"Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy" Nicola shook her head. "Still the bullshit king of the thieves quarter."
"But the Crown Jewels" Alessa began.
Nicola cut her off. "He's lying. Now give the nice if somewhat overly trusting lady her money, Jimmy."
Jimmy grudgingly--and awkwardly, with Nicola's foot still on his throat--reached into his bag and pulled out Alessa's purse and handed it to Nicola.
Nicola moved her foot, and Jimmy got up, taking deep breaths.
"Who are you? I've never seen you before in my life." asked the thief.
"Remember Nick Nimblepaws?" asked Nicola. Jimmy nodded. "Nick tried to steal something from a witch and got caught. The witch turned him into a woman. Do I have to spell the rest of it out for you?" She gazed into Jimmy's eyes.
"N-nick?" Jimmy's eyes widened.
"Actually, it's 'Nicola' now." answered Nicola.
"Sorry Nick, Nicola, I had no idea." stammered Jimmy. There was an informal rule that thieves weren't supposed to steal from each other, or close associates.
"Well, you know now" said Nicola. "Tells the boys and girls to leave me and my partner alone."