The Brownstone: Troubled Waters

By Julie Brown

Any life worth living takes an equal amount of laughter and tears, and the sequel, Troubled Waters, has a healthy dose of both. Lili Wentworth is giving life a second chance. With her tragic history behind her she leaves the brownstone and travels to Sri Lanka. When she arrives one shocking revelation after another brings her face-to-face with her destiny. Ancient traditions and sacred rituals open a world for Lili that allows her to heal and ultimately discover the ancient power within her. Once back in New York City Lili's relationship with Coleman Kavanagh deepens but Lili Wentworth is the one keeping secrets now. Her choices keep Coleman in the dark and her life in peril. Trust is of the essence and his mission is to gain hers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9781667814070

Julie Brown

Julie Brown is a creator, mother, and teacher who loves reading to her students and children. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Ithaca College and a master’s degree in teaching from LeMoyne College. Julie resides in Upstate New York with her husband and two children. Kara Lynn Daviau is an award-winning fine artist who earned a BFA and MS in art education from Syracuse University. She currently teaches high school art in a suburb of Syracuse, New York. Kara lives in Upstate New York with her two sons and basset hound.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Sri Lanka’s palm-fringed beaches adorn the southern tip of the island with its beautiful variegated landscapes and historical monuments. Ethnic tensions have caused a bitter feud resulting in civil war on the island. Lili Wentworth arrived just after a ceasefire had been broken. Deep in the coconut groves on a private beach sat eight individual villas equally positioned on each side of a restaurant. The sign out front aptly read The Groves. The aqua blue, crescent-shaped shores could be seen from the terrace of every villa.

He stood in the sand as the salt spray dampened the over-creased paper in his hand. It was one of Andrew’s prophecies and Davin Christoff was holding it. He read it now, for possibly the thirtieth time. He knew there was nothing he could have done to change the tragic outcome, the accident that stole Lili’s entire future. All he could do was remain in New York City and wait for her to show up at St. Luke’s Hospital. Nothing could have prepared him for what he saw that day—Lili’s lifeless body battered, and broken. The only thing worse were her lifeless eyes as the months of recuperation took its toll. Andrew Wentworth knew he wouldn’t be there for his daughter. All he had were a few prophecies and a few trusted friends to help see Lili through.

Sunshine flooded Lili’s room. Her bed was surrounded by soft white netting and covered with a floral comforter. After unpacking, she rested on her bed. She watched the fan spin overhead. The hypnotic motion took Lili’s mind adrift. Coleman was there, kissing her tenderly. Thinking of him made her reach for her Celtic cross necklace. Eventually, the cool air from the spinning fan solicited a deep sleep.

Lili was walking down the surprisingly desolate corridors of a hospital. The flowers she held in her hand were an indication that she was there to see someone. There beneath the sound of her beating heart, deep within her subconscious, stirred a quiet apprehension. With no reassurance in her mind, Lili felt desperate to leave, yet she continued to walk. Finally, she turned into a room and saw Maggie O’Ryan Wentworth. She lay sleeping in a hospital bed hooked up to machines with Grayson standing by her side.

Lili awoke abruptly to a knock at the door. She jumped out of bed pushing the hair off her sweaty forehead. She opened the door and Davin pushed a cart full of food into her room. They had dinner on her terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean. A constant warm breeze kept her golden-brown hair out of her face. The beach glowed by candlelight.

This is such a beautiful place, isn’t it? I feel guilty staying here while so many have lost their homes.

Yes, it is.

Lili surveyed his face. She could tell something wasn’t right. He looked relaxed in his khaki pants and white linen shirt, but he didn’t have the deep peaceful look he usually did. He looked concerned.

What is it, Davin? Are you alright?

Of course, just tired. It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?

We’ve established that already.

Well, it’s true, he paused awkwardly. Quinn and I have some people we would like you to meet tomorrow night.

Yes, I know. Quinn calls them a motley crew. Is that what’s bothering you? Are you afraid I won’t like them? She stuffed a fork full of green beans into her mouth.

I think you will get along very well with everyone.

Lili set her fork down and sipped her water. She leaned back in her chair and said, Davin, what brought you to Sri Lanka all those years ago when you told me you first met Rev. Quinn?

Lili, are you sure you want to hear that now? It’s getting late. You must be exhausted. Lili waited patiently, locking eyes with his, which for the first time avoided her gaze. Well, he sighed, it was so long ago, it’s difficult to remember, he rubbed his forehead. The truth was that Davin Christoff could never forget no matter how hard he tried.

I was married when I lived in Switzerland. She was beautiful, and sweet, a dream come true for any man. I never deserved her.

Lili found that hard to believe but didn’t interrupt.

