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

“And suddenly I’m out of the goddamn loop,” Court finished. “What else don’t I know? Ronnie, who are yousleeping with?”


Ronnie slapped Court’s good knee. The movement jostled Court’s other leg, though, and a spike of pain shot through him from ankle to thigh. “You, remember?”


The matter-of-fact way he said it made the flare of pain worthwhile.


If there was any disturbance in the night, Court slept through it. They had decided to set up a watch while the others slept, with Ronnie first. Little good it would do against another attack, Court knew, but he kept his mouth shut. Maybe whatever had torn apart the convicts’ camp was still full from its meal the previous evening. Or, worse, maybe it had followed the other survivors as they continued their southward trek. Court lay awake for a long time, listening to the faint static on the radio and watching Ronnie’s shadow flicker against the tent, tossed there by the last of their firelight.


Chapter 49