Chapter 42 – Epilogue

8 April 1946, Pentagon, Washington D.C.

"General Hogan sir?" The intercom crackled to life and he reached over to hit the answer button.

"Yes Lieutenant?"

"The phone call you've been expecting is holding on your private line."

"Thank you Lieutenant." Major General Robert E. Hogan, United States Army Air Force, picked up the receiver and listened intently. He nodded as the caller confirmed that his mission had finally borne the desired results. "I want you to accompany him all the way to the hospital. I will contact the doctor and he will be expecting you. Give all possible assistance and make sure they receive anything they need. I mean anything, understand? If anyone gives you any flak, take down name, rank and serial number, then let me know ASAP. And send Marya and the Russian delegation my sincere thanks along with three dozen Cuban cigars and a case of Veuve Clicquot, got it? Very good. Well done. I'll be in touch. Uh huh. You too. Good-bye."

He sat back with a wide smile of satisfaction and then hit the call button on the intercom. "Lieutenant? Please come into my office. I need to send several cables."

15 April 1946, Hammelburg

"Come mama, we will be late!" Astrid called to Katrin as they prepared to leave Katrin's house.

"Did your Uncle Manfred tell you why it is so important we go see him at the hospital?"

"Nein mama. He said there was someone there who wanted to see us."

Katrin shook her head. She couldn't figure out what Manfred had in store for them. It couldn't be Peter, could it? Why would he be in Germany, and in the hospital at that? His last letter had borne the happy tidings of his wedding. She glanced over at the photo of Peter and Josephine that she had framed and placed on the mantel. Dear Peter! You look so happy my son! Surely he was still in England with his bride? She sighed. Manfred! What are you thinking?

"Come mama! The car is warmed up. We must go."

"I am coming Astrid! Let us go see what your uncle is up to." She buttoned her coat, then locked the door and took Astrid's arm.

They arrived at the hospital's front entrance thirty minutes later. Manfred greeted them joyfully and ushered them down the hall to a private room on the ground floor. He made a 'shushing' gesture with his hand to his mouth as he quietly opened the door. They stepped inside, Katrin and Astrid nearly out of their minds with curiosity. "Uncle?" whispered Astrid. Manfred shook his head and opened the blinds to let the sunlight stream into the room.

A dark haired young man lay asleep in the bed. He was gaunt and looked ill. Katrin's breath caught in her throat. Peter! My dear Peter, what are you doing here? She tugged at Manfred's sleeve and whispered desperately, "Manfred, what has happened to Peter? You said he was fully recovered! What is he doing here? He should be with his sweet wife in London!"

"Ein moment Katrin dear. Let me awaken him and you can ask him yourself." He sat beside the bed and gently shook the young man's shoulder. "Peter? Peter? It is time to awaken son."

The young man groaned and slowly moved his head from side to side, reluctant to awake. Manfred looked up at Katrin and Astrid. "He was quite exhausted when he arrived. It may take a moment or two." He got up from the chair and leaned down to speak directly to his patient. "Wake up Peter! Your mama is here!"

The young man sighed and scrubbed a hand across his face before slowly opening his eyes. Both Astrid and Katrin cried out; Katrin's knees buckled and Manfred helped her to drop down onto the bedside chair.

His eyes were a beautiful dark brown.