Chapter 10

Fred had not only started keeping late nights but now, he sometimes would not go back home at all or he would go back drunk and reeking of alcohol. His behavior changed completely for the worst. 

He was no longer gentle with Karen. He no longer showed her affection or put her into his confidence anymore. 

They were more like strangers living under one roof. All he showed her was total indifference with a touch of aggression. 

Karen in turn no longer cared about him but she dared not show it. 

She searched for uncle Kenny's contact. It was important for her to go and see him hence she nervously called and booked an appointment. 

The next morning, she waited for Avery to depart for the library before she got ready and left to look for uncle Kenny. 

Kennedy 'Kenny' Chapman was the elder brother to Samson, Ava's father. 

He was currently in his late 50's. He had a fit and healthy build with a slight paunch. He had graying but well-groomed hair. He had warm, kind and twinkling eyes. He had a genuine, gentle and reassuring smile. 

He was Samson's chosen custodian for Avery till she came of age. 

Samson's decision to choose Kenny stemmed from different reasons. 

Kenny already had an established career. He had integrity, was resilient, responsible and above all, he was family oriented. 

Samson was confident that with Kenny as custodian, Avery would not be short changed. 

Kenny lived in the suburbs with his wife and domestic workers. He had 2 children, Rachel and David, all grown up and moved out already to pursue their individual careers. 

Right about now, Kenny was in his study pondering on the disturbing phone call he just received from Karen, his late brother's former wife. 

Karen! The beautiful serpent his brother was stupid enough to get married to! 

One glance at her and he knew that she and her parents were nothing but gold diggers. 

Samson never listened even after Kenny warned and advised him severally. Samson had even told Kenny to stop interfering in his marriage affairs hence Kenny stayed away. 

As Avery's custodian, he was to hand over her inheritance to her when she turned 18 years. That was still a whole 4 years time away so why was Karen looking for him? He hoped nothing bad had happened to Avery. 

He was aware of the small business Samson had left for Karen. 

The business was meant to cater for both Karen and Avery alone. 

It was certainly more than enough to cater to their needs till when Avery came of age. 

That particular business was not included among the assets entrusted in his care and hence he never concerned himself with its management. 

He sincerely hoped Karen was not there to tell him she had run the business aground. 

Avery, his beloved niece was not familiar with him because he wanted to have limited contact with Karen and Fred as much as possible. 

Karen had already arrived at Kenny's villa to see him. She had doubted if Kenny would see her. She had to take the bull by the horns and call him all the same because she had no one left that would either understand or assist her out of her predicament. 

As she approached the villa, she secretly marveled at the stunning exterior designs, the impeccably maintained lawns, the sophisticated outdoor lights and the advanced security systems. This was the life she believed she deserved to live; a life of luxury but life itself didn't seem kind to her.

The guard at the gate had received instructions ahead of time to bring Karen to him in the study room. 

Kenny watched with mixed emotions as Karen was led in by a guard. 

After all this time, she still looked beautiful but paler and had lost a lot of weight. 

He stood up and waved her to a seat, 

Karen sat poised on a velvet armchair looking beautiful with her raven tresses cascading down her back like a waterfall. 

She was painfully aware that her charms could never work on Kenny but that wasn't her intention here. 

"Thank you Ken for seeing me. I was afraid you'll refuse" 

"Karen, it's not really nice seeing you but how is my cute little niece? Hope all is well with her" 

"That is why I'm here Ken. Avery and I need your help!" Karen said. 

Kenny's brow furrowed "What is going on Karen?" 

"Ken, I've made a lot of mistakes in my lifetime. I don't mind paying for them but I will never forgive myself if Avery is made to pay for them as well" 

"Get to the point, woman!" Kenny thundered. 

"It is Fred. My entanglement with him has become a major cause for concern. He has become a threat to mine and Avery's existence. Please help me, Ken! Please help Avery, your niece! I have nowhere else to go. No one to turn to" Karen kept rambling on and on. 

Kenny's expression remained sceptical, his jaw clenched in a mixture of curiosity and disgust. 

Although Karen's wealth-grabbing antics were long known to him, he detected a glimmer of genuine fear, a hint that she was in grave danger. "Karen, your 'entanglement' as you so call it with Fred is your personal affair. Why should Avery become endangered because of it?" 

He continued "I didn't want to separate Avery from you her mother. I didn't even have the legal backing for it but I see that not making efforts to take her from you was a grave mistake on my part. For your own peace of mind; nothing had better happen to her" 

Karen winced at Kenny's display of deep emotions. 

"Please Ken, it's you alone that can save us..... save Avery from him. He'll stop at nothing to destroy us. He's just bidding his time till Avery comes of age to inherit her father's legacy and that's when he'll strike. It's possible he might be planning something before then" 

Kenny was already acquainted with Fred and his greed for underserved wealth. 

He was going to get Fred arrested for embezzling Avermine Global Industries but for Avery's sake, he gave into this horrible woman's emotional blackmail. 

Kenny's eyes widened as he thought 'If Karen and Avery, most especially Avery, were indeed in danger, he couldn't ignore Karen's plea'

"I'll help you Karen for Avery's sake once again" He said finally, his voice firm "But I warn you, I'll not tolerate any deception or manipulation. If you're playing me false, you'll surely regret it" 

Karen's face lit up with relief "I promise you, Ken" Her voice dripping with sincerity "I'll be completely honest with you" 

Kenny's eyes narrowed "I'll like to see Avery. Only when I've seen her, I'll implement plans to keep you both safe" 

"Understood, Ken. Thank you so much" Karen said with emotion. 

"You may leave" 

And with that Kenny called a guard to see Karen out.