"Never," she said.
"Hell-low butterfly," an old gravel laden voice interrupted from across Main Street.
"Russell," Shannie cried. "How are you?"
"Fine," the gravely voice coughed. "Just Fine. Thank you. You behaving yourself young lady?" Across the street, under a plume of cigar smoke, stood an aging black man wearing sunglasses and carrying a white cane. His gray hair matched day old stubble. A sweat stained T-shirt covered a healthy potbelly.
"But of course." Shannie replied. She motioned for me to follow her across Main Street. "What kind of trouble can a girl get into in this town?"
"Loads if your gallivanting around town with a young fella," Russell smirked.
"James isn't trouble. It's me James has to worry about," Shannie said.
It was hard to tell if the old man's chuckle was spiced with a cough or if his cough was spiced with a chuckle. "Nice to make your acquaintance James," He shook my hand. "You must be of high standing to meet this lady's standards."
"Nice to meet you," I mumbled withdrawing my hand from his cold, sweaty embrace.
"How was your trip?' Shannie asked.
"Fine doll. But you know how I am. I couldn't wait to get home. I missed my butterfly."
"I'm glad you're home. I missed you," Shannie said resting her cheek against Russell's pot belly.
"What's the story on him," I asked after we parted company.
"Everybody knows Russell." Shannie answered. I learned Russell haunted Main Street. At any given time he sat on the park bench across from the town hall or pushed a broom in front of Wally's. Shannie scolded me when I asked how he could push a broom if he couldn't see what he's sweeping, "Just because he's blind doesn't mean he's an invalid. He knows the sidewalks better than anyone."
"How do you know him?" I asked.
"He's a friend of the family. He was there when we needed a little help," Shannie said.
"What kind of help?" I inquired.
"Let's just say - when in doubt; seek Russell out," Shannie said.
"What kind of doubt?" I persisted.
"That's none of your business,' Shannie responded.
I changed the subject "Wait a minute, if he's blind how did he know we were on the other side of the street?"
"He probably heard my voice," Shannie tugged an ear.