In the near future, a deadly flu-like virus decimates the Earth's population. The few who remain struggle to survive without electricity, fresh food, or any other amenities they once took for granted. John “Court” Courtland and his best friend Ronnie Densch are two such survivors. Court has never known a time when Ronnie wasn't in his life. They grew up together. But it's only as they begin to move forward in the post-apocalyptic chaos of Virginia that Court realizes he's in love with Ronnie. Always has been, and always will be, even if he never lets himself admit it out loud. Ronnie is a private, inscrutable man who lets no one close to him except Court. With winter coming on, Ronnie wants to move farther south to warmer weather, and Court follows without question. Along the way, they're joined by other survivors, a ragtag bunch all looking for guidance. As they travel, they hear faint radio signals from Fort Sumter, South Carolina, where a rebuild effort is underway. The world Court once knew has changed, leaving behind a dangerous and lawless landscape. But come whatever storms, he knows he can weather them with Ronnie by his side. Will Sumter turn out to be everything Court hopes for and more? And will he find the courage to tell Ronnie how he really feels before it’s too late?

Come Whatever Storms

Hefting the baseball bat, Court approached the vehicle. From the corner of his eye, he saw Adam pick up the hammer—Adams’ weapon of choice—then skirt the back of the car. They had a system worked out, one Ronnie had come up with to deal with the worst cases—the vehicles with all their windows shut, doors locked as if that might keep out the virus, the dead entombed within and festering like old wounds that never seem to heal completely.


Court glanced into the back of the wagon—brown paper grocery bags, a good sign. They might get something out of this little excursion, after all. Then he moved up a few steps and peered into the back seat, the middle section.


Sure enough, there were what had once been two small children, one strapped in a child’s seat and the other in a booster beside it. Between them rested a bright blue animal carrier.


Chapter 3