“Jewel,” he said a bit urgently. “Have you checked your beehives this morning?”
“As a matter of fact, the bees seem to have evacuated.”
“That’s because they’re over here.”
“What do you mean?”
“There’s a gigantic swarm on the old oak tree behind my house. My poor mama is so terrified for Anna that she’s locked them both in the bathroom.”
“Oh no. What should we do?”
“I already called my friend Walter. He’s an expert beekeeper. He’s on his way, but he lives on the other side of town.”
“Oh, good. Thank you.”
“But before Walter gets here, I wanted to check to see if they were your dad’s bees. You know, before he hauls them away.”
“Hauls them away?” She blinked. “How do you haul bees away?”
“I’m not too sure myself, but Walter seems to know what to do. And he’s got whatever it takes on his truck to do it with.”
“That’s wonderful. Thank you so much. I’ll tell Dad. He’s very upset.”
“I don’t know how long it’ll take,” Miguel said, “but I’ll keep you posted.”
She thanked him again and hung up. “Dad,” she called out. “We found the bees!”
“The bees?” His eyes grew wide. “Found?”
“Miguel has found the bees.” She spoke slowly to be sure he understood.
“Miguel found the bees?” Cooper asked eagerly. “Where?”
Jewel explained about the swarm in the oak tree. “Miguel and his friend will bring the bees back here.”
“Miguel? Has my bees?” CT’s brow furrowed.
“Your bees are in Miguel’s tree, but he will bring them home for you.”
“Miguel?” Dad sounded more hopeful. “Bees coming home?”
“Yes!” She nodded eagerly, realizing this was another opportunity for Miguel to score points with her dad. “Miguel has worked it all out. He will get your bees back here today.”
“Today?”
“Yes. But it might take a while.”
Mom took Dad by the arm now. “Enough time for you to eat breakfast.”
“Breakfast? I ate breakfast.”
“No. It’s still in the kitchen. Waiting for you. Come on.” Mom steered him away from the hives, gently guiding him back to the new house.
“I know you were supposed to meet with Anna,” Jewel told Cooper. “But because of her bee allergy, she is locked in the bathroom.”
“Locked in the bathroom?” Cooper rolled her eyes. “Sounds like overkill.”
“It was Marta’s idea. Trying to protect Anna, I guess.”
