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

Court didn’t like the gun. It felt heavy and awkward in his grip, deadly even when unloaded. He didn’t want anything to do with it. Let Ronnie unload it and wipe it down. Let Ronnie tuck it into a holster. It was Ronnie’s toy, not Court’s.


For a long time, the weapon stayed hidden on the top shelf of the living room coat closet, way in the back out of reach. It didn’t cross his mind again until after Jeanie was gone and Ronnie had retrieved it, still wrapped in oiled cloth, as heavy and as deadly as it had been when they bought it.


Court remembered protesting. “I don’t want to.”


Chapter 44