Complicated Matters by Unknown Page B

always insisted. The lively music coming from the street bands put even his Irish father in a good mood.
       He struggled to keep up with is older brother, Rafael. The smell of the many types of food wafted through the air, and filled his senses. Crowds of people gathered around the various vendors. Taylor became confused among the colors and conversations. His heart began to race. “Raf!” He pushed his way through the crowd. Too many people. Too much noise. It was useless. In frustration, he sat down on the sidewalk.
       “There you are, little bro.” Raf stood over him smiling and holding something in his hand.
       Taylor jumped up and hugged his brother around the waist. A single tear ran down his dirty, little face. “I thought you were gone for good.”
       “Never, man. We’re brothers. I have something for us.” Rafael held up a pendant with two chains attached to it. Two fists touched each other, the word Brother was under them. Rafael pulled them apart, “You get to the keep the B R O part, and I’ll keep the T H E R. We can’t be kept apart. We’re brothers.”
       Taylor hugged his older brother. “Promise?”
       He woke up with the feeling that something was missing. He checked to see if his locket and pendant were still there.
       It all seemed so real; the sights, sounds, and smells. He could feel the heat and humidity. Sweat covered his face and neck.
       He got up, washed his face, and dressed in his civies--faded jeans and a black Metallica t-shirt. Sheriff Taylor wasn’t on the schedule, but Special Agent Taylor still had to keep an eye on the Mathews family. It was time to talk to Flo.
       “How’s my favorite dispatcher?” Taylor set a can if Diet Mountain Dew on Flo’s desk.
       “Surprised you’re that observant.” She took a swallow from the can. “What can I do for you?”
       “I was hoping to have a little one-on-one in my office.”
       “Just as soon as my relief shows up.”
       Taylor sat down behind his desk and looked over the deputies’ work records. He noticed that Daniels hired both Edwards and Jones.
    Flo stepped into his office and shut the door behind her. “You wanted to speak to me?”
       “How am I supposed to keep an eye on the Mathews family when I’m off duty and have no reason to go out there? I just can’t keep dropping by.”
       Flo dropped into one of the big brown leather chairs stationed in front of Taylor’s desk. “How’s your social life?”
       Taylor coughed, surprised by her forwardness. “M-My what?”
       Flo crossed her arms and smiled at him. “We both know this county is black and white. A Latino is sure to have some social issues.”
       “You want me to ask her out?”
       Flo crossed her legs. “What’s wrong with that?” 
       “What’s wrong with that? Where do I start?” He stared at his desk. “Let me see.” He started counting on his fingers. First, she has a boyfriend. Second, I am bound by a code of conduct that says I can’t have any personal involvement with the subject of an investigation. Third, said illegal personal involvement is sure to backfire. Fourth, she’s only eighteen and I would feel dirty.”
       Flo fired back at him and started counting on her own fingers. First, said boyfriend is on his way to Tallahassee, where he will spend the rest of the summer training with the Seminoles baseball team. Second, you are protecting her, not investigating her. Third, I don’t really see her falling for someone she sees as a temporary fixture around here. And fourth, eighteen is not a kid.”
       There was a long period of silence, before Flo continued. She placed a gentle hand on Taylor’s arm. 
       Her dark-brown hand felt rough against his skin. 
       “I know you’re trying to be professional about this. I also know if you screw this up, your boss in Miami is going to bust you down to meter maid. Take her to Hank’s Joint. Keep it friendly, and get