Free Deceived: Lured from the Truth (Secrets) by Melody Carlson

problem.
    “What did you think of church?” I ask her as we walk over to the dining hall.
    “It was better than I expected,” she says as Josiah opens the door for us. “I guess I was pleasantly surprised.” As we go into the kitchen, she explains about how her family never went to church. “The last time I was in a church, I was about twelve. I went with my best friend, and her preacher screamed and shouted at everyone. It was horrible. I never went back.”
    “Can’t blame you for that.” Josiah opens the fridge, foraging for food.
    “But this seemed different,” she says when he hands her an apple. “It made me feel kind of hopeful. Like there might be some reason to be alive.”
    “Sure there is.” He spoons some potato salad onto a plate, adding some slices of ham and cheese. “Is this okay?” He hands the plate to her.
    “Yummy.” She nods eagerly, taking it over to a nearby table.
    Now he looks at me. “I didn’t ask if you were hungry, but I’ll bet you haven’t had dinner either.”
    I smile hopefully.
    “Plate number two coming right up,” he tells me.
    As we sit there eating in the big dining room, Jim and Celeste come in and Josiah introduces them to Monique, explaining how we picked her up on the road. Jim studies the strangely dressed girl, and I’m curious as to whether his disapproval of her attire will show. But he simply smiles. “I hope you feel right at home during your visit. Welcome.” Now he turns to Josiah. “Why don’t you put her in with Lucinda Jones for the night? They have a spare bunk in their cabin.”
    Josiah nods.
    I take another tentative bite of the potato salad. Now I realize that beggars shouldn’t be choosy, but this potato salad is awful. Too much mayo and the potatoes aren’t even fully cooked. Not that I’m complaining.
    “If you girls want some dessert, there are several kinds of ice cream in the freezer,” Celeste tells us.
    “Ice cream?” Monique’s darkly lined eyes light up.
    “We make it right here at the dairy,” Celeste tells her. “It’s what Rachel sells at the resort.” Jim and Celeste tell us good night, remind Josiah to lock up, then leave.
    After we finish, we clean up after ourselves, and Josiah carefully locks the doors. “I guess someone started sneaking into the kitchen at night. So my uncle started locking it up.”
    “Can’t blame him for that,” Monique says. “With ice cream that good, I’d probably steal some myself.”
    It’s getting dusky as we take Monique over to the cabins. I’m not sure if it was because of tonight’s message or the food, but she’s suddenly opening up, telling us about how she got in a fight with her boyfriend and took off. “He’s a total jerk,” she says angrily. “I gave up college in order to support him and his stupid band. And then I find out he’s been sleeping with another girl the whole time.” She swings her fist. “I walked in on them today. And then I walked out.”
    “That’s gotta be rough,” Josiah tells her.
    “Do you have family or friends around here?” I ask.
    “No. My parents used to live in Lewiston. But they moved to Spokane a few years ago.”
    We’re just coming into the cabin clearing now. It looks cozier than ever with warm golden light pouring out from the square paned windows. And although it’s not cold tonight, I can smell wood smoke coming out of one of the chimneys.
    “This is it up here.” Josiah steps up to the door of a cabin and knocks. This one is located on the opposite side of where his is, and a heavyset woman with long sandy hair opens the door.
    “Hello, Josiah. How are you this evening?”
    He introduces her to us and then explains about Monique’s need for a place to crash. “My uncle said you might have a spare bunk for her to use tonight. Do you mind?”
    Lucinda smiles and nods. “We’d love to have her.” She hugs Monique, who looks shocked by this unexpected display of affection. “Welcome to our humble