The Beekeepers turned back to Adam. “We will leave you,” said Mr. Njoku. “But the eyes of the Beekeepers shall ever be upon you.”

Adam stood tall. “If that is an offer to come to our aid should we earnestly require it, I appreciate it. If it is a threat, I assure you that you will not act upon it without coming to regret it.”

Njoku nodded almost imperceptibly. Another Beekeeper waved a smoke. Another dark plume billowed forth. Njoku stepped into the smoke and vanished. The others began to follow.

Below, a firetruck stopped in front of the shop.

Adam looked Mr. Njoku directly in the eye. “I am not coming with you. I am staying here, in my home. Leave now.”

Njoku turned to the other Beekeepers. They gathered together and spoke in hushed tones.

Adam took the moment to check on his team. “Is everyone okay?”

Gladys gave a thumbs up. Snakes reformed into their semi-humanoid mass within their coat. The others nodded.

“I don’t think Beekeepers are as tough as they used to be,” Dante said, cracking his knuckles.

“They are,” Adam said. “But your ferocity exceeds any level of toughness.”

They could hear sirens approaching.

“We need not kill anyone,” Adam told Dante. “The point has been made.”

Dante released the Beekeeper, who backed away choking.

Adam addressed the Beekeepers. “I hope you see what has happened here. You came, insisting that my anger could lead to violence. I admit it has done in the past, so your concerns were not unfounded. But the violence today was not caused by my anger, though I assure you I am angry, this was caused by your foolishness. You can call me naive, but recognize your own failings as well. I have no interest in returning with you.”