Deceived: Lured from the Truth (Secrets) by Melody Carlson Read Free Book Online Page B

now.”
    “We used to have a food booth at the county fair,” I explain. “We had to be careful.” Then I tell her how the health inspector came by regularly to make sure everything was sanitary and safe. “But honestly, if an inspector had come into the ice cream shop this morning, we would’ve been in trouble.”
    “Perhaps the girls who close don’t know how to properly clean,” Mom suggests. “Maybe they need a refresher course.”
    “Yes, that’s a good idea.” Nadine looks at me. “Maybe you should be the one to teach it.”
    I try not to grimace. “Maybe … except I’m not sure they’ll listen to me.”
    “Why not?”
    I shrug, glancing nervously at Mom.
    “Perhaps it would help if you both gave them a refresher course,” Mom says. “They might respect it more coming from you, Nadine.”
    Nadine seems to buy this. “I have a plan. Why don’t we all go over there right before closing time? Rachel can teach them how to properly clean the machines and close shop.” She nods to Mom. “And you and I will supervise.”
    As unenthused as I feel about Nadine’s plan, I agree. At 9:55, we show up at the shop, which still has a couple of customers. After the customers leave, Nadine locks the doors and announces the plan.
    “I realize it’s quitting time,” she tells them. “But Rachel has informed me that we could be in violation of the health department’s requirements.”
    “What?” Belinda looks shocked.
    “Apparently the cleaning has been substandard,” Nadine tells her. “Now I’m not pointing the finger at anyone, but I decided it’s time for a refresher course on how to clean and close.” She points to me now. “Go ahead, Rachel.”
    “Rachel is going to teach us?” Lorna frowns.
    “Rachel was in 4-H,” Nadine tells them. Naturally, both Belinda and Lorna laugh. Even Alistair snickers. “Rachel knows all about these things and is happy to share her insight with us.”
    “I’ll bet she is,” Belinda says quietly.
    “Go ahead, Rachel.” Nadine pulls out a stool and an office chair for herself and my mom.
    I can tell by my fellow employees’ expressions that they all want to kill me. I’m sure they had hoped to get out of here fast. After all, it’s a Saturday night. And living at the dorm, I’m well aware there are all kinds of things going on tonight — stupid drinking parties and whatnot — that these three were probably looking forward to participating in.
    “This doesn’t have to take long,” I begin. And giving them various cleanup tasks, I attempt to remedy what’s been neglected of late. I remind them of the importance of using the bleach-water solution to kill bacteria. “Dairy products are prone to food-borne illnesses like salmonella, shigella, or E. coli. But a good washdown with a bleach solution will kill those bacteria.”
    Lorna rolls her eyes, but I ignore her as I continue. “See this cutting board?” I hold up a large cutting board where we chop fruit for smoothies and toppings. “It needs to be cleaned with the bleach solution throughout the day. Just like all the surfaces.”
    It takes nearly forty minutes to do a thorough cleaning, and I can tell that everyone, including my mom, has had more than enough of my refresher course. But really, is it my fault no one’s been doing it correctly? “I don’t think it should take that long tomorrow night,” I tell them as we’re leaving. “It’s just that I want you all to really understand how to do this right … and how important it is.”
    However, I can tell by their stony silence and the dagger looks — even Alistair is sulky — they couldn’t care less. And worse than that, I suspect they’ll make me pay for this … later.
    “I’ll just walk back to my dorm,” I tell Mom and Nadine as we’re locking up. “And don’t forget I’m going to church tomorrow. I won’t be in to work until the afternoon.”
    Nadine just nods. And Mom gives me a tired wave. As I walk to the dorm, I