"I may have done a little too much this morning."
"What were you doing?"
Max grinned. "I took Bertie's advice about the shelving, and had several units delivered on Saturday. I was getting them assembled, until my leg started to hurt."
"Why didn't you call me? What did I tell you when I dropped you off on Friday?" Harry asked
"I don't like to bother other people," Max grumbled.
Harry shook his head. "I understand that, but I specifically told you to call me. Besides, asking for help in this case is not a bother. You need to swallow your pride and reach out for help, Max, or you could do more damage."
Max nodded. "I think what did it was using the step-stool. I'm okay with a few steps but not constantly up and down like I was doing."
"I wouldn't have told you to call me if I didn't mean it," Harry said. "Where are the shelves?"
"It can wait."
"Where are they?" Harry repeated.
Max sighed. "Down the hall, last door on the right. Maybe..."
"Stay where you are. If you get up out of that chair now, I'm calling for home care," Harry threatened.
"You wouldn't!" Max said.
"I don't make idle threats," Harry told him, shaking his head as he disappeared down the hall. When he entered the room, he grinned. There was no doubt that Max was serious about being prepared. Two heavy-duty plastic units were partially assembled and four more still in the boxes. He folded the stool and set it over by the door. Then he set to work and soon had them all done. He lined the shelves along the walls and returned to the living room.
"How many did you do?" Max asked.
"All six are done and lined along the outer walls," Harry told him. "You can store a lot of stuff in there now, but make sure you put the heavier items on the bottom shelves."
"For balance, yes, I know what you mean."
"What do you want me to do with the cardboard?"
"What? Oh, the cardboard. I'll cut that up and put it in the garbage. I can do that sitting down."
"Never mind," Harry said. "I'll drop it off at the recycling depot on the way home. I'll be in touch as soon as I learn anything about your aliens. And don't hesitate to call next time you need help."
Max nodded as he stood up, favouring his left leg, and walked to the door with Harry. "Thank you, Hogan. I'll lock up behind you."
********************
Harry had just finished supper that evening, and was looking forward to starting a new book he had picked up the previous week, when the phone rang. He picked it up. "Hello."
"Good evening, Mr. Hogan," said Miss Pinkerton. "I have contacted a number of the theatre Board of Directors, but without luck, I'm afraid."
"That doesn't surprise me. It's probably one of the private groups that use the facility after hours, as Ms Lake said."