I had just finished medical school and had begun my internship at a clinic. I had no business taking a wife. I was too busy…too preoccupied. Yet, her beauty captivated me, along with her kind heart. So, eventually…I proposed. She managed to bring out the best in me…when I was around. I quickly rose up to be one of the best surgeons in Switzerland. I managed the most difficult cases. I would never decline an opportunity to operate. Eliza was lonely and I knew it. So, when she told me she was pregnant, I couldn’t have been happier, Davin paused and sipped his water. He leaned back in his chair and looked at Lili. You would think it was because I was going to be a father, wouldn’t you? he asked. Lili nodded. You think too highly of me, he looked directly into her eyes. That should have been why I was happy, but it wasn’t. I knew if she was occupied having a baby to take care of, I would feel less guilty. I was a selfish human being, Lili. All I cared about was being the best in my field. I barely acknowledged my patients were human beings. When Sophie was born, I was, at that moment, the luckiest man in the world…and I never knew it. She was beautiful, of course, like her mother, he added after a slight pause.

Davin stood up and leaned his elbows on the terrace railing. He watched the waves roll in, wishing they could wash the memories away. When Sophie was six months old, she became very ill. Eliza called me at the clinic describing her symptoms to me. I rushed her off the phone.

Davin turned to look at Lili. Regardless of how much good he did, or how he strived to help others, the memory would haunt him forever. Lili stood next to him looking into his sky-blue eyes. She had never seen pain in them before now. Her heart began to ache. She felt a deep need to protect him.

What happened to Sophie? Lili asked softly.

I should have told Eliza to bring her straight to the clinic. I was distracted. Selfish…foolish… He turned away from her.

Davin… Lili whispered.

Bacterial Meningitis, he said, a death sentence for the young.

Only the sound of the waves could be heard. Lili reached her hand for his. The heat startled him. He looked down at her tiny fingers wrapped around his hand. The comforting heat radiated toward his heart. He knew what was happening, even though Lili was oblivious.

By the time I got home, it was too late, he whispered. Sophie died in the clinic the next morning.

Everything inside Lili tore at her. Her insides trembled. She wanted to carry his pain for him. She would have done anything for this to not be his truth.

He continued in a whisper. Two days later, we buried our little girl, he swallowed against the lump of guilt in his throat, Eliza hung herself.

He held his hand against the back of his neck as his whispers turned to cries.

Eliza knew she had nothing with me. The only thing I ever did for her was give her Sophie and I ended up taking that from her too.

Lili rested her hand over his and felt the smooth gold ring on his pinky finger. Eliza’s wedding band. Lili began to see pictures flash across her mind like a movie screen. The chair Eliza stood on to hang herself was the same one Davin stood on to release her. Lili watched as he pulled the bathrobe belt off her neck and began giving her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. He pushed on her chest and screamed her name, Liza, Liza! Stay with me!

Lili saw the tiny coffin. She could feel his grief, his regret, spiraling around her. The guilt took on the form of dark shadows. They began to swirl around her body, extracting joy from her mind until she was abandoned to a destiny filled with doom. She looked down at her hands and watched Davin slide his wedding band off of his left ring finger. Gently, he rested it on Eliza’s coffin, next to a bouquet of roses.

Lili could see Davin’s movements and feel the emotion that motivated him in the cemetery that day. The sentiment was familiar, like the cache of sorrow that she had once secured.

Davin looked at Lili and saw that she was shivering uncontrollably. I’m sorry, Lili. You are very sensitive. This is too much for you to hear, he said anxiously.

You went through it, Davin. I think I can handle hearing it.

Davin grabbed Lili, helping her to the bed. Lili…I’m so sorry. You aren’t ready yet. You have so much to learn. I should have waited. Look at me, Lili. Look straight into my eyes.

She struggled to see his face through her tears. She waded through the waves of despair. Just to think about Eliza destroyed him inside and she knew it. She understood everything in sixty seconds.

Davin held her face to help her focus, Breathe, Lili. Look at me and breathe…breathe…

Lili’s body began to calm as she slipped slowly into his blue eyes. The anxiety gradually rescinded. She wanted to say it wasn’t his fault, but she knew he wouldn’t hear that.

Lili, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have told you.

Why are you apologizing to me? I don’t need protection from your grief, or anybody else’s for that matter. I came to Sri Lanka to find an existence outside of my own personal pain. To put my energies into something else.

Lili, I… Davin tried to explain.

I don’t think most people would have reacted well seeing your daughter’s blonde curly hair in her blue dress lying in a tiny casket. Or the pink belt tied around your wife’s neck as you struggled to remove it, hoping to revive her. Lili turned to face him. I’m sorry if I was too emotional for you, but I’d rather be that, than an insensitive, cold, empty shell…

What are you talking about, Lili? Davin stood up quickly. I never told you any of that.

