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

Bree shrugged as she stood and swung her leg off the bike. “Just sitting down instead of squatting will be nice for a change.”


But when she stepped gingerly through the broken door, Adam called out, “Wait! You don’t know what’s in there!”


“Nothing, I’m sure,” she muttered.


There was a familiar nervous edge to Adam’s voice. “You don’t know that.”


Turning, Bree tapped the butt of the revolver tucked into the waistband of her jeans. “No worries, babe. I’m packing.”


“For God’s sake,” Court cried. “If you’re that concerned, go with her already.”


“In there?” Adam’s voice almost squeaked.


“We’ll all go in,” Ronnie said, putting an end to the discussion.


Adam paled. “B-b-but who’ll watch the bikes?”


“Who’s going to take them?” Court slid back on his seat so Ronnie could stand, then climbed off the ATV, too. Stretching, he twisted until he felt a satisfactory crackle in his spine. “If you’re that worried, you stay here.”


Chapter 72