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 said a paperclip,Court remembered. He took a few steps down the hall, towards the reception area, where he could hear his friends’ muffled voices as they searched for something to use on the lock. He didn’t get far before the sign beside the other door caught his attention. LADIES


Once when Jeanie had accidentally locked her keys in the car, she had used a bobby pin to open the door in the garage and get into the house. When Court found out, he’d been impressed by her ingenuity, and then worried at how easy it apparently was to break into their home. Now he leaned a hand against the door to the ladies’ restroom and pushed it open gently, resisting the urge to call out, “Hello?” There was no one inside, he knew. He’d seen as much himself when Ronnie took a look.


Chapter 75