Sadie took a final gulp of milk. “Let’s go to my room,” she said.
“Cleanup first.”
“I knew you were going to say that,” Sadie said and sighed. “I like cooking a lot more.”
While they scrubbed and cleaned, Hana taught Sadie the first two lines of a classic Hebrew song. The girl had a high voice, even for a child, which was a big contrast from Hana’s mellow alto.
“I’ll sing it for my Hebrew teacher,” Sadie said after she successfully sang it the third time without errors. “But not when other kids can hear me. Can you record it and send it to my daddy’s phone so I can practice?”
“I have a better idea. Let’s do it together and send it to him now.”
They sat at the table and ran through it twice, selecting the best version to send to Ben. He quickly responded.
Laura and I love it!
“Laura can sing pretty good,” Sadie said. “Not like you, but it doesn’t hurt my ears.”
Once the dishwasher was running, they went into Sadie’s bedroom. Sadie took Fabia from her resting place in the drawer of the nightstand. The brown-skinned doll showed signs of much love. Her dark hair was a mess, and in addition to her wobbly head, her left leg hung down at such an odd angle that she looked like she needed a hip replacement. Fabia was wearing a green outfit and missing one shoe.
“What happened to her leg?” Hana asked as she wiggled it.
“One of my friends landed on her when she jumped off the bed. It stretched the rubber band that holds the leg in place, but I still take her out at night so she can sleep with me.”
They sat on the carpeted floor and leaned against the bed.
“Would you like to meet the real Fabia?” Hana asked once they were settled.
“Yes.” Sadie’s eyes widened. “Is she going to visit you after you have your baby?”
“No, but maybe someday you could visit her.”
“What do you mean?”
Hana took a deep breath. She watched the profile of Sadie’s face as she spoke. “I’ve talked to your daddy, and he’s willing to take you to Israel to visit Daud and me next summer. We’re selling our house in Atlanta and moving to Jerusalem.”
Sadie stared straight ahead and didn’t move as she absorbed the news.
“Is that why you came over to see me?” she asked, glancing up with a sad look in her eyes. “To tell me you’re moving away?”
Hana put her arm around the girl’s shoulders and pulled her closer. Sadie didn’t resist.
“I came to see you because I love you, will always love you, and wanted to share the news with you in person because you are so special to me.”
Sadie remained quiet for a few moments. “Are you sure I’m going to come visit you? Adults say things like that but don’t really mean it.”
“I mean it or I wouldn’t have said it.”
“That helps a little bit.” Sadie sighed. “Let’s read a book.”
Hana sensed Sadie didn’t want to dwell on the move.
“Who reads first? You or me?”
“You go first,” Sadie replied.
Back and forth they went. Hana could tell that Sadie wanted to squeeze in all her favorite stories. After that she took a shower, and Hana spent the time walking and praying through the house. She was confident angels watched over Sadie and Ben, but she wanted to make sure fresh requests for divine reinforcements rose up to heaven’s throne.
“Your hair smells nice,” Hana said when Sadie emerged from the bathroom wearing blue pajamas.
“It should. I’m using the shampoo you gave me.”
Hana pulled back the covers, and Sadie crawled up into bed.
“You know what I want you to do now, don’t you?” the girl asked.
“Yes. And once you go to sleep, I’ll stay here with you until your daddy gets home.”
Sadie closed her eyes. Hana sat beside her on the bed and began to hum softly. The hum transitioned to a few simple words that grew into thoughts, requests, dreams, and prayers. As was often the case with Sadie, the words were Hebrew, the ancient language of the girl’s ancestors. Hana didn’t rush. She made sure her heart released the full measure of affirmation and intercession that would follow Sadie Neumann all the days of her life. As her voice softened, Hana could tell Sadie had ridden the song into the land of dreams.
Hana placed her hand on Sadie’s head and silently imparted every molecule of love and blessing stored up in her spirit.
Epilogue
Three months later
Hana and Daud stood in front of the glass case at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. It was the first time they’d seen the two ceramic heads displayed side by side. The similarity in artistry and craftsmanship of the two pieces was even more apparent when they could be seen together. Hana rested her right hand on her greatly swollen abdomen.
“Do you think they really were a king and queen?” she asked.
“That’s totally up to your imagination.”
“Then I’ll choose to believe they were.” Hana pointed to a small sign at the bottom of the exhibit. “It’s nice that the museum posted a notice about the connection between the queen’s head and Vladimir Ivanov’s family.”
“Yes, I’m glad Jakob worked it out.”
“With Avi’s help.”
“They have some new pieces in the Canaanite section,” Daud said. “Do you want to see them?”
“No, this is why I came. And I’m feeling kind of strange.”
“Strange?” Daud raised his eyebrows.
“Something’s happening,” she said. “I’m just not sure if it’s the real thing.”
They made their way to the exit. After buying the house in Abu Tor and moving to Jerusalem, Daud was prepared to sell his Land Rover in the US, but Hana insisted they ship the vehicle to Israel and pay the taxes assessed by the government.
