Her Jericho Heart

By Sonya Davis

Sydney Cromwell is a prominent New York attorney. She has it all, wealth, prestige, and a fiancé, Marcus Rosenbaum, who can keep her in the lifestyle she is so accustomed to. Sydney is the most sought after attorney in the business, mostly because she can be bought for a price by the guilty. Sydney has never lost a case, and many guilty parties walk free because of her excellent representation. This, she takes great pride in. Needing to confront the demons from her childhood that are haunting her, she knows her only option is to return back to the beginning. With high expectations of finding the answers she so desires, Sydney heads to the small town in North Carolina where she was raised to see her Granny. She suddenly comes face-to-face with a plan God has laid out for her, in the form of a snow bank in the middle of a blizzard. There, she is rescued by a veterinarian farmer named Bo Turner. When Sydney wakes from the bump on her head, she finds she is snowbound on Bo’s farm that he shares with his young niece Olivia. As time goes by, waiting for the storm to pass, Bo begins to teach Sydney about true love and reconnecting with the God of her childhood. Could it be that Bo and Olivia’s love just might be the answers to all of the questions Sydney seeks? Can they find a way into her heart? Will Sydney go back to the life she has worked so hard for in New York, or will she choose another life with real love, that God has given her a glimpse of?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9781682139516

Book preview

Acknowledgement

Writing this book has definitely been a journey for me. I do not see myself as a great writer, nor Author, however as in most cases, God will use someone you least expect to do His work if He desires something to be accomplished. I thank my Father in heaven for the opportunity to write this book and maybe future ones if it’s His will. I thank him also for His guidance, and inspiration throughout this whole process.

I also have others that gave me their love, and encouragement while writing this book.

First, my husband Mike who has always been very supportive, and loving. For this, I am very grateful. Mike, you are not only my love, but also my best friend.

Next, our children Amber, Tabitha, and Adam of whom I could not be prouder. They utilized the gifts God has so graciously given them, and with these talents they were always at my beck and call. Also, for their encouragement, and love, I thank them.

To our five grandchildren for just being their wonderful individual personalities that comes out in the book. Thank you to my parents, Bill and Faye Mayberry for being the influences in my life that have shaped me into the Christian I am today. My sisters, brother and friends for their love, and support.

The entire staff at Page Publishing, thank you for publishing my book and working so tirelessly with me to make sure Her Jericho Heart, is the best it can be.

To all of you, I love you, and thank you, God bless always, is my prayer for you.

5:Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6: In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Being a Christian

dosen’t mean

I won’t fall ...

it means

Jesus will catch me

when I do ...

Introduction

This is about a woman named Sydney Cromwell, a very successful attorney living in New York City,whose boyfriend is one of New York’s most eligible bachelors, Marcus Rosenbaum, who just so happened to be an attorney as well. On many occasions he and Sydney battle against each other in court; this made their relationship all the more exciting. Fighting and making up later were always a special joke between them you would think that Sydney’s life was perfect—all the money anyone could ever want or need, beautiful penthouse apartment, the most glamorous evening gowns, business suits, and the most expensive shoes money can buy, which was a weakness of Sydney’s.

But as we dig into the life of this confident, successful, beautiful woman, we find money can’t buy happiness.

Now let’s look at our next character in this story: Bo Turner a strong, handsome man, though he does not know it, who lives in the mountains of North Carolina where he owns a farm. Being a single man some may believe him to be married only because he is raising his little niece, Olivia..

We’ll meet the people in this town of Turner’s Cove, North Carolina, and the different characters—some humorous, kind, loving, and found to be true friends in the end, but we’re sure to fall in love with all these personalities because we can relate to most of them in some ways.

It’s winter in New York City, and these mountains this will be our setting; now let’s get started. I’m excited to begin creating these personalities. I’m sure before this book is completed I will be very close to all of these characters because I will have invested so much of myself in them. I will not only be able to see some of myself in them but also my family and friends.

