Read Zombified (Book 1): Hudson Place for Free Online Page A

they left dawned bright and clear, all the gear was packed into the SUV, there was nothing left to do but say their goodbyes.
     
    “ Charlie, remember to keep using the walkie as long as you can. The range is about ten miles, so you should be able to let us know that you made it most of the way at least,” Dave advised as he walked Charlie out to the vehicle.
     
    Although Dave had purchased Hudson Place with location in mind, there were still several blocks of scattered warehouses, storage facilities, and other buildings similar to the one they were living in to get past. If they had been located closer to downtown, their trip would have been impossible.
     
    Mick watched Dave chatting with Charlie and silently prayed that the people in Shady Oaks were still alive, if they were and Charlie could accomplish what he planned, maybe there would be some hope for the future, something for them all to look forward to.
     
    Everyone trooped down to the garage to say goodbye. Once all the handshakes, hugs, and kisses were given out, the men climbed into the SUV. Once again, Dave had come through. This was no ordinary vehicle; it was bulletproof and reinforced throughout. If any vehicle could make it, this was the one.
     
    “ Remember to contact us on the ham radio just as soon as you can,” Dave reminded Charlie. “I know it may take a few days for that, but please...make it a priority...we want to know you’re all safe.”
     
    “ Will do. Try not to worry, once we get out of the city it’s rural all the way, and we shouldn’t have any major “people” problems if you get my drift.” At Dave’s nod, Charlie continued. “The only real difficulties could be obstructed roads. If we have to clear any of them, things could get complicated, but I do believe we’re prepared for that, too.”
     
    Dave nodded again in agreement and with a large sigh, backed away as Dexter started up the SUV. He keyed the walkie in his hand. “Balcony...all clear?”
     
    Lilly had hurried up to the balcony after saying goodbye to the men, and it was her voice on the walkie. “It’s clear. Tell them we’ll watch as long as we can and let them know if we see anything suspicious.”
     
    “ Thanks Lil,” Dave replied, then turned and relayed the information to Charlie through his open window. Then he reached over and hit the garage door opener.
     
    As they backed out, the small group of survivors moved forward to watch their departure, waving all the while and shouting words of encouragement. Dave left the door open until the vehicle was rolling down the street. As the door lowered, Mick noticed how quickly everyone grew quiet with their own thoughts as they headed upstairs to begin another day.
     

Chapter 4
     
     
     
    Charlie glanced back at Darrell just in time to see him wipe his eyes. “Hey man, it’ll be ok,” he said, giving Darrell a reassuring grin. “We’ve only got fifteen miles to cover, we’ll make it.”
     
    Darrell nodded toward Charlie before replying. “Oh, I think we’ll make it, I’m just worried about what’s going to happen once we get there. We may not make it out alive you know, and I can’t stop thinking about Megan and Jimmy.”
     
    “ Buck up there, Darrell,” Dexter interjected. “Anything that comes across our path that isn’t walking and talking, it’ll be toast.” Dexter thought that was hilarious and laughed uproariously at himself.
     
    Charlie sighed quietly as he turned back to the front. With Dexter along, fifteen miles were going to seem like five hundred. But he was determined to get to Jenny, and if it meant traveling with a boor like Dexter, he’d do it every day.
     
    They had only gone a few blocks when Dexter shouted, startling the two men. “Wow, would ya look at that!” He thumped the steering wheel with one hand and leaned forward in his seat to get a better look. “That’s insane!”
     
    Charlie turned his head slightly to see what Dexter was ogling, then gulped