A Cloud of Suspicion Interview

Happy Easter, everyone. Today we're welcoming Patrick Rivers, the hero of A Cloud of Suspicion, Book four of the Without A Trace continuity by Patricia Davids, an April 09 release from Love Inspired Suspense. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.

Thanks for having me here. How did I end up in the midst of such suspense? I’m still asking myself that. I had no intention of ever returning to Loomis, Louisiana, but recently my step-father passed away. To my surprise, his will stipulated that I had to return to Loomis in person to settle the estate if I wanted any of the proceeds. I don’t understand why he did that. We weren’t close. I’d like to think he was trying to make up for the way he treated me after I was accused of rape ten years ago. I guess I’ll never really know. God moves in mysterious ways.

2. So, during the book you met Shelby Mason. Tell us a bit about her.
Shelby is simply the greatest. We actually first met back in college. She worked at the school library. She was something of a mouse back then, but she loved books. It was something we had in common. My mother was a book collector before she died.
I met Shelby again the first day I was back in Loomis. What a shock! She had turned out to be quite a beauty. No man alive could forget those eyes.
I knew I wouldn’t be welcome in Loomis because of the old rape charge hanging over my head, but when I saw Shelby again, she was brave enough to ignore the looks and the whispers and talk to me like I was nothing more than an old friend come back for a visit. I think I fell in love with her right that minute, but it was weeks before I could admit that. After all, I didn’t intend to stay in Loomis. But when I saw someone was trying to hurt Shelby, I had to stay and protect her.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?
I’d have to say my greatest strength is my dogged determination. I worked hard to get to the top my profession. I design motorcycle. My greatest weakness has to be the fact that I don’t trust people easily.

4. What scares you?

Nothing much. Okay, I’m scared of letting my friends down. I don’t have many and they mean a lot to me.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I think I’d like to be more outgoing. Shelby has that gift.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?

I didn’t have much in the way of faith when I first came back to Loomis. I blamed God for the things that had gone wrong in my life. I figured I’d do better depending on myself instead of some unseen force.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?

I think I’m back on the right path. Shelby helped me to see that if a guy blames God for the things that go wrong, he also has to give Him credit for the things that go right. I’d never looked at it that way before. I’m open now to learning about what God wants me to do with my life.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
Psalms 86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
It’s one of Shelby’s favorite bible verses. She’s clinging to the hope that her missing friend Leah will be found safe and sound. Shelby's faith is rock solid. I deeply admire that about her.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?

Pardon my laugh, but no one has ever asked me that before. What kind of dessert would I be? I guess I’d want to be a chocolate brownie. Plain, simple, no frills, but yummy. That’s me.

This installment of the Without A Trace series sounds exciting.
http://community.eharlequin.com/forums/steeple-hill/without-trace-can-you-solve-mystery
Click on the above link to go on a mystery hunt with Pat on the eHarlequin site.

Can't wait to read about Shelby and Patrick. Thank you, Pat, for sharing.