1

It was a blustery, crisp autumn morning in the hustle-and-bustle world of New York City, Sydney Cromwell, a prominent, corporate attorney in a demanding man’s world, fumbled to find the Off button on her alarm clock, rolling over to grab five more minutes’ sleep, when at that moment the phone rang. Sydney sat up with a jolt as if an electric shock had just shot through her. Could it be the news she had been waiting so intently on?

Hello, yes, Jeffery, I’ll be there as quick as possible. She slung back the covers and started running even before her feet touched the floor. The jury’s in! she screamed as if there was someone in the apartment to listen, and she made her way to the bathroom.

As Sydney quickly jumped from the shower, she dried off and threw her hair up in a towel as she reflected on the case in court she had been representing, Mr. Leon Thornton, a very wealthy CEO of one of the largest insurance companies in New York City, being sued for laundering money from their clients. Marcus Rosenbaum, the attorney for the plaintiff, just so happened to be her longtime boyfriend. Sydney had went up against Marcus many times in court. This did not intimidate her at all she was very confident in this dominating profession. This made Sydney smile to herself as she looked at her reflection in the mirror; she was feeling confident. The jury would find her defendant innocent without a shadow of a doubt; if she wins a case of this magnitude, then she will be the most sought-after corporate attorney in the whole city, which is exactly where Sydney yearns to be.

Without hesitation, Sydney threw on a small amount of makeup. The court may not take her as serious if she was too feminine; she felt she had to compete with the male gender at all times, even though her composure in the courtroom spoke volumes. Her hands went through her hair trying to decide what to do with it; every time she worked on her hair, it made her remember her mom because of all the natural curls that she inherited from her. Remembering her mom was something she did not care to do, so she promptly blocked it out of her mind and proceeded getting ready.

Sydney pulled her favorite business suit out of her perfectly organized closet. It was her gray pin-striped blazer with the matching skirt that comes just below the knees, accompanied with a freshly laundered white blouse with a stiff collar. This suit was the one she always wore to hear a jury’s verdict; it made her feel her most powerful, a feeling Sydney thrives on. As she was throwing on her gray four-inch leather high heels, the extra height she needed for her five-foot-four stature, she can look most of the men in court straight in the eyes. As she threw on her Burberry black overcoat with two rows of buttons with a belt that ties around the waist, she grabbed her briefcase and called down to Edward, her doorman, and requested her driver bring the car to the front to pick her up, and out the door she went.

Edward had been Sydney’s doorman for five years now at her high-rise penthouse apartment, which Sydney had moved into after she won her first big corporate case. This gave her a large income, which now allows her to live very well. Edward was a kind man with short build and was, as he likes to be called, big boned, with a neat beard, balding on top with short stubble around the edges, a kind face that gave Sydney an ease that no one else had ever been able to give her. Edward was the only father figure in her life, which if she granted herself permission to think about it, she would find this to be very sad indeed, but fast paced as her life is, there’s no time to think about personal things, and that was exactly the way Sydney preferred it.

The Mercedes Benz pulled up alongside Sydney and Edward; the shine glaring off the newly waxed black exterior caused Sydney to grab her Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses out of the side pocket of her briefcase. While throwing them on her face, she smiled a big greeting at Samuel; he was an adequate driver that most of the time delivered her where she needed to be when she ordered him to have her there. She, on several occasions, should have relieved him of his duties, but she knew he had three children with one on the way; he really needed this job, so as long as nothing major happens, she’ll keep him on.

Edward escorted her into the backseat of the car and told her to have a wonderful day and good luck on the case; with a wave of his hand the door shut.

Samuel, who was waiting for her orders, sat looking straight ahead. Sydney seeing his reflection in the review mirror, said, To the courthouse please, Samuel. With a nod of obedience he put the car in drive, and off they went to face the jury.

The courthouse steps was all abuzz with cameras, lighting, and reporters from all over New York, along with many of the neighboring cities. This was a very high-profile case. Sydney thrived in this type of environment; she was always well rehearsed with answers to any questions that might possibly be asked. She made this a regular part of any and all of her cases, since newsworthy cases were the only ones she would take.

