The Beekeeper's Secret

by Sally Fernandez

  “I’m confused. Am I missing something? You are or are not going to try to reproduce Dr. Mizukami’s pills?”

  “Let me finish, my dear. It will become clear in a moment. Oliver Prince was a queen bee breeder and ran a small operation, so we had hoped he would stay off the radar. What he was attempting to do was to breed a colony of bees that could produce honey with exceedingly high levels of propolis to surpass the Japanese dosage. He succeeded.”

  Max heard mumbled bravos among the group, but continued to focus on the doctor.

  “Each night, Oliver sent his latest lab results to our cloud. He sent his final notes the night before he was killed and his lab was raided. Luckily, he managed to scrub his hard drive before they arrived. The bees that you delivered will offer an opportunity to increase the strain in a certain segment of the honey bee populations in the US.”

  Max studied the cases. “Forgive me, but I still don’t quite understand.”

  “I’ve been told that you are highly intelligent and resourceful. Please listen.” Hal retrieved two large envelopes from the inside sleeve of each case and shook them a little. The sound was obviously of seeds.

  “Baccharis dracunculifolia.”

  “Max, you exceed my expectations.” He smiled, more to confer to the others he had chosen the right person for the mission. “Yes, these seeds will produce the only plant that these super bees will pollinate.”

  “But the plant is illegal in this country.”

  “For now, it’s of minor consequence to us. We have people working on it, to get it legalized for other purposes, and not to draw attention to our own. In the meantime, the plants will grow among other vegetation and should not raise any red flags. I doubt the FDA will ever catch on—but the bees certainly will. Most importantly, through this pollination the bees will produce a super honey naturally. And, as I mentioned, far more potent than Dr. Mizukami’s pills. Our super honey will contain the same natural vitamins, enzymes and phytonutrients that other raw, unpasteurized honeys possess. But it will also contain a high concentration of propolis, providing the highest level of anti-microbial activity, killing the cancer and stopping its growth.” The doctor paused for a moment to measure whether Max was grasping the importance of what he was saying. Satisfied, he continued. “Our little super honey makers have the potential to make radiation and chemotherapy obsolete. No more unnecessary surgery. No more death. The fight to cure cancer—and I use the word fight loosely—is projected to be a one-hundred-seventy-three-billion-dollar industry by 2020. One that Big PhRMA will not surrender easily. Simply put, they can’t afford to come up with a cure.”

  Sam was right again, Max thought, and then acknowledged, “That would be life-changing for certain, but I’m still unclear as to what your master plan is.”

  “I know this may appear to be a long shot, but our plan is well thought out. For over a year, we’ve collaborated with many established doctors and scientists—all who believe it is our best chance to eliminate cancer and other diseases. If we pull it off, the positive results will be staggering and will speak for themselves. At that juncture, it will be a hot button for any government official to try to shut down our operation.”

  “There are over three million colonies and one-hundred-thirty-five-thousand beekeepers. How can you be sure they’ll all comply?” Max caught on, but was still skeptical.

  “There are only five thousand beekeepers that take part in the USDA program. That’s our focus group. I’m not saying there won’t be other honeys on the market, but it will be up to our marketing campaign to steer people to this product. You see, cancer cells are obligate glucose metabolizers. They’re compelled to absorb the glucose, and our super honey will become a Trojan horse laced with cancer-killing glucose. When the cancer cells gobble up the honey, it will eradicate the cancer. Our new super-honey protocol has even a greater effect in that it will also help to support healthy cells.”

  “And eventually, doctors will prescribe it to their patients.”

  “Hooray, Max. Now, you’ve got it! We have legions of enlightened doctors who will be including it in their patient regimen, unbeknownst to the FDA.”

  Pleased, Johnson was finally ready to lay out the specifics of the plan. “These men seated in this room are a select group of commercial beekeepers that have agreed to breed the colonies of super bees, along with the honey producers that will utilize the super bees to pollinate and produce the natural super honey. There are six species of honey bees that exist in the U.S. today and they will continue to pollinate the various flower crops that require them. We’re merely creating a new species that will only be attracted to the propolis plant. With the drones and queens you delivered, we will be able to propagate six-hundred-thousand new colonies. One bee colony alone can produce a surplus of sixty to one hundred pounds of honey per year. Our conservative estimate is we’ll be able to produce upwards of thirty-six-million pounds of super honey with high concentrations of propolis per year. When we are in full production, the members of the American Honey Producers Association and the American Beekeeping Federation, working outside this project, have pledged to cease making raw honey and focus solely on beeswax and cosmetic products. Once we make the switch, that’s it.”

  “You referred to a marketing campaign.”

  “We’re set to launch a campaign to revolutionize the way people think about honey. Every US citizen will be encouraged to include this highly potent, gooey syrup in their daily diets for nutritional value—on your toast, in your tea, or other food. It will take us a year before we’re ready to go into full production with the new super raw honey products.”

  “What about the FDA?”

