“How should I know? There’s nothing for me to do but become a ruffian, a hustler or a pimp.”

“You?”

“I know, you taught me a better life, but I’m afraid that won’t do me any good.”

“You weren’t made for that kind of life.”

“What else can I do in this world?” Then with sudden rage he exclaimed, “How my enemies gloated when you were away.”

“Saber. Avoid anger. It’s anger that sent me to jail; it would have been easier to appease that scoundrel who betrayed me.”

“Everywhere I find people I’d like to crush.”

“Let them say what they want, but don’t use your fists.”

Clenching his hands, he growled, “If it weren’t for these fists I’d have been humiliated everywhere I went; no one dared mention a word about you when you were in jail.”

She blew out the smoke angrily and said, “Your mother is far more honorable than their mothers. I mean it. They don’t know, but if it weren’t for their mothers my business would have floundered!”

Saber smiled, in spite of the oppressive atmosphere. His mother continued: “They’re very clever at fooling people with their appearance, cars, clothes, expensive cigarettes. Well-spoken, smelling good, but I know them as they really are, I know them in the bedroom, naked except for their defects. I have endless stories about them, those dirty, sly bastards. Before the trial, many of them contacted me and urged me with great persistence not to mention their names at the trial, and in return they promised me freedom. Such people have no right to speak ill of your mother, for she is far more honorable than their mothers, wives, and daughters. Believe me, if it weren’t for them I would be out of business.”

The smile returned to his lips.

“Where have those laughing, carefree days gone?” She sighed. “I loved you with all my heart; everything I had was at your disposal. I let you live here in this lovely house far from my world. If I ever wronged you it was unknowingly. Your looks and elegance are unequaled, but you must avoid losing your temper or worry about what’s happened to me.” Her sadness was contagious.

He said softly, “Everything will be just as it was.”

“As it was…I’m finished. The Basima of days long ago will never return; my health would not permit it, and neither would the police.”

He looked at the floor. “Very little of the price of the house is left.”

“What is there to do? You must maintain the standard of living I have accustomed you to.”

“I’ve never known you to lose hope before.”

“Only this once.”

“Then I must either work or kill.”

She put out her cigarette and closed her eyes as if trying to concentrate on a single idea.

“There must be a way out,” continued Saber.