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

“Scarecrow, then,” Court announced. “He was the smart one, really. The leader, so to speak. Which makes me the Tinman.”


Beside him, Bree walked with an easy stride, Adam taking a turn pushing the cart for a while. “Sumter must be Oz,” she said. “Are you going there to ask for a heart?”


“I have a heart. It’s pounding like a jackhammer right here.” Court touched a fist to his right temple, where a headache brought on by the late day sun had begun to throb. He spoke breezily, but the organ in question began to beat faster in his chest, making his head hurt worse. He didn’t want to talk about his heart with her—it might lead her to question him again, his relationship with Jeanie, his friendship with Ronnie. Things he didn’t want to talk about with her, and sure as hell not with Ronnie standing right therebeside them.


Ronnie glanced over, a frown etched on his face. “Are you okay?”


“I’ll be fine,” Court assured him. “Give me a handful of aspirin and I’ll call you in the morning.”


Chapter 20