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

To take his mind off his libido, Court watched Ronnie poke at the bandage. For the first time since he’d been shot, the outer gauze was still clean and fresh—no blood, no plasma, no seepage of any kind. He almost dared to think he’d be back on his feet soon, and they could get moving again. Follow the others towards Sumter, hopefully get there before the weather turned too cold.


“How’s it look?” Court asked. He wanted to hear Ronnie agree with him that it seemed to be healing nicely.


But Ronnie just grunted and shrugged. “I’m not the doctor.”


With a slight pout, Court muttered, “Well, I think it looks good.”


Ronnie slapped his thigh. “You’re not a doctor, either. Let me get Adam to take a look—”


“Right this second?” Court pulled his leg back into his sleeping bag and closed the downy material around him like a cocoon. “Don’t wake him up just yet.”


“I’m sure he’s already up,” Ronnie countered. “I could hear them talking in their tent before you started.”


Chapter 55