There are guys in the Docteur-Ayme housing complex who are ready to smash anyone’s face in, given a chance. Saïd knows several like that. He was happy to make an effort because of Jo and Céline, but it’s got out of hand now and the old guys are in for it. He can’t stand up to them on his own, but next time he won’t be alone. Of course, that’ll put an end to his dealings with Manuel. But he knows people: on the business front, it won’t be hard to find another builder ready to pinch two or three antiques from posh people’s building sites. Sometimes, it’s even more than posh – what do you call it when it’s even more? Some of his mates would say lucky bastards, dripping with money. Saïd doesn’t actually mind these people. They’re a godsend for the survival of his job. As long as there are rich people, he’ll be able to take advantage of them, get into the cracks and make everyone happy – while helping himself on the way. When all’s said and done, just like Manuel and Patrick, Saïd is a small-timer: his profits would make the owners of even the smallest villa laugh themselves stupid. But he doesn’t mind the order of things, and his greed is reasonable. A prudent young man adapted to his times. But on the other hand, he often has a sense of entitlement and feels the need to defend his territory. You don’t touch his car, that’s it. You don’t threaten him like that. Saïd has respect for the old guys, especially for the father of his friends, but it’s time to set boundaries and not let himself be trampled on, not let these guys treat him without respect. So he’s called two of his mates and is waiting for them with determination. Three should be enough. Enough to make an impression on the other two, but not so many that it looks like a beating. He’s waiting outside his house, leaning against his car while rolling a joint. Every now and then he glances at the damaged mirror that’s hanging by its wires and feels anger bubble up. That’s good. Small waves that keep up the impetus and reassure him his plan is justified. Of course, there’s also the job at the farm, his seasonal work, and especially his mother’s. But this is a matter between men, and Manuel wouldn’t go and whine about him to his father-in-law. Or would he?