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

In a weak voice that didn’t really sound like his at all, he asked, “What?”


Ronnie edged into the clearing, keeping his hand tight in Court’s. Together they peered into the open tent flap. Inside lay the naked body of a young woman, thrown on her stomach, her head twisted almost completely around. One eye stared blindly in shock. Bruises darkened her neck and back and buttocks. Blood was caked between her thighs. A pair of panties were tugged down around her knees.


“He had nothing to do with this.” Ronnie let go of Court’s hand and drifted over to the sleeping bags, but he didn’t touch them. He didn’t even nudge them with his foot to see if the occupants were still alive. He didn’t have to. One look told the whole story.


Court covered his mouth with his hand and tried to breathe thinly through his fingers. “You think whatever got those prisoners got these girls, too?”


Chapter 70