Still, Elias needed to finish up a few things.
He opened the document for Mrs. Vernon’s living trust. She lived in a senior living center near her daughter. Both wanted to make sure all the legal paperwork was in order—it was—and to confirm Mrs. Vernon had enough money to remain in the facility long term. Elias had hired Bria Lawson, a CPA, to help with the second part, and he’d received her financial report that morning.
Elias reviewed the report and smiled. He would have good news when he spoke to her and her daughter tomorrow.
His phone rang, and he answered it. “Elias Carpenter with Carpenter Law Firm.”
“I heard you’re in charge of the outdoor rink.”
A few reporters had contacted him about the rink and upcoming ice show. He hoped the media coverage brought in more money for the nonprofits. “I am.”
“This is Drew Maddox.” The guy’s voice had an East Coast prep-school vibe. Old money. Stuck up.
The man wasn’t one of the reporters who said they would call. “How can I help you, Drew?”
“DrewMaddox,” the man repeated.
The name meant nothing to Elias. A quick search in his inbox showed nothing. “I’m sorry. I don’t recognize the name. Have we met?”
Drew muttered something under his breath. “I’m a figure skater. Tasha Ramson and I go way back.”
Elias ran an internet search on Drew Maddox. A photo of a blond-haired man and a woman competing at this year’s Nationals appeared. Legit, but the guy looked like a preppy throwback from the eighties. Elias closed the tab on his computer.
“What can I do for you?” Elias asked.
“I heard about the ice show Tasha’s putting on, and I want to help. My partner and I have some unexpected free time, and it looks like Berry Lake is only a four-hour drive from Seattle.”
“Depending on weather or traffic. What kind of help?”
“Whatever you need. I’m that kind of guy.”
And not humble. “Tasha mentioned reaching out to some skaters—”
“My partner and I are national champions.”
And full of himself, but that was another matter. “Great. Tasha’s the one in charge of the show.”
“Yeah, right.” Drew exhaled loudly. “But I thought it would be fun to surprise her.”
Elias rubbed the back of his neck. Tasha enjoyed his surprise dinner from the Italian restaurant. He wished he’d taken a picture of the look on her face when he handed her the manicotti. “She might enjoy that.”
“Oh, she will. Especially when she finds out my partner and I are happy to perform. Give your little show a name that audiences will be familiar with since Tasha’s retired.”
The words bristled. Elias didn’t know if he was being hypersensitive, but something felt off. “Tasha isn’t performing. Local teens and kids are.”
“Just offering in case we could bring in more ticket sales. Thatishow you’re raising money, correct?”
Drew had a point. “Yes, but Tasha has the final say in the show.”
“Got it.” Silence filled the line. “How about we show up for the dress rehearsal? Leave the rest up to Tasha.”
Given there were still a few more days until then, Drew didn’t sound as if he wanted to help that much. “Sure, but Tasha has the final say.”
“I know. I know.” Drew sounded frustrated. “See you then.”
The line clicked.
Elias leaned back in his chair. That was an odd call. He should find out more about Drew Maddox.
