A scrap from a new short story:

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“And why would we trust a thief?" the queen asked.

“Because you want thieving done. If you wanted anything else, a thief