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

Court bent over, hands on his knees, to have a look. “What?”


“The tank’s way down there,” Ronnie explained. “I think I might could…”


Trailing off, he lay down on his stomach on the tarmac and reached one arm all the way down into the hole. It disappeared all the way up to the shoulder, and Ronnie grimaced as he held his head up off the ground. Down inside the hole Court heard a rattle as a cap was loosened beneath them, and then Ronnie scooted back, tossing the cap aside. He glanced around—not at them, but farther out, his gaze searching the wall of the station for…something.


Cautiously, Court prodded, “What’re you looking for?”


“We need something to suck up the gas,” Ronnie murmured. “A hose, maybe, or some tubing, something…”


Chapter 83