Lili didn’t know how to explain what she had seen or why. She shook her head, rubbing her temples. I’m sorry, Davin. I don’t know what I’m saying. I didn’t realize I had such a wild imagination. She stood up, I’m so embarrassed. Then she ran out of the room and down the terrace steps.

Her heart was shattered. She tried to shut off her mind but she couldn’t. He shared the most painful time of his life and I created a visual of it.

Lili! Davin yelled after her, Lili!

She kept walking. Stay away from me, Davin!

Lili! Davin finally reached her and grabbed her arm.

Davin, don’t! she brushed him off. I’m not right in my head. Stay away from me! I shouldn’t be here. I want to go home. She raked the hair from her face.

Lili, listen to me! he stood in front of her, gripping her arms. You are not crazy! He took a deep breath and spoke more softly. On the contrary, you saw everything… exactly…right.

CHAPTER 2

Davin Christoff burst into Rev. Quinn’s room. We can’t wait, Quinn! We have to meet now!

Easy, Davin, take a seat and calm down, for goodness’ sake.

It’s happening much more quickly than we anticipated, he said, pacing back and forth. If we don’t explain things to her now, she’s going to think she’s crazy. Or worse, try to leave Sri Lanka before she is ready. You know that could be a disaster. He tried to whisper. Every minute we wait, we put her in danger.

Rev. Quinn picked up the phone. Where is she now? he asked as he dialed.

I left her in the restaurant with Artemus. Please hurry, Quinn, Davin urged him, rushing back out the door.

It took less than twenty minutes for the small group to gather around the long table positioned on the veranda. Candles were lit in a straight line down the center of the table. The rest of the place was empty, except for the bartender cleaning glasses and the waiter. Artemus was well acquainted with everyone, except Lili. He smiled as he poured her water.

Rev. Quinn sat at one end of the table with Lili at the other end. She leaned over and whispered to Davin as everyone settled in and greeted each other.

Do you think this is the right time for this? I’m a bit distracted by the fact that I visualized the worst moment of your life. I’d rather sleep this off.

I only wish you could. You are entitled to some explanations, and you will get them here, he smiled, patting her hand.

Oh, okay, Davin, she whispered under her breath. I’m gonna get an explanation about my disturbing visions from a group of volunteers I’ve never met before? Maybe they can interpret my dreams too, she snorted.

Rev. Quinn spoke first. We all know why we’re here, to welcome Lili to Sri Lanka. I think it would be nice if we all went around the table and introduced ourselves. Let’s not overwhelm her, Jack, if that’s at all possible. Rev. Quinn raised a hopeful brow.

Jack Adair was Australian. He had an unkempt look about him, which included a pile of dirty hair sticking out in all directions. He wore silver rings on his thumbs and fingers. His wrists were covered in bracelets made of leather and some out of rope with beads intertwined in them. He had pushed up the sleeves of his white shirt that was unbuttoned midway, revealing a tattoo around his neck and chest. Jack was smoking a cigarette and drinking water from a glass that he ran his finger around the top of.

What’s that supposed to mean, Quinn? he said with an Aussie accent.

I can’t help that my gifts utterly amaze the newbies, now, can I?

Lili glanced at Davin only to receive another pat on her hand.

You can help it by simply introducing yourself, Jack. Rev. Quinn replied calmly.

Alright then, Jack stood up. Miss Wentworth, I am Jack Adair. My home is Australia, and I am humbly at your service, he bowed, with a wave of his hand, very Shakespearean like. How’s that, Quinn? The group mumbled their surprise at Jack’s courteous behavior.

Welcome to Sri Lanka, Lili. I am Nayaba. I’m from Jamaica. Nayaba had shiny, black, curly hair that was full on top and angled down the sides falling just at her shoulders. Lili had the strange urge to trace her cheekbones with her fingertips just to make sure she was real. Nayaba’s face formed the most beautiful profile Lili had ever seen, somewhat like a sculpture.

Hello, Lili, I am Estelle. Everyone calls me Stella. I live in Vermont.

Lili, we are missing some very important people who cannot be here until tomorrow, Quinn said. Davin thought it best to proceed this evening as you experienced something unusual tonight that might require some explanation. Quinn tapped his fingers together as he spoke. I should start by telling you we have brought you here under false pretenses, he added.

Lili sat back in her chair and surveyed the people gathered there to meet her. None of them looked ominous, except for maybe Jack, and deep down she knew he was harmless. Lili could not fathom why Rev. Quinn would bring her to Sri Lanka other than the reason she was told.

Davin Christoff shifted nervously in his seat. The brilliant surgeon who saved Lili’s life was clearly uneasy. He carried as much responsibility as Rev. Quinn; even more, when you think about the long days and late nights he tended to Lili in the hospital, knowing all along she was Andrew’s daughter.

