Laurie Parkinson, who’s lived in Laurel Hills all his life, is a gay sheet metal worker who’d rather be a gay hairdresser. Wheat Dupuis, who’s also gay, is the scion of one of Laurel Hill’s wealthiest families. He’d rather grow grapes than become CFO of Dupuis International. Laurie wakes one morning to discover his family gone and his town decimated by a bacteria that has lain dormant for millennia, incased in ice. With the melting of the ice caps, the bacteria is released, and mankind faces a pandemic that could surpass the Black Plague. Wheat and his family are on their way to safety when the unthinkable happens and he’s left behind. Laurie knows of a bunker in the woods outside Laurel Hill, where he intends to take refuge. On the way there, Laurie finds and rescues Wheat. Can two such dissimilar men work together through a pandemic to find their families ... and possibly find love, as well?

Pandemic

“Would you mind staying with Father?” he asked his mother.


“Of course not.” She encouraged Father to stroll to a nearby flowerbed, murmuring to him.


Laurie had his carving knife, and Wheat had the baseball bat. Together they approached the house. Laurie tapped on the door, and when there was no answer, he turned the knob. The door wasn’t locked, and he pushed it open.


“Hello,” Wheat called. Again there was no answer, and he exchanged a glance with his boyfriend. Laurie shrugged and took a few steps inside.


“Is anyone here?” This time it was Laurie who called out.


Abruptly Wheat was struck by the odor, which he had no trouble recognizing this time, and he clapped a hand over his mouth. All the occupants of this house were dead, he was sure of it.


“This isn’t good,” Laurie said. He backed toward the door, dragging Wheat along with him.


“No.” Wheat abruptly froze and stared up at the ceiling. “Is that f-footsteps?” The sound seemed to cross the room above them.


Chapter 54