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

A moment later, Adam gave them a tight-lipped smile and hurried after her.


Ronnie came over to offer Court a hand. As he pulled Court to his feet, he said, “You shouldn’t have said anything.”


“Do you not want them to come?” Court asked, brushing the grass off his butt.


“They can or not, it’s up to them.” Ronnie hefted the remaining container of gas. “I just knew she’d get upset so I wasn’t going to bother bringing it up until I had to.”


Together they took the same path Bree and Adam had taken. The sooner they refilled the fuel tanks on the ATVs, the sooner they could get back on the road. Court wondered if Bree would decide to stay with them after all, or if she still wanted to go to Sumter. And Adam would go along with whatever choice she made, Court knew, for much the same reason he himself followed Ronnie.


Chapter 86