Lili… he paused, you are…Gifted. The word came out like a heavy stone that had been tossed on the table.

Well, I was, she shrugged. Thanks for bringing that up. She tried to laugh, but it came out as an awkward giggle.

It is a term used in our group to describe a person with special abilities. You are special. Davin knew as soon as he said it, she wasn’t going to like it.

I am? Why, because I have a vivid and rather creepy imagination? Come on, Davin, you and Rev. Quinn know why I came here. She stood up. You are wasting everyone’s time. Let’s just get a good night’s sleep so we can start working on helping everyone on this island.

She really doesn’t have a clue, does she, mate? Jack looked at her with a sympathetic stare, a strange sentiment from a man who looked like he didn’t have a sensitive bone in his body.

Davin took her hand. Please, Lili, Davin said. Just let us explain.

She sat back down, mostly out of respect, not desire.

Davin let out a breath. You have a Gift, he held his hand up, Not a gift you can produce after proper study, like dancing. I’m speaking about a distinct, exceptional power that dwells within you. You did nothing to obtain it. It has always belonged to you. Davin paused, watching Lili scan the faces that stared back at her. A power that these people here are blessed with," Rev. Quinn added.

Each person here possesses one gift, Davin added. We believe you possess them all.

Lili burst out laughing, her grin unrelenting even after she forced the mirth beneath the surface.

That’s enough, mate. I say we demonstrate before she goes mad. Your explanations are useless. Don’t you remember trying to explain it to me, Quinn? Just show her already, Jack said.

I agree, Nayaba piped in.

Okay then, Jack, please proceed. Rev. Quinn nodded.

Lili folded her arms as she listened to Jack Adair.

I am a master magician, but it was not my first calling. I merely adapted it into my life as a cover. A cover for my wicked ability, his white teeth gleamed against his tanned, toughened skin. Jack started shuffling a deck of cards. Okay, think of a card, any card.

Lili leaned toward Davin and whispered, What’s this got to do with me, Davin? Seriously, this is ridiculous.

You got it, Lili? Jack asked.

She sat up quickly. Uh, yeah, I got it, she smiled.

Jack split the deck in half and held it up toward her, Is this it?

Umm, no, she wrinkled her nose.

Are you sure you picked a card?

Yes, I promise, Lili said.

You’re thinking of it right now?

She nodded in response.

Jack split the deck again and held it up, Is this it?

Sorry, she shook her head.

No, I’m sorry, Jack looked down at the table and pressed his fingers into the bridge of his nose, …would you mind checking your pocket?

What?

Jack winked at her, Your back pocket, to be specific, luv.

I don’t think… Lili started to say.

Humor him, Lili, or we could be here all night, Nayaba said.

Lili stood up and reached into her back pocket and found the ace of hearts.

Well, was that your card? he smirked.

How did you do that? she whispered.

Jack casually cut into an apple with a knife. Tomorrow, I may bend a spoon for you, he tossed an apple chunk into his mouth.

Are you quite finished now? Rev. Quinn asked patiently.

Aw, jeez, Rev., you gotta let me have some fun, Jack said, the apple still crunching in his mouth. I was just making sure you were paying attention. He looked at Lili. You were getting a wee bit upset. He sighed, deeply, Now, where was I? He pushed his sleeves up higher.

Your gift, Jack, Davin said.

Right-O, he pointed his finger at Davin. Jack casually leaned forward to get a better view of Lili. He seemed to be looking behind her, but when she turned around, no one was there. The incoming tide carried a warm breeze on its billows. Lili felt the goose bumps rise on her skin without the customary chill. As she rubbed her arms, the candles suddenly blew out. Jack kept his focus. His eyes filled with tears and he cleared his throat. Eventually, he buried his head in his hands and cried.

It’s okay, Jack. Take your time, Rev. Quinn encouraged.

Lili quickly unfolded her arms. This is obviously upsetting him, Lili whispered sympathetically. Just stop, you don’t have to do this, Jack. I already think you’re a lunatic. I doubt anything you do will change my opinion at this point.

Jack lifted his head to look at her. You’re very sweet, luv. Just like your mother.

Excuse me? Lili’s smile faded.

Your mother, she is standing right next to you, Jack whispered.

Lili couldn’t respond. The comment stung, sending little shockwaves through her chest.

Jack stood up and walked toward Lili. He took a pack of matches out of his pocket and handed them to her. Your mother wants you to light the candles. She says it’s time now. You don’t have to be afraid anymore.

Lili would have been offended at the suggestion, but Rev. Quinn was there, and he would never let anyone make a mockery of her grief. It was the only thing she was absolutely sure of, which meant that Jack was sincere, and if Jack was sincere, then