Please parse these .
1. ... will retire . (previous clue was Co-equal professional .... [ Ans Businesslike]) ans Leave. I get the leave=retire but can't see the relevance of will and whether there is any connection with previous clue. I always get confused with clues starting ... as sometimes there is no connection with the previous clue and sometimes there is.
2.Employ sound timbers , that's the vital point. Ans crux (as in crux of the matter) but can't get the sound timbers bit.