  “If the campaign raises the FDA’s awareness, we’re prepared to invite them in to test our honey products for natural ingredients that we have already stocked on the shelves across the nation.” The doctor beamed.

  It was clear to all in the room that he was proud of the ingenious deception.

  “But in a year’s time, when we start to substitute the existing honey products, cereals, et cetera, and restock with our super honey, it will be hard for them to decipher. It will still be raw natural honey with no additives. The only difference is, it will be a lifesaving formula, under the radar of our friends at the FDA. By the time we make the switch, they won’t even take notice. Those afflicted with cancer and other diseases will stave off or reverse the life-threatening negative affects right under their government’s nose. Dramatic results in the US populations’ health will begin to show within a relatively short period. And years from now, when cancer is eradicated, the FDA and Big PhRMA will be at a loss for an explanation.”

  “This is incredible—brilliant, actually! But I have one remaining question. Why are you trusting me with this information?”

  “Max, we’ve followed your progress on this case and you’ve done an exemplary job. Aside from Sorenson, we have other known sources reporting that the FDA is purposely dragging their feet at producing similar medication, while knowing the current drugs and treatments only attack the symptoms of cancer. Your efforts have put Big PhRMA and the FDA on the president’s watch list, doing a great service to those in the alternative and holistic fields of medicine.” The doctor paused for a moment, giving Max an opportunity to absorb the gravity of his comment. After gauging her expression, he continued. “With full candor, we need someone on the outside. Someone in the driver’s seat with your skills and connections should anything happen to any of us. We place our full trust in you and that you’ll get the truth to the right people—should it be necessary.”

  Max hesitated. It was hard to ignore all the eyes upon her looking for agreement. “I’m not flattered with this new responsibility—but you can trust that your secret is safe with me.”

  “And you have our word that no one will ever know this meeting took place,” Hal assured. “Or even that Max Ford had visited our great State of Te
xas.”

  Feeling an unexplained sense of relief, she quipped, “And I thought the FDA was in control.” A smile crossed her lips.

  Hal mirrored her expression. “You have to admit; it is a sweet revenge.” He then held out an envelope.

  “What’s that?” Max asked.

  “It contains the proof you need to connect the Consortium with Big PhRMA.”

  All those at the table stood and gave a hearty applause in Max’s direction.

  Half-way into the jubilation, the applause came to a sudden stop. A loud explosion shook the room. Then another. Everyone leaped up and ran to the windows. Everyone except Max who stood frozen in place. It was not from fear; it was instinct.

  “Down everyone!” shouted one of the members.

  A third disastrous explosion sent a barrage of debris and flying glass through the large windows, spewing threatening materials in every direction. Minutes later, dazed moans resonated among the dust-filled room, along with an ominous buzzing hum. A few seconds later, Max heard a bellowing voice cry out to everyone asking if they were okay. One by one, the weak but able voices returned a welcomed confirmation. Then, the same voice called for help. As best Max could determine, he was somewhere near where the large conference table was previously located. Edging out from under the rubble, Max managed to stand upright and clawed her way through the debris, working toward his desperate call. There, lying under a stack of broken chairs was Dr. Harold Johnson. He was badly wounded, but was still grasping tightly to the envelope containing the evidence.

  “Max, be careful. The Consortium doesn’t fail often.”

  The building across the street, marked with the number 3666, was completely demolished.

  Author’s Note

  The Beekeeper’s Secret is a fictional tale laced with incredible, sometimes disturbing, but eye-opening facts in the public domain about our healthcare industry and about truth in advertising. The principal characters and many of the locations are fictitious. All reference to the American Beekeeping Federation and the American Honey Producers Association are pure fiction and crafted by the author. There may appear to be a tinge of conspiracy surrounding the deaths of more than eighty holistic doctors, but it is meant to challenge the reader to question the events put forward. In all cases, where numerous real people were mentioned, both living and deceased, every attempt to honor and show respect was paramount.

  Given one of the main threads, it is also not the author’s intent to discourage the reader from traditional medicine, but to bring awareness to the various alternative methods available today. However, in a world where it has becoming increasingly important to trust, then verify, the wealth of information available today should be used with caution. But it provides an excellent source to engender questions when seeking the right course of treatment. And when it comes to managing one’s healthcare, a second, third or fourth opinion, if necessary, should be sought. It is important to remember that we are the consumer and those in the medical field are there to serve us.

  A final takeaway is that we don’t rent our bodies—we own them for life. This cautionary cliché, you are what you eat, is more than a platitude. It could be a lifesaver.

  Acknowledgments

  The Editor: After the completion of each novel I’m faced with a dilemma. How to recognize someone who has had the greatest impact in the creation of the novel. After using the Dedication and the Acknowledgment in past novels, it never appeared sufficient. Joe Fernandez, my loving husband, avid supporter, and incredible substantive editor, deserves the highest recognition. After 39 years together, he made it possible for me to embark on this amazing journey as an author; to produce entertaining, intellectual, and informative novels. His literary contributions alone are invaluable. Additionally, his diligent, in-depth editing enhances my narrative. His scrutiny of segueways, nuances, facts, and the content that assures plausibility, is priceless. My mantra has become, “If Joe doesn’t get it, neither will the reader.” Because of him, my writing style has improved immensely, and because of him I’ve written six novels of which I am proud. Perhaps, the only place to fully appreciate the sacrifices he has made is in that special place in my heart that he occupies.

