“This could actually turn out pretty good for us,” said Jason Dante, lying on one of the motel beds, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. “Beekeepers are pretty tough. And he’s young, so we can control him.”

Gladys Blue, sitting on a wooden chair, had been peering outside through the blinds, but now turned. “Sounds like he plans on being the one in control.”

“We’ll let him think he is. Then sic him on our enemies.”

“Our enemies.”

“Yeah, you know. The bad guys.”

Gladys had nothing to say.

A buzzing noise. Footsteps came up the stairs outside.