As Samuel opened the door for her to exit the car, the press ran toward her as if she were a magnet drawing their metal equipment toward her against their will. Sydney, looking as prepared as well as confident, walked and spoke to them without missing a step; after all, this was her world. She owned it contrary to what any rival attorney may believe, especially her boyfriend, Marcus Rosenbaum, the most eligible bachelor in New York City, more handsome than any man has a right to be and from the very well-known wealthy Rosenbaum family.

Old money, Marcus always replies if anyone asks where the family made their money. Truth is, I do not believe Marcus knows the answer; it’s just easier to answer that way.

Sydney’s thoughts were abruptly brought back to the present with a question from the press. She could not tell exactly which paper or television network was addressing her, but she heard the reporter address her from somewhere in the back. Ms. Cromwell, we know you are very good at what you do, but do you really believe Mr. Thornton to truly be innocent? There are many who believe him to be guilty and that he should be punished to the maximum that the law will allow. What do you say to that?

Sydney, not being intimidated by the reporter, straightened her back as if to make herself taller, replied, I have faith in the New York judicial system, that the jury will come back with an innocent verdict for my client Mr. Thornton, and all charges will be, in fact, dropped.

The reporter, unsatisfied with Sydney’s answer, continued, Ms. Cromwell, you have not completely answered my question. Do you believe your client to be—

I’m sorry, blurted Sydney, I’m in a terrible hurry. I cannot take any more of your questions.

Why was she averting the question? She had no time to think about it nor did she care to; for she was sure victory was at hand.

As Sydney entered the courtroom, her gaze fell upon her client Mr. Thornton; he seemed uneasy in his seat, maybe because she had not arrived yet. As she walked toward the front, she saw all the familiar surroundings that had become her life; she spent more time here than anywhere else, and she loved it. She fed off of it almost like an adrenaline shot for her every time she walked in, because she knew something high energy was about to happen; some people may find it boring, but not Sydney.

2

As Sydney found her seat beside of her client, Mr. Thornton, she noticed the party taking their seats at the table next to her. It was Marcus and the woman he was representing, a Ms. Judith Cook, who was the head representative for all the plaintiffs in the case. Marcus was the attorney fighting their battle in court, knowing this was at best a lost cause because Sydney never forfeited a case. She would fight, for lack of a better word, to the death.

As she noticed Marcus, she realized what it was that attracted her to him; not only was he flawlessly gorgeous as always in his Gucci three-piece black suit with jacquard stitching that she loved to see him in, but it also made him look so dignified and wealthy, which didn’t take much doing.

Marcus’s love for the courtroom along with hers made them the perfect couple with the same interest, likes, and dislikes. Sydney had first met Marcus in law school at New York University School of Law where they both attended. She was first in her class, and he was second. Being the top two in the class, they had to work on a lot of mock cases together, and over time this became more than just homework. They battled fake cases against each other in her cheap small apartment, which was all she could manage to afford while in college. This, of course, was never a problem for Marcus. Money was always readily available, which had its perks for Sydney as well—the best restaurants, operas, trips to exotic places. But all of it bothered Sydney; she was never one to let a man always pay her way, but in college, life was mundane enough you had to have a break or have a visit to a therapist once or twice a week.

I believe I’m better off just accepting Marcus’s generosity, she often thought to herself when protest came to her mind. Marcus had been very good to her, and she was happy with him, she often thought, or was she just playing it safe?

By this time Marcus had noticed her.

Sydney, he whispered.

This brought Sydney’s mind-set back to the present. Yes, Marcus, what is it? We are not supposed to be talking in the courtroom unless it’s about the case.

Yes, I know, but do not forget it does not matter who wins. We have to make up later because one of our egos is going to be bruised.

I know, we’ll meet after the verdict at our usual spot, Sydney reminded him of their routine.

Now the usual spot was a little café they had discovered in law school. No matter how well known they both became in their law practices, they always found comfort along with solitude there. The owners—Luis and his wife, Isabella—had owned the café for thirty years. They knew Marcus and Sydney like family, always loved to see them come in and would double their food portions just to show they cared for them.

Okay, you have yourself a date, Sydney stated in agreement, feeling confident Marcus was the one who would need consoling.