  The Publisher: Both Joe and I offer our deep appreciation to my publisher, David Dunham, for his continued confidence in me as a novelist. And for giving of his own time to see my projects to fruition. But I know David could not do it without his amazing colleagues and support team of editors and designers. Thanks to all of you.

  The Alpha/Beta Readers: Our profound thanks go to my special inner circle of talented readers whose objective insights and valuable feedback from various perspectives continue to help enrich my stories. It’s amazing after the number of rereads and edits Joe and I run the manuscript through, this group still finds the nagging oversights and offer helpful hints: to Kenney DeCamp, Michael DeStefano, Debbie Dunham, Richard Halpern, Ann Howells, Donna Post, Alfredo Vedro.

  The Fact Checkers: A special thanks goes to those who have graciously given their time to conduct a fact-check review of critical portions of the manuscript for accuracy in their field of expertise: Gene Brandi, Gene Brandi Apiaries, Past President of American Beekeeping Federation, Dr. Kenneth D. Henson, MD, FACC, Tom Wysmuller, NASA Apollo Era (Ret.), VP Medical Claims Operations, Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company (Former).

  Family and Friends: Lastly, I am indebted to all my family and friends from around the world, too numerous to mention, for all the love and support they have given me throughout this endeavor.

  About The Author

  Photo by Giovanni Lunardi, Photographer

  If you relish suspense thrillers with a tinge of conspiracy, you’ll enjoy Sally Fernandez’ novels. Readers have said she pens riveting plots of intrigue and political awakening, seamlessly blending fact with fiction…or fiction with fact…you be the judge.

  As a novelist of provocative political thrillers steeped in facts, she wasn’t always twisting facts with fiction. Heavily endowed with skills acquired in banking, she embarked on her writing career. Her focus on computer technology, business consulting, and project management, enhanced by business and technical writing, proved to be a boon. Her books of fiction also reflect the knowledge garnered from her business experiences, while living in New York City, San Francisco, and Hong Kong.

  Sally’s foray into writing fiction officially began in 2007 when the presidential election cycle was in full swing. The overwhelming political spin by the media compelled her to question the frightening possibilities the political scene could generate. As a confirmed political junkie, she took to the keyboard armed with unwinding events and discovered a new and exciting career.

  The Beekeeper’s Secret is her sixth novel and the second in the “Max Ford Thriller” series, preceded by Climatized, featuring Maxine Ford as the female protagonist. Sally’s prior series, “The Simon Tetralogy,” is comprised of Brotherhood Beyond the Yard, Noble’s Quest, The Ultimate Revenge and Redemption. Each book provides an exhilarating platform for the next, with a gripping narrative that challenges the reader to put the book down. The ever-elusive Simon’s daring escapes in the preceding novels, allow him to add unheard of dimensions that provide intrigue to hold the reader. Her development of the other characters has created a lasting bond between them and the reader, especially now that Max has taken center stage.

  As a world traveler, Sally has visited every continent and over fifty countries. Her adventure travels with her husband include a scientific expedition in Antarctica, four African safaris, archaeological digs in Majorca and Peru, along with high-altitude treks in Bhutan, Tibet, and Mongolia. Sally and her husband, also the editor-in-residence, continue to travel extensively throughout the world.

  Climatized:

  A Max Ford Thriller

  “Never will you be forced to the edge of your seat in a mystery thriller while being steeped in scientific education of great
importance to humanity.”

  —Dr. Jay Lehr, Science Director of The Heartland Institute

  “…a murder-mystery thriller, full of political intrigue and meticulous scientific accuracy, that gets about as close as you can get to the truth…and still call it fiction.”

  —Dr. Harold Doiron, Chairman, The Right Climate Stuff research team

  “In Climatized, Sally Fernandez has deftly created a novel out of perhaps the biggest deception in the history of the Modern World…”

  —Dennis T. Avery, New York Times Bestselling Co-Author of Unstoppable Global Warming: Every 1,500 Years

  After resigning her post at the States Intelligence Agency, Maxine Ford declares her independence as she bursts on to the Washington scene as a private investigator. She displays her usual no-holds-barred style, showing no obeisance to the elite politicians. Right out of the starting gate, she finds herself in the cauldron of mystery, murder, and mayhem. All of her clients are warned to prepare themselves for the truth…at all costs. Max is hired by the wife of a prominent senator to determine the cause of his untimely death. It leads her to discover that three world-renowned scientists had been killed days before they were scheduled to testify before the late senator’s investigative committee. Meanwhile, a fourth scientist has gone missing. Max determined he is the key to unearthing the motives behind the deaths. Following the many twists and turns, Max and her associate, Jackson Monroe uncover a powerful organization responsible for the killings.