“Colonel Rhodes, we need a word now.”
Rhodes, obviously recently awakened from a deep sleep, tried to kick start his brain and mouth.
Schwartz continued on his mission to harangue the entire security detail.
“You two,” he shouted in such a way as to make both men start, “Stay alert, move apart, and let no one approach that door. Are your orders clear?”
Both men snapped out an affirmative response, and stepped apart, weapons held more aggressively, bright, alert and consciously not wishing to get on the bad side of the vicious looking Major.
Schwartz almost swept up Rhodes and the three disappeared into the staff colonel’s room before he could muster an objection or work out he was being railroaded.
Once inside his room, Schwartz took a different approach.
“Rhodes, this officer and I need to see the General right now. You will take us to him immediately.”
Recovering his wits finally, the man blustered.
“Not a hope Major. If you have a problem out there”, he gestured loosely at the heavily curtained window,” Sort it and give me your report in the morning. I will see the old man gets it.”
His gaze flicked to the Captain standing behind Schwartz and Rhodes saw danger in his eyes.
“Hold on, who are you two? Identify yourselves before I call the detail.”
Schwartz and Uhlmann exchanged glances. Rolf had not understood the language but the change in tone told him all he needed to know.
The sudden pressure of a carbine muzzle in his chest told Rhodes that he was underdressed for his present predicament. He stole a look at his holster hanging with his uniform.
“For my part,” Schultz softly confided, “I am an American combat infantry officer from the 317th Regiment, 80th Infantry. However, this gentleman is a German officer who has travelled a long way, a hazardous way I might add, in order to give the General vital information about what is about to happen in Europe, possibly this very night.”
Schwartz spoke quickly in German.
“Pass me his holster and sidearm Rolf.”
Uhlmann grabbed it and dropped it on the bed alongside where Schwartz was standing. The pretty pearl handle and polished chrome told both of them that this gun was all for show. It was not the gun of a man who expected to go in harm’s way.
That view was quickly confirmed as both men could not help but notice the growing wet stain, spreading swiftly across the legs of the Rhodes’s pyjamas.
“We are not going to harm you for fuck’s sake!” Pointing the barrel away from the apparently terrified man, Schwartz gestured with his free hand at Uhlmann.
“I vouch for this man, and I have risked much bringing him here. If you will give me your word that you will take us before the General, then I will give you your pistol and set aside my carbine.”
Rhodes switched incredulously from face to face, processing the information but failing to come to terms with it all.
“We do not have much time Rhodes. The enemy is coming and the message has to go out!”
As both men waited for a response they heard the unmistakable sound of a round being chambered.
“Nice and easy with the weapon there Major. On the bed with it… now.”
The carbine was cast onto the bed and both Schwartz and Uhlmann automatically started to raise their hands.
“Keep your hands where I can see them and turn around. Clarence, arm yourself.”
Uhlmann had no idea who the man in US army shirt, tie and uniform trousers stood in the doorway to the adjoining bedroom was, although the four shiny stars on his collar lapels suggested much, whereas Schwartz was only too aware of the identity of the man coolly looking down the sights of his automatic.
The main door opened and four soldiers came bursting in. The MP Lieutenant and his two men saw that the boot was now well and truly on the other foot. Weapons were raised and the tension rose dramatically.
The extra man was a staff Captain wearing a shiny helmet and ready to take on the world with his Thompson sub-machine gun.
Rhodes finally had his Colt automatic in hand and did his best to impress everyone that he knew how to use it. Its barrel lay against Rolf’s skull behind his right ear.
The General holstered his own colt now that the intruders were well covered.
He looked at the Thompson-toting Captain and smiled, partially out of relief and partially because the man’s attempt to look warlike was more than comical. Even he had noticed the weapon was not cocked.
“Grice, I want another platoon of men posted here right now. Contact Colonel Lee and arrange it at once.”
With specific orders, the Captain left the room immediately.
It was apparent that the MP Lieutenant had something to get off his chest.
“Report, Lieutenant.”
“Sir, the flares were set off by an Austrian civilian who has been apprehended. Two other men in our uniforms that were with these men,” he almost sneered at the two stood there, hands extended towards the ceiling, “Have been taken prisoner. Only this man,” he indicated Schwartz, “Seems to have been carrying a weapon. The other three are being held downstairs under armed guard. Our perimeter is secure sir.”
“Thank you Lieutenant. We will discuss how these two got this far later.”
The young officer winced. It was his watch after all.
“Ok then,” the General looked at Uhlmann and folded his arms. He had not heard any of what Schwartz had said to Rhodes but grasped that there was something deeper going on.
“Who the hell are you and what are you doing here, and talk fast son.”
Schultz started.
“I am Major Schultz, CO of…”
Clark shot out a hand, palm first.
“I know who you are son. I pinned a goddamn Distinguished Service Cross on your chest some weeks ago, and that’s the only reason I am stood here now ready to listen.”
The General’s eyes narrowed as his gaze turned to scrutinise the silent one whilst still addressing the major. “You are in deep shit but at least you’re kosher. It’s this man I want to know about.”
“Sir,” Schultz ventured, “This officer does not speak English. He is an escaped German kreigie who has risked much to stand before you tonight.”
That got the General’s full attention, and the calm and unfazed demeanour seemed suddenly a little shaken. Pursing his lips, Clarke nodded slowly.
“Do go on Major.”
“This is Sturmbannfuhrer Uhlmann, late of the 5th SS Panzer Division, and until recently a prisoner of the Russians at Edelbach in North Austria.”
Although it looked theatrical it was not Uhlmann’s intent, but he could not help but click to attention when the General looked directly at him as his rank, name and former status were announced.
“Sir, if I may speak,” Schwartz waited until the senior man gave an acquiescing nod before he continued, “This man had escaped the Russians and was free, as were those men downstairs, but they have chosen to give up that freedom and risk their lives to come here with vital information, direct for your ears. He has not come to harm you and is unarmed. I know what he has to tell and you must hear him out Sir”
Majors don’t normally use the ‘must’ word to General’s and escape unscathed, but inside Clark had to admit that the boy looked fit to burst, and it wasn’t going to hurt to hear the kraut out.
After what seemed like an age, the General spoke.
“Alright son. You two get your audience. Clarence,” he looked at the unfortunate officer, “Tidy yourself up and join us.”
“Lieutenant?” he queried, looking at the young MP.
“Athabaster, John S. Sir.”
“Search these two thoroughly, and then post your men outside. No one gets in. Clear? You will then accompany them into my room and ensure that you keep these two under control.”