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

Leaning forward a little, Court looked at Ronnie’s face and was pleased to see that, though his friend appeared to be walking purposefully ahead, his eyes constantly flickered from side to side as if watching the trees flanking them. Right, ahead, left, ahead, back again, in an unceasing—and most likely unconscious—rhythm. When Court entered the line of vision, Ronnie glanced at him, then past him to the trees, then back to him again before returning to the road ahead. Before Court could say anything, Ronnie told him, “Don’t.”


Ronnie glanced left into the woods, then up ahead. “Don’t keep thinking about what that guy said.”


Even though that was exactly what Court was thinking, he tried to cover it with idle chatter. “What kind of name is Dizzy, anyway? I mean, just how reliable is a guy who calls himself that?”


“There’s something out there,” Ronnie assured him.


A chill crept down Court’s spine despite the late summer heat. “You see it?”


Chapter 23