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

“That broken limb hanging off the tree over there,” Ronnie said, pointing. The limb in question hung well above the ground, balanced precariously among other branches. It was maybe two hundred yards away, clear on the other side of what had been their campground. “Or is that too far?”


“That’s nothing.” Bree raised the gun with both hands and sighted. Then she dropped one hand to her side, thumbed off the safety, and squeezed the trigger.


Sound exploded around them, scaring birds into flight and deafening Court. Even though he’d been expecting it, the sudden noise still made him jump. In the distance, the limb splintered and dropped from the branches to the ground, a direct hit.


Bree reset the safety and turned, one hand on her hip. “Well?”


With fluid grace, Ronnie rose to his feet. “Stay here with Court. Adam, you come with me.”


Chapter 45