WICHITA, Kan., Aug. 6, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- A riveting story about what old secrets can cause, author Claude Eldridge's new book, Nobody Cares: A Driven Man (now available through 1stBooks), features Sam Warden and the genuine loves he pursues while suffering from an endless string of poor decisions. His choices culminate in a surprise ending that will conjure up a dreaded memory from the past and turn his seemingly perfect world upside down.
As the precocious only child of a Mississippi family, he disobeys his parents when he and a young poor woman, Camille, have a love affair. She becomes pregnant, but dies in a tragic accident. Though he knows he is responsible both for the pregnancy and her death, Sam chooses to remain silent as Camille's betrothed is imprisoned falsely, later killing himself in prison. Vowing to never speak of this, Sam buries his secret for years. He joins the military with the help of his childhood friend TJ, serving as a pilot and ending up a prisoner of war. He escapes miraculously, moving on to finish his education and start a business venture.
When he marries Alicia, Sam's life is on a perfect track. His business is thriving and he and Alicia make a perfect team -- until he meets Maryrose Boden, who reminds him of his lost Camille. TJ, a lifelong confidant, who is now working as his security man, arranges romantic trysts for Maryrose and Sam. Inevitably, Sam's choices land him in another situation: Maryrose becomes pregnant. In order to hide the pregnancy, TJ and Maryrose assume fake identities and put the newborn boy up for adoption. Sam pursues her again, but the love between TJ and Maryrose has grown and they marry.
Sam's life again settles down. His family is prosperous and the community is pushing him to pursue elected office. Life is just beginning to even out when Kevin Wright, the adopted son, tracks down TJ on a search for his biological parents. In the captivating ending, TJ, the lifelong friend of Sam Warden, finds the last stunning piece of the puzzle that uncovers the nightmare of Camille's tragedy.
Eldridge retired as an executive with Boeing. He attended Wichita State University, is the editor of a quarterly newsletter and has recorded his extensive travels with his wife, Elverna. They have two children and three grandchildren. Nobody Cares is Eldridge's first published novel. He has completed two other books and plans to publish another this year.
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