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

Ronnie splashed him playfully. “Um, um, uh. Real intelligent. Now get over here and let’s get cleaned up, or you can sleep with someone else tonight.”


With numb fingers, Court hurried to comply. He unzipped his jeans and managed to shuck them off without standing, briefs, too. When they were halfway to his knees, he stopped to tug his shirt over his head. He couldn’t move fast enough, and was soon completely tangled up in his clothes. “Ronnie, help!”


He heard more splashes as Ronnie returned to the shore, then felt his friend’s sure hands on his arms. “Stop wriggling. You’re only making it worse.”


Chapter 57