newkirk's eyes, Kinch and LeBeau leaned against the door and blocked the way out. He then turned to look at the fake bunk leading into the tunnels. He was disappointed to see Carter and Baker blocking the entrance way and looking at him with sympathy.
Newkirk turned back to Kinch and LeBeau and swallowed hard.
"Please...don't make me do this, Kinch." He pleaded.
"He'll understand, Newkirk. Trust me on this," the sergeant said softly.
The Englishman sighed and turned to look at his commanding officer. Hogan was glaring hard at him and waiting for an answer that he was growing tired of not hearing.
"Alright, Gov'nor...you win," Newkirk said, surrendering.
"Where's...Walters?" Hogan snarled.
At first, the corporal in questioning was frozen. He did not know how to break the news to his commanding officer. He had been out of the loop for almost a month regarding Walters's death. Somewhere deep down inside him, he eventually found some courage and opened his mouth.
(1) Barbara Wagner is an underground agent and the niece of Major Hochstetter. LeBeau is madly in love with her, but it irritates Newkirk that his friend is in love with someone related to Hochstetter. Her first appearance is in my story 'Hogan's Heroes: Finding the Silver Lining".