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.