Sydney looked toward Mr. Thornton to notice a trickle of perspiration running down his temple with another one racing down the cheek, as if they were in a race to the finish. Sydney patted Mr. Thornton’s hand to calm him and, with a reassuring smile, handed him her handkerchief to end the race on his face.

Everyone’s attention was interrupted by the entrance of the jury. As the twelve file in, seven women and five men find their perspective seats. The rest of the courtroom are examining the hidden expressions on their faces, hoping for a sign of an emotion to give away the secret decision made in the protected chamber.

Sydney had become a professional at reading the faces of the jurors, but she was struggling with this jury as she searched the men’s and women’s faces. She just could not figure out her client’s verdict. She knew she had done all she could do. She had fought a battle worthy of a warrior, and now she must wait for the fate of her spoils.

Sydney looked at Mr. Thornton with a confident smile, playing the role of the perfect attorney. This part she was trained for. Keep your client calm at all times, the best attorney’s motto ever.

The bailiff stood to begin his announcement of the judge’s entrance. All rise for the Honorable Judge Herbert J. Allister.

Everyone rose to their feet in reverence to the man governing the proceedings. A slender man with a face that exuded wisdom and knowledge entered the courtroom and placed himself in his appointed chair behind the desk, where he took an oath to uphold the law at all times.

Sydney found high regard for anyone sitting behind this distinguished desk. She had found Judge Allister to be fair in all courtroom proceedings she was ever involved with. She was not sure how he felt about her because he had never addressed her outside of the courtroom; this often made her wonder.

As Judge Allister entered the courtroom and found his place, the bailiff began to announce, This court is now in session with the Honorable Judge Herbert J. Allister presiding. You may all be seated.

Sydney’s hands began to sweat as she clenched them under the table, hoping no one could see her uncertainty. This she would let no one see in her. It would only ruin the image she had so relentlessly fought to maintain.

Judge Allister began to speak. This grabbed Sydney’s attention and made her forget her hands for the moment.

Does the jury have a verdict?

The head juror stands. Yes, Your Honor.

Bailiff, please bring me the verdict, the judge orders.

As the judge opens the piece of paper to look at what the contents said, Sydney tried to read his face, but there was no expression. All she saw was a stone face, which reminded her of some of the faces she encountered in college during a poker game. She always competed against the guys determined to outdo them in all things, even cards. Judge Allister would most likely beat her with a poker face like that.

The judge handed the piece of paper back to the bailiff, and the bailiff handed the paper back to the head juror.

Head juror, you may read the verdict.

We, the jury of the above and entitled action, find the defendant Mr. Leon Thornton on the charge of first-degree larceny not guilty and on the charge of first-degree embezzlement not guilty.

The courtroom broke out in a loud roar of emotion of voices for and against the defendant. Sydney loosened her hands and looked toward Marcus. He lowered his head with a grin to signify defeat.

Mr. Thornton, we did it. At that moment, a gavel banging against hardwood stopped the celebration in its tracks.

Silence in my courtroom! Quiet in the court! The courtroom was silenced immediately. Everyone’s attention went directly to the source of the demand, which was of course the judge.

This court has not been dismissed. It is still in session.

Mr. Thornton, I do not wish to see you in my courtroom facing my bench again. If I do, I will make sure you are put away for a very long time, but since the jury has spoken and the law has been duly up held, you are free to go. Now this court is adjured.

The press was waiting outside the courtroom doors to question Sydney and her client. It looked like a group of predators waiting to pounce on their victim.

Ms. Cromwell, what about the people who have lost all their money? Is there any compensation for them?

Well, I’m sure there will be further investigations into this matter, but I can reassure you that my client, Mr. Thornton, had absolutely nothing to do with the loss of these funds. Now that this case is over, Mr. Thornton and myself wish to move on, me with my next case, he with his life, so please, allow us to do so, no further questions.

Congratulations, Mr. Thornton, I’m very pleased with the way things turned out, Sydney spoke with extreme pride.