“I’m not sure it makes financial sense,” Daud argued.
“It makes heart sense,” Hana responded. “The Land Rover reminds me how much I love you.”
“Your face does that for me,” Daud answered. “And it’s a lot easier to import to Israel.”
In the end, Hana won out. The fact that they were able to sell the house in Atlanta for a small profit after living there only a few months helped with relocation expenses.
Daud held open the door and steadied Hana’s arm as she climbed into the vehicle.
“Oh,” she said. “I really felt that one.”
“Do you want to go to the hospital?”
“No, let’s go home, and I’ll see if the contractions become regular.”
Daud smoothly navigated the city streets between the museum and the Abu Tor neighborhood. There was no place on earth like Israel; no city on earth like Jerusalem. At the beginning of the week, Hana had taken a leave of absence from her new position as Israeli counsel for Collins, Lowenstein, and Capella. So far the part-time job suited her perfectly. She’d been able to work with existing clients and generate new business. Daud’s work phone buzzed, and he picked it up from its cradle in the console. He listened for a couple of seconds, then spoke in English.
“Yes, I will initiate secure contact with him later this evening and find out what he needs.”
Hana didn’t ask questions about the call. She was feeling more and more secure and at peace in Jerusalem. It helped that the Shin Bet had arrested the two men who had targeted Daud on the road near Al-Bireh, but the greatest change was the one inside her. The promised land within her soul had become conquered land, and those who lived in conquered land could be at peace. More than ever, Jesus was her Prince of Peace.
During the drive home, Hana had four more contractions, each one stronger than the last. They parked in the street next to the alley that led to their home. Daud came around the vehicle and opened the door. Hana, who was in the middle of another contraction, didn’t budge.
“Maybe we should go to the hospital,” she said through clenched teeth.
Daud’s eyes wide
ned, and he jogged back around to the driver’s seat.
“Will you get my suitcase?” she asked.
“Yes, yes.”
She watched Daud sprint down the alley. The suitcase was in the corner of their bedroom. Hana’s love for the garden, the salon, and the rooftop had steadily increased. She especially enjoyed sitting on the roof in the starlight listening to the sounds of the night and the whispers of heaven.
“Ready,” Daud said when he was back behind the wheel. “And I called Avi. He’s going to check on Leon later this evening.”
The route from Abu Tor to Hadassah Medical Center looped around the eastern part of the city to the west of the Mount of Olives. Hana’s primary obstetrician was on call.
“Soon you’re going to meet your boy,” the doctor announced after she examined her.
Seven hours later, and with Daud sitting beside her head, Hana pushed a final time, and the baby entered the world.
When the new family was alone in a hospital room, Hana brushed the baby’s cheek with her index finger. Nothing in all creation could be more magnificent than the child in her arms. Daud looked both proud and in awe. They’d entered into a pact to pray and ask the Lord for their child’s name without revealing it until he arrived.
“It’s time,” Hana said. “You’re the father. What do you think we should name him?”
Daud gently laid his hand on his firstborn son’s chest. “Yaqub.”
The Arabic name for Jacob was common in previous generations, but less so now. Hana looked down at her son and repeated the name softly.
“What do you think?” Daud asked.
Hana glanced up with a mischievous smile. “Ilsrayiyl.”
“Israel?” Daud’s eyes widened. “That would be a challenge for him.”
“I know,” Hana replied. “I love Yaqub.”
She kissed the baby on the top of his head and repeated his name three times.
“Yaqub and Ilsrayiyl were the same man,” Daud said. “God changed his name.”
Hana looked up and nodded. “You’re right,” she said. “And I believe our son will help bring the two worlds together.”
Discussion Questions
Hana’s great-uncle spoke a prophetic word to Daud and Hana before their marriage. How does the conversation affect them later? Has anyone ever spoken prophetically to you? If so, how did it impact you?
Were you aware of the history of stolen artifacts and art collections during World War II? What do you think of Mrs. Zarkawi’s decision to keep the coin and return the artifacts? Do you admire her integrity in giving back what had been taken, even though she was innocent? How responsible do you believe the current owners are to return the items to their original owners?
Do you think Hana was wise to agree to participate in the interfaith forum? In what ways do you think she’s able to impact others based on her background? Have you ever been part of a group that included people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds? How did that help to challenge and mature you?
Although Daud’s occupation requires him to be secretive, do you think he’s right in keeping significant details from Hana? In what ways does that impact their relationship?
Hana and Sadie have a very close relationship since Gloria died. How is their relationship beneficial for Sadie? In what ways might their closeness have negative consequences?
Daud is upset at how Lynn and the others handled his mission with Kolisnyk. Do you think he was right to be angry with them? Do you believe he was responsible for any of the fallout from the events in Sharm el-Sheikh?
The topic of profiling comes up during Daud and Mr. Lowenstein’s conversation about security for the interfaith forum. This is a subject that is very controversial in our current culture. What do you think about profiling? Are there times when it’s necessary? Is it possible to profile while still treating others with respect?
