Bright and Early!

You show up early at the Farmer's market and start talking to the old beekeper. He's as friendly as always, and happy to talk as long as you like about his bees. You're happy to hang around as long as it takes, for obvious reasons.

"...looking like they'll be swarming soon" he finishes a rambling anecdote. "They're getting to be too many for the flowers in my area though... would be good if someone at your end of town wanted to keep a swarm. You ever think of keeping bees?" he asks.

Well in truth you hadn't, but if your new neighbor is as into honey as she seemed... "I'd actually be interested..." you say, unsure if the old guy is serious.

"You should" says a voice like the ocean after sunset. It's Jessica! "They're the most beloved species that's also endangered. Our future depends on them. Everyone who has the means should try to care for a swarm at least once".

"You know a lot about bees, ma'am" says the old beekeeper curiously.

She shrugs and smiles. "Family business" she says.

The old man's eyes sharpen at that. "Oh?" he says. "I thought I smelled apple blossoms. Merovingian?"

"Albian" she says with a wink. "But don't go shouting it, I'm here incognito"

"Oh come on!" you burst out. "Everyone knows who you are. You look more like a movie star now than when you were on set and made up to the nines!"

She smiles. "I'm still made up. I'm just using my own recipes now. so I need honey" she turns to the old beekeeper. "Lots of it. And - " she adds, putting her hand on your shoulder, "Whatever you can tell me about this man".

At her touch, the chorus of angels that follows her around starts singing much louder and from inside your body. You almost don't notice the old man become suddenly serious, and look back and forth between the two of you with concern.

"He's no dove... and no worker" he says finally.

Okay, this is definitely getting weird. You start looking around, trying to see if you can find a hidden camera.