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

Ronnie shot him an exasperated look. “Can’t you hear it?”


Behind them, Bree asked, “Boy or girl?”


Before Adam could answer, Ronnie waved that aside, irritated. “Is it healthy?”


Now the glasses came off. Adam lifted the bottom of the apron to wipe them and seemed to notice the blood for the first time, so he put the glasses back on. From the tent, the baby’s wail broke into a jagged, phlegmy cough. Adam’s face crumpled at the sound. “Hear that?”


Bree’s nails clawed at Court’s back. “How can it still be hanging around? None of us are sick. How long’s it been since the last person died? How long—”


“The father wasn’t immune,” Adam interrupted. “May is, obviously, but her boyfriend isn’t here, is he?”


Chapter 13