Daud chooses to make an unplanned detour to Abu Tor to look at a house to buy, while Hana moves forward with purchasing a home in the US—neither of them consulting the other. Although they are able to work through it, how might things have turned out differently?
By traveling to Abu Tor, Daud not only deceived Hana but he put himself in harm’s way by giving away his identity. Do you think he was justified in going, or were his actions careless and irresponsible?
Daud and Hana seem torn between living in the safety and security of the US and returning to the familiarity and culture of Jerusalem. Does their ultimate decision surprise you? In what ways do they sacrifice for each other in the process of coming to that decision?
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to those who believed in and supported the writing of this novel. My wife, Kathy, is at the center of all I do. I appreciate the outstanding editorial input from Becky Monds, Jacob Whitlow, and Deborah Wiseman. Special thanks to the mazkirim. You know who you are.
About the Author
Photo by David Whitlow, Two Cents Photography
Robert Whitlow is the bestselling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction for The Trial. He received his JD with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review.
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RobertWhitlow.com
Twitter: @WhitlowWriter
Facebook: RobertWhitlowBooks
Acclaim for Robert Whitlow
“Promised Land is a book about coming home. Of becoming settled in your spirit and your relationships. With layers of intensity, thanks to international intrigue, moments of legal wrangling, and pages of sweet relationships, this book is rich and complex. A wonderful read.”
—Cara Putman, author of Delayed Justice
“This tense legal thriller from Whitlow boasts intriguing characters . . . One gripping chapter leads to the next . . . Readers will have a hard time putting this one down.”
—Publishers Weekly on Chosen People
“If you’re looking for a book with unexpected twists and turns that delves into the cultures of Palestine, Israel, and their peoples, you must check out this engaging novel.”
—Book Reporter on Chosen People
“A legal thriller written from a contemporary evangelical Christian worldview, Chosen People presents intriguing, well-rounded characters, thought-provoking moral dilemmas, tense drama, and several surprising plot twists.”
—Mystery Scene
“My verdict for Robert Whitlow’s Chosen People: compelling, realistic, and inspiring. Robert combines the intensity of a legal battle against terrorists with a poignant depiction of Israel, with all of its tensions and grandeur. As a lawyer who handles cases for terrorism victims, I loved the realism of the novel and felt deeply the joys, disappoints, and triumphs of its characters. But the matters of the law were eclipsed by matters of the heart—faith, love, and hope in the midst of despair—this is where Whitlow truly shines.”
—Randy Singer, bestselling author of Rule of Law
“Whitlow writes a fast-paced legal suspense with amazing characters. There are twists and turns throughout, and a number of unexpected surprises to heighten the suspense. Whitlow is an amazing writer and he touches upon delicate topics with grit and respect.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars, on A Time to Stand
“Whitlow’s timely story shines a spotlight on prejudice, race, and the pursuit of justice in a world bent on blind revenge. Fans of Greg Iles’s Natchez Burning will find this just as compelling if not more so.”
—Library Journal, starred review, on A Time to Stand
“Part mystery and part legal thriller, Whitlow’s latest novel is definitely a must-read!”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars, on The Witnesses
“Whitlow’s characters continuously prove that God loves the broken and that faith is a lot more than just showing up to church. [This] contemplative novel is a fine rumination on ethics, morality, and free will.”
—Publishers Weekly o
n The Witnesses
“Highlights not only Whitlow’s considerable skills as an author of legal thrillers, but it is also a gripping story of family dynamics and the burden of alcoholism.”
—CBA Retailers + Resources on A House Divided
“Attorney and Christy Award–winning author Whitlow pens a character-driven story once again showcasing his legal expertise . . . Corbin is highly relatable, leaving readers rooting for his redemption even after family and friends have written him off.”
—Publishers Weekly on A House Divided
“Christy Award winner Whitlow’s experience in the law is apparent in this well-crafted legal thriller. Holt’s spiritual growth as he discovers his faith and questions his motives for hiding his secret is inspiring. Fans of John Grisham will find much to like here.”
—Library Journal on The Confession
“Whitlow writes with the credence of a legal background and quite adeptly incorporates intrigue, romance, and redemption in its many forms into his book. Recommend to young adults and older readers with a penchant for unexpected twists and unanticipated outcomes.”
—CBA Retailers + Resources on The Confession
“Whitlow has weaved a well-constructed and engaging mystery with a crisp, concise style of storytelling, authentic, gritty characters, and a well-defined plot. Strong tension and steady pacing add to this stellar read.”
—RT Book Reviews, 41/2 stars, on The Confession
“Readers will find plenty to love about this suspenseful novel as they watch its appealing main character juggle personal, professional, and spiritual crises with a combination of vulnerability and strength.”
—CBA Retailers + Resources on The Living Room
“. . . an intensely good read.”
—Booklist on The Living Room
“In The Choice, Robert Whitlow crafts a moving tale of a mother’s love for her unborn children cast against the specter of the culture wars. Fans of Whitlow’s courtroom drama will not be disappointed, but here, too, the human drama of which we all become a part takes center stage.”
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