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

“I think it changes,” Court said. He wasn’t sure, but it seemed to him that he had picked up the transmissions from Sumter on different frequencies. “Maybe they’re sending it out on different stations to make sure everyone hears it.”


“Everyone who?” Ronnie asked. “There aren’t many of us left.”


Frustrated, Court set the radio aside and turned down the volume so the static was only faint white noise almost too low to hear. Folding his arms beneath his head, he faced Ronnie and studied his friend’s profile in the dim light. “How many do you think?”


Ronnie’s jaw worked as he chewed his protein bar. After a long moment, he shrugged. “How many what?”


“People left.” Court rolled onto his side and propped his head up with his hand. “You, me, Bree, and Adam. That’s four.”


Ronnie gave Court a sardonic look from the corner of his eye. “How should I know?”


Chapter 61