Custom Node Question: getrefcount increases when passing object from one node to another

I am passing a custom object from a custom node to another custom node.

At the end of Custom Object A, just before 'return', sys.getrefcount() = 2
At the beginning of Custom Object B, sys.getrefcount() = 6

This makes it difficult for Custom Object B to release the object being passed (and therefore any resources associated with it).

Anyone know how to deal with this issue?

Thank you.