Candy Factory Mystery Read Free Page A

was hoping it was just our shipment.”
    Mrs. Winkles spoke softly to the Aldens. “The problems around here began with the mice. I guess I shouldn’t have put Meg in charge of so much until she had more experience. But she was highly recommended to me by a business associate she had worked for.”
    â€œThat’s usually the way to get good employees,” Grandfather said. “Is that how you found Tom as well?”
    Mrs. Winkles stopped to line up some of the egg molds that looked wobbly. “Actually, Tom practically fell out of the sky. He grew up in Ohio and trained as a banker, of all things. But he got too restless sitting behind a desk and decided to learn candy making instead. He’s worked in several candy factories and knows everything about the candy business.”
    Benny could certainly understand wanting to be a candy maker instead of a banker. “Someday I’d like to work in candy factories. Starting now.”
    Mrs. Winkles forgot her worries and enjoyed Benny’s funny comments. “If you keep an eye on Tom, you’ll learn plenty about candy making. You’d think he grew up in a candy kitchen.”
    â€œI wish we grew up in a kitchen so we could be here all the time,” Benny said.
    â€œI only have Tom part-time,” Mrs. Winkles told the Aldens. “I hired Meg before he arrived. I often wish Tom showed up first. As it is, I often have him teach Meg the most basic things about making candy. Her work is improving, but she needs constant supervision. Oh, Meg!” Mrs. Winkles called out again.
    The young woman finally hung up the phone. Looking flustered, she quickly pushed a button. All the machines came to a sudden stop.
    â€œOh, dear, Meg. Do remember to slow down the machines first before turning them off,” Mrs. Winkles said. “Now the chocolate in the molds may be smudged. You’ll need to check them. Throw out any that aren’t perfect.”
    The young woman sighed. “Sorry, Mrs. Winkles. I got startled seeing all these kids in the kitchen area. I’ll be more careful.”
    â€œMaybe checking the eggs in the cooling room will be a good job for the Aldens,” Mrs. Winkles told Meg.
    â€œYou’re letting these kids help with the candy making?” Meg cried. “I can manage it.”
    â€œThese children are old friends and careful workers,” Mrs. Winkles said firmly. “There are quite a few small jobs they can do so that you won’t feel rushed. This is James Alden and his grandchildren.”
    The children put out their hands to shake Meg’s hand.
    That’s when Jessie noticed something. “Hi, Meg. I’m Jessie. Glad to meet you. Is it okay for us to take off our gloves, too, in this part of the candy kitchen?”

    Instantly, Meg Butterfield found her disposable gloves on the counter. “Oh, I didn’t realize I’d taken them off while I was on the phone.”
    Now Mrs. Winkles looked quite upset. “Meg! Wearing gloves is one of our most important rules. We’re going to have a surprise visit from the school inspector to see if they’ll hire us to make their fund-raising candy. If he sees anyone in here without gloves, we certainly won’t get the job.”
    Meg’s face grew pink under her white cap. “Sorry.”
    Mrs. Winkles heard the door open. “Oh, good, there’s Tom. I’ll have him review the candy-making steps again while the Aldens are here. I can’t afford to have any more problems.”
    Soon, a tall, smiling man, dressed all in white just like everyone else, showed up. “Afternoon, Mrs. Winkles. Hi, Meg. Now who are these visitors? Some new customers who couldn’t wait for our chocolate eggs to leave the factory? Well, I can’t blame them.”
    Mrs. Winkles seemed more relaxed after Tom Chipley introduced himself to everyone. “Tom helps us out whenever we need him. I know he’ll teach you