“So,” October said. “You control the bees?”

Adam shook his head. “No, Not ‘control’. We work together. I am very much a fan of teamwork.”

“What do they get out of it?”

“I care for them.” Then, after a moment, “Or at least I try. I admit this hive has been troubled. It has been both difficult and expensive to keep them healthy. I do what I can.”

October saw Adam’s eyes watering they followed a bee. “Alright. I’ll come to your team meeting, check it out. But if it starts feeling like cultish, I’m out. No arguments, right?”

“None.”