Chloe Took Maya’s Lunch and Used Her Meal Card — Then the Cafeteria Computer Showed Who the Account Really Belonged To
Chapter 4 — The Duplicate Card
Linda Shaw had supervised the cafeteria for almost nine years.
She was trusted.
Organized.
And one of the few employees authorized to replace lost meal cards.
Mr. Morris called her over.
Linda looked confused when Mrs. Helen showed her the account.
“I didn’t issue that.”
Mrs. Helen pointed toward the staff login.
“The system says you did.”
Linda’s face changed.
“Someone used my account.”
Chloe watched silently.
Mr. Morris noticed.
“Chloe, do you know anything about a second card?”
“No.”
“Have you ever seen one?”
“No.”
Mrs. Helen looked at the red card she had taken from Chloe.
Then turned it over.
A tiny printed number appeared near the bottom.
4418-B.
Everyone went silent.
This wasn’t Maya’s original card.
It was the duplicate.
Mr. Morris looked toward Maya.
“Do you still have your card?”
Maya checked the small zipper pocket of her backpack.
She pulled out another red card.
4418-A.
Chloe stared at both cards.
Her explanation had just collapsed completely.
Mrs. Helen held up the duplicate.
“Where did you get this?”
Chloe’s eyes filled with panic.
“I found it.”
“Where?”
“On the floor.”
“Eleven days ago?”
“I don’t remember.”
Mr. Morris looked toward the ceiling.
The cafeteria had several security cameras.
One faced Register Three.
Another covered the meal-card office.
He turned toward Chloe.
“Then let’s help you remember.”
