THE TIME BEFORE THE FUTURE – PART 16 Up early to try & capture the perfect light for her latest painting, Molly was dismayed to find that her mind was not on her canvas. Instead it was on the possible, no make that the probable, near future. There was going to be an almighty blow-up between her husband & son, that much was sure. Something else she was sure of how she felt about it. Maybe she should try & think of a way of preparing the groundwork for her husband's reaction. The big question was how? "Ok Archie, I'll take the top end, you take the bottom." Duncan instructed as he & Archie dragged Molly's art trunk to the top of the stairs. "Fine; but I need a chance to get my breath back first." Archie gasped. As both he & Duncan sat down on the top step of the second flight to recover, Archie found himself a little surprised. Duncan was normally much happier taking instructions than giving them. Not that Archie minded or anything; it was just unusual, that was all. There was an uncertain silence between the two for a while & then Duncan asked the question that they both knew wasn't really a question at all: "Archie, you know I'd work for you even if you weren't Laird, right?" Archie looked up surprised. He saw the look on Duncan's face and knew that the Head Ranger knew: "Thank you Duncan, that means a lot to me." He offered his hand to be shaken but was surprised and pleased to find himself enveloped in a manly hug. A few seconds later it was Duncan who got things back to track: "You ready? Molly's waiting for this." Archie decided as he got to his feet that now was a good time to lighten the mood a little: "Hey Dunc, at least now I know why you wanted me to be the one to be in danger of getting squashed!" Duncan sighed one last sigh, smiled & took the weight of his end of the chest. TO BE CONTINUED...