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

“If you can’t, I’ll carry you.” Ronnie’s thin arms tensed with strength as he hauled Court upright. “I don’t want to stay here longer than we have to. All this blood will attract more predators before long.”


Court threaded an arm around Ronnie’s waist as Ronnie draped his arm around Court’s shoulders. The wounded leg throbbed, but if Court kept the foot from touching the ground, the pain was bearable. “Adam said—”


“Adam was wrong,” Ronnie said. “Something got these men, didn’t it? I don’t want to be hanging around here when it decides to come back for seconds. Can you walk?”


Court leaned against Ronnie and, despite the pain wracking his body, found himself aroused at his friend’s closeness. It could’ve been worse, he told himself. It could’ve been Dizzy holding him so close. “I’ll manage.”


Chapter 36