Ms. Cromwell, you saved my life. Without you I would be behind bars right now. You’re a genius. I thought I was a goner. There will be a very large payment on its way to you in the near future. Now if you will excuse me, I’m on my way to my yacht heading for the Bahamas. You’ll be hearing from me.

With that said, he turned and started down the sidewalk of the courthouse with cameras flashing at his back side exiting the property. Found an innocent man, Sydney could not help but feel a sense of pride knowing she had single-handedly gave this man the privilege to live in society as a free man. As she turned to leave, she caught one last pose for the camera.

3

Sydney made her way to her waiting car, Samuel standing there with the door open with a grin on his face. The words of congratulations trying to pry his lips apart, the strain on his face showed Sydney his evident excitement for her. Samuel stepped back while Sydney slide into the backseat.

Thank you, Samuel.

You’re welcome, Ms. Cromwell, Samuel spoke as he strapped on his seatbelt. Ms. Cromwell, may I say how happy I am for you. I heard from the other drivers standing around about how you kicked butt in the courtroom. They were very impressed that I am your driver. I just wanted to thank you for keeping me around. I know I have messed up a few times, but I promise to do better in the future.

Thank you, Samuel, for the compliment. I think that’s what it was, and you’re welcome for your job, but I do expect your very best. I always give mine, and I think everyone should do the same, don’t you?

Yes, Ms. Cromwell, and that’s what you’re going to get from me from now on. I promise.

Good, now let’s stop talking about this. I just want to relax and celebrate. Take me to Stella’s. I’m meeting Mr. Rosenbaum for dinner. Now can we travel the rest of the way in silence, please. I want to rest my eyes.

Of course, whatever you say.

The drive was silent but pleasant for Sydney. She reflected on the case and things she could improve on next time. Sydney’s brain seldom took a break from work. She was always reenacting her court cases, redoing them to see if they could have been done a better way. Even though she won the case, this was of course Sydney’s life every waking moment.

As Stella’s came into view, a calm came over Sydney, a calm she never understood. This is a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant that was so far away from her lifestyle that she would never let anyone whom she dealt with on a daily basis see her dine here, but that was never a concern because those society people would never be caught dead in this neighborhood, but for some reason this insignificant place made her feel more welcomed as well as like family, more than any other ritzy restaurant in New York City.

As Sydney walked toward the door of the restaurant, she saw Marcus sitting at a booth near a window motioning at her to hurry up and come in. I wonder what his hurry is, Sydney thought to herself. He was normally the laid-back one in the relationship.

"Marcus, are you going to leave me to eat alone again tonight like you have numerous times before? Sydney asked as she was removing her coat.

No, no, nothing like that. I’m just anxious to see you. It seems like forever ago.

I just saw you an hour ago in court, remember? I stomped you again, or are you already trying to forget. If I were you, I would be . . . Sydney chuckled with a flirty grin, which Marcus loved to see this side of her, the side that lets go and is playful with him; he doesn’t get to witness it very often.

I just missed you, that’s all.

At that moment the couple’s conversation was interrupted by a man’s voice speaking Italian, and of course, Sydney and Marcus knew immediately who this voice belonged to.

Ah! Mi manchi, Luis said while leaning down to slip Sydney a sweet peck on her forehead.

What are you saying to my girlfriend, Mr. Luis? Marcus broke in to hinder Luis’s further attention shown toward Sydney.

I was just telling Miss Sydney that I have missed her. It has been a few months.

Marcus tried to have a serious face toward Luis, but a smile came on his face, and he stood and grabbed the potbellied, short man wearing an apron. As he hugged him, he shook him, and it made his belly and all of him shake, even his chubby cheeks.

That’s my Marcus boy. I’ve missed you too.

Oh, so I don’t get the romantic Italian suave words that Sydney gets? What, am I not attractive enough for you? I’m hurt.

"Now, now, my good friend, I save all my flirtatious ways for the come sei bella, ladies."

Oh, Luis, that is so lovely, Sydney said. What does it mean?

It means ‘how beautiful you are,’ and that is exactly what you are, Sydney.

Oh, thank you, Luis, that is beautiful. I love Italian. It definitely is romantic. Can you teach it to Marcus?

Ha ha, very funny, Marcus spoke to remind Sydney he was still there. I’m very romantic. I do not need to learn a foreign language to prove I can still sweep you off your feet, right?

Of course, darling, me and Luis are just kidding. Sydney and Luis started laughing.

Now are we ready to order? Luis handed them their menus even though they had it memorized, and Luis knew it he was just doing it out of habit.

We have a succulent special tonight, my secret recipe handed down from my mother, God rest her soul. Would you like for me to tell you more about it?

No, that will not be necessary, Luis. We trust you. We’ll have two of those. It sounds wonderful I’m starving. Marcus usually ordered for Sydney even though she’d rather order for herself; however, if it made him feel more masculine, then she would let him.

And we’ll have your best wine. If you can go ahead and bring that out, I’d appreciate it.

Of course, for my favorite couple, the best I have to offer. I’ll have it out right away.

As Luis walked away, Sydney felt Marcus was acting a little strange, especially for a man that had just lost a very prominent case to his girlfriend. Even though he had always been a gracious loser, tonight he seemed too gracious, so what was up with him? She wondered but kept her observations to herself. She definitely did not want to spoil this pleasant evening; after all, she did have something to celebrate.

The meal was as wonderful as Luis promised. At the end of the meal, Isabella, Luis’s wife, came out of the kitchen to say hello. She was a middle-aged woman with black hair with streaks of white mingled within, a pleasant smile. Sydney could tell she had at one time been a beautiful woman. Sydney pictured her walking the streets of Italy in a peasant-style dress stealing Luis’s heart. She could see why he must have fallen in love with her. She approached the table. Her apron looked as if it came out of a horror movie blotched with marinara sauce.

Buon giorno, she said. She spoke very little English. Sydney had always planned to learn some Italian so she could talk to Isabella, but there has just never been any extra time.

Hello, Isabella. Sydney knew that word; she had heard Luis say it so many times. How are you, Isabella? She looked at Luis for interpretation. He told her in Italian what Sydney had said.

Oh! Sto bene Sydney. Now it was Sydney’s turn to look at Luis for help.

She said, I’m fine.

Sydney and Marcus thought a lot of this woman; the language barrier was always such a disappointment to Sydney, because she felt this woman had a secret to life and a truly happy marriage that if Sydney could delve into Isabella’s past and get her advice, she would have the answers that she felt she would never find on her own. I guess it all came back to the fact that she had no mother to get these life lessons from. Oh, how she wished she could talk to Isabella, she could see such wisdom in her eyes, but unless she learned Italian or Isabella learned English, this she feared could never be.

Spero di vedervi presto. Isabella’s Italian brought Sydney’s attention back to the present and off the memory of her mother, which is exactly where Sydney preferred it to be.

I’m sorry, Isabella, what did you say? As she answered she looked at Luis for the reply.

Isabella was just saying she hoped to see you both again very soon.

Yes, we hope to see you very soon as well, Isabella.

Isabella gave a smile and a nod assuming Sydney was saying the same back to her. Luis. Sydney decided it was time to talk in English again. Marcus and I have always wondered why you named your restaurant Stella’s.

Well, Luis began, "when me and Isabella met in Italy, I asked her out on our first date. I picked her up at her parents’ house and took her on a picnic in the hills near her home. It was a beautiful spot I’ll never forget. It was a very warm summer day, the skies were blue, and the hills were very green. We talked for hours. The day turned into evening. Before we knew it, the first stars were appearing in the sky, we lay on our backs to look at them, and I knew right then and there I would marry this woman one day. There was a big twinkling star in the sky. I told Isabella I wanted to name that star after her because she would always be the bright star of my life, so that’s why my restaurant is called Stella’s because stella in Italian means star.’ My restaurant is named after my beautiful wife."

Luis, that is the most beautiful story I have ever heard.

A beautiful story about my beautiful wife. Luis looked at Isabella and said, Tu sei una stella. You are a star, my star. Luis went ahead and interpreted for Sydney and Marcus knowing they would need it. She smiled and wiped a tear from her eye with her apron and hugged him. At