Tucker waved his hand between Gabe and the other man. “MacNair. Guzman. Guzman owns the land next to mine.”

From Guzman’s faded clothes and weather-beaten appearance, Gabe would guess he was another back-to-the-lander. He nodded politely, then asked Tucker, “How’s the leg?”

“Healed up all right. Mostly. Gotta say I can now tell when the weather’s about to change.” The man’s smile faded. “A shame it didn’t warn me the town was going to change into a tourist trap.”

Yeah, well, Gabe knew how the old guy felt, especially about an influx of people. “Could be some good come from the change. Did you know Dante had planned to close the grocery if the population kept decreasing?

Guzman’s jaw dropped, showing a batch of silver fillings. “We’d have to drive to Soldotna to get food?”

“Yep.” Gabe remembered Tucker’s ancient pickup and doubted it’d gotten any younger.

“Well, hellfire, I’ll put up with the damned tourists if that’s what it takes to keep the grocery open.” Tucker shrugged. “Not like they’re gonna bother me at my place.”

Gabe almost grinned. Tucker’s place was well hidden and down a nearly impassible dirt road. “No, I doubt you’ll see any tourists unless you come to town. When you do, you can enjoy having a bar again.”

Both men smiled at that. Even people who embraced subsistence living needed to buy the items impossible to make by hand. And Alaskans did like their alcohol. A bit too much, any law enforcement officer would say.

Gabe frowned. “The trick will be to keep our way of life—mostly—and still reap the benefits.”

Walking that tightrope would be a bitch. The off-the-gridders didn’t want any increase in the town’s size. Other residents saw the money and resources tourism could produce. Rescue needed to find a middle ground.

Taking his leave, Gabe found himself an empty table. He was off duty and more than ready for a beer. The other officer was on duty this evening.

After the meeting with Baumer yesterday, Gabe called their schedules in to the dispatch office and arranged for state troopers to cover their off hours. Someday, if the town’s coffers filled, he’d hire seasonal patrol officers for the tourist months.

After pulling off his jacket, he settled in to watch Bull work.

His brother was laughing and exchanging jokes with the bar crowd. Lots of women were there, of course, all trying to gain his attention. The sarge used to say Bull attracted women like a cat in heat drew toms.

Bull served an older lady a frothy drink, and with one intimidating glance, silenced an obnoxious sourdough who was disparaging visitors from the Lower 48. Yeah, Bull was in his element when surrounded by people.