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

She gave him a saucy wink. “You know it.”


“Can I say again this isn’t safe?” Adam protested. “The roads aren’t clear—”


“An ATV is smaller than a car,” Court pointed out. “It can move in between the wrecks, or on the shoulder if necessary, even in the woods.”


Adam ignored him. “Where are we going to find gasoline? Sure, maybe there’s some in the garage, but once we’re on the road, then what?”


Court looked to Ronnie, who said, “There’s gas in tanks under the ground all up and down the interstate. Where do you think gas stations store it?”


“The pumps won’t work,” Adam said, smug. “We can’t just fill ‘er up when we run out.”


“We can siphon it.” Ronnie’s no-nonsense reply ended thatargument. “Cut a piece of garden hose, we’ll be fine.”


Adam glared into the fire as he stirred the remaining eggs on his plate. “Still, it isn’t safe. One tumble at high speeds and Court’s leg will seem like nothing compared to a broken neck or shattered skull. Then what?”


Chapter 63