Zombified (Book 2): Shady Oaks by Char Robinson

his son and many others, he'd taken to wearing one of his old watches again, since they no longer used cell phones to check the time.
    To his surprise, he heard a faint crackle emanate from the radio. He really hadn't thought he would hear anything from Malcolm's men. He quickly reached over and turned up the volume. He froze, his hand still on the dial, as a voice came over loud and clear. He listened for a moment and once he realized what was being said, he felt the blood drain from his face and his heart began to race once again.
    He grabbed the walkie and turned it on, quickly finding the correct frequency. He began shouting into the walkie and when he received no reply, fumbled for the door handle and almost fell trying to get out of the truck, but hurriedly righted himself. Without shutting the door or looking back and still shouting into the walkie, he ran down the road as fast as his legs would carry him.
     
    ****
     
    Charlie was so lost in thought that for a moment he wasn't sure he heard the honks, but judging from the reactions of everyone around him, he knew they heard it. He noted the time on his watch and patiently waited another five minutes before standing up and waving in Bullfrog's direction.
    Bullfrog glared at him. "What?"
    "Need the bathroom."
    Rolling his eyes, the big man heaved himself out of the metal chair he was sitting in next to the entrance. He waved Charlie over.
    "Don't try anything," he growled. Grabbing Charlie roughly by the arm, he turned toward his younger cohort who was sitting on the other side. "Be right back, make sure you watch 'em," he said with a nod toward the group.
    After receiving a nod in return, he grunted and shoved Charlie through the opening. They took a right and walked behind the tent past a large flatbed truck, then walked toward the tree line where a row of portable bathrooms stood.
    Charlie headed for the closest one and without a word, quickly went inside and latched the door. He sat down and pulled up his pant leg to reveal the flash-bang strapped to the inside of his calf. He jerked the strap free and stuffed the strap and the flash-bang into the inside pocket of his jacket. Right before they were caught, he tied the jacket around his waist and quietly slipped it on after hearing Mick's signal. Standing up, he eyed the toilet and then with a shrug, quickly relieved himself, no telling when he'd have another chance.
    After slathering on hand sanitizer from the dispenser, Charlie opened the door and almost got a fist in the face. "Was just gettin' ready to knock, took you long enough," the burly man growled.
    "Sorry," Charlie mumbled as he brushed past the man. He kept his head down and hurried along the well-worn path back toward the tent. Once inside, he noted that Malcolm was gone and decided to sit in the chair vacated by Mick. Now he was closer to Jenny, he wanted to let her know what was going to happen if he had the chance.
    Fifteen minutes to go, he thought to himself after glancing at his watch again. He leaned forward a bit, trying to catch Jenny's eye. When she finally looked his way, he put a finger to his lips as he opened up his jacket to reveal the flash-bang in his inner pocket. Jenny's eyes widened with surprise as her mouth dropped open. He frowned and shook his head slightly. She quickly sat up and shut her mouth, still looking surprised.
    Charlie looked around and certain no one was watching, he softly whispered, "Fifteen minutes, pass it on."
    With a slight nod, Jenny eased back in her chair and leaned sideways toward Brooke and whispered in her ear. Charlie watched as her expression matched Jenny's when he'd shown her the flash-bang. Brooke nodded. Since Jake was in the back, there was no way to warn him, Charlie planned to run back and grab him as soon as the flash-bang went off. He was betting the doctors and scientists wouldn't stop him, then they could run back up and get everyone out with what he hoped was Mick and Captain Sears' help.
    His