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

The moment the meat began to sizzle, a wondrous aroma filled the air and Court breathed in deep. He had never thought something as bland as chicken would smell so good. He watched the pans for a long moment, willing the meat to cook faster, but he knew he’d have to wait. The last thing he wanted was to have survived the virus and made it this far only to die from eating raw chicken.


But there were more birds out there, which meant more meals if they stayed where they were. “If you’re right, Adam,” Court said, putting on his new sneaker on his left foot, “and I can’t be moved any time soon, at least we’ll have fresh meat for a while.”


“You can pluck the next one,” Bree told him. “That was a bitch and a half.”


Chapter 53