Caz had a fire going in the patio grill. They’d all had a hand in making up the big patio area that sat in the semicircle of their houses. Hawk’d designed and done the brickwork for the pad. Gabe’d built the thick, solid table, benches, and chairs. Caz and Bull had constructed the stone grill and fire pit.

Stepping back from the blazing fire, Caz noticed Gabe. “Once this dies down, I’m making bacon-moose burgers. You in?”

Gabe hesitated. “Ah…” He’d hate to take his mood out on his brothers.

Caz headed back to his house, calling over his shoulder, “Two burgers coming up.”

With a half-grin, Gabe shook his head.

Yeah, he could have stayed inside. But no, he’d headed right out here where they all tended to spend their time.

Because…he wanted to be with his brothers.

Slowly, he drew in a breath. The air was rich with the scent of the lake, the smell of fresh spring plants and newly turned soil.

Over the years, Mako’s old cabin had become a safe place, one the world couldn’t touch. The haven where he’d found a new family and a home in nature.

Yet, after the sarge moved here and they’d built their houses, the Hermitage had become just as special. Like homing pigeons, they’d all return to be with Mako and to renew their brotherhood ties.

That’s what he’d needed today. His brothers. And the peace of home.

In the semicircle of cabins, chickens clucked contentedly in their yard. The lake water lapped quietly along the shore and the dock. Humming quietly, Bull worked his way down the garden rows.

Smiling, Gabe cast off the day’s annoyances and started carrying boxes from the Jeep out onto the deck.

By the time he’d gotten the first camera assembled, Bull had finished in the garden. He and Caz walked up the steps.

“Looks like a bunch of tech.” Bull dropped into a chair at the table.

“Security cameras.” Gabe smiled slightly. “We’re going to install them around town, including at your bar. Tonight after sundown.”

“We are, are we?” Bull picked one up and nodded. “Good plan.”

“Someone is in for a surprise.” Caz grinned. “I like it.”

“Like that’s a shock. You’re as sneaky as Hawk,” Bull said.

Gabe chuckled. Bull and sneaky didn’t belong in the same sentence.

After the devices had been put together and rigged up to communicate with Gabe’s phone and computer, they chowed down on burgers and chips, along with Bull’s baked beans. Gabe contributed the Oreos and ice cream he’d bought in Anchorage.

The sun set late these days, around eleven at night. To kill time until dark, Bull pulled out some beer—ones from his brewery.

Two beers later, Caz disappeared into his cabin and returned with a hand drum and harmonica.