Subj: The Letter, Part 18
Date: 8/20/01 11:30:18 PM Central Daylight Time
From: R J Jamison

“I do not know that I am permitted to do that!” Helio yelled for the tenth time at Charles Llewellyn. “Mr. Stokes told me not to take anyone else out there. He said only the doctor and she insisted on bringing her friend!”

Douglas Blaylock returned to the sitting room where Charles and Quentin Collins had been trying to reason with Helio. He had spent the last twenty minutes on an unavoidable business call. He had thought Charles could easily handle this man. Apparently, he was wrong. “Excuse me,” Douglas said in Portuguese. He stepped toward Helio and in Portuguese explained who he was, who the ‘shaman’ was and why they wanted so badly to be taken to Professor Stokes.

Helio explained that he wanted to help but he also wanted to remain friends with Stokes. His friendship had brought many rewards to him and his family. Steady employment was important.

“I understand loyalty to a friend and good employer such as Professor Stokes. But I can not let anything stand between me and my son. Would you allow anything to keep you from your dying son?” Douglas placed his hands squarely on Helio’s shoulders. “I can assure you and your family continue to have employment. I have the means to do this. If you reunite me with my son, I will be forever grateful and your family shall be rewarded.”

Helio responded not to the words but the promise in Douglas’s eyes. The man was sincere, he would be grateful and Helio could see that he would profit by helping the man. “I will take you to your son. We will leave after lunch tomorrow.” Helio looked at the three men.

“Tomorrow morning would be more like it.” Charles directed.

Helio turned on him. “I have volunteered to do this for you. Do not order me. I have supplies to get for Dr. Hoffman and Professor Stokes. I will do that in the morning and then we can leave after lunch.” Helio walked to the door. He turned to look at the attire of the three men. “I also suggest you use the time to get more appropriate attire. You might also pick up some clothing for Mr. Barnabas Collins and Dr. Hoffman, their clothes are not too suitable for the
jungle.”

Early the next morning, Charles and Douglas went with a servant from the Neto family to acquire supplies for their trip. Quentin with Hallie and the Neto’s eldest daughter, went with to find some things for Julia and Barnabas. After lunch the party assembled at the small airport. Douglas, Charles and Quentin eyed the plane with the same skepticism Julia and Barnabas had.

“I hope your son is all right.” Hallie hugged Douglas Blaylock.

“Thank you, dear girl.”

Quentin returned Hallie’s hug and mugged her chin when she started to tear up. “I hope Dr. Hoffman and Barnabas will be okay. Tell my Uncle to come back so we can go home.”

Away from Quentin and Douglas, Charles discussed arrangements with Helio. Douglas had directed that no expense was to be spared nor safety protocol overlooked. Charles inspected the plane, knocked it knowingly. Behind him the pilot and Helio quietly laughed at the idiocy displayed by the American. Eventually Helio followed Charles one more time as he circled the plane. “It is safe.”

Charles stopped and glared at Helio knowingly. “Yes, your pilot has already spoken with Quentin and assured him. My objections were not taken seriously.”

“I don’t know how you can stop this now Mr. Llewellyn.” Helio focused on the waiting party.

“You were paid to ensure this didn’t happen.” Charles hissed.

“I watched him as you said. I’ve told you everything. ”

“But you and your cousin didn’t finish it now did you?”

“I was paid to watch and nothing more. I was not a part of your arrangement with my cousin. I refused you remember?”

Charles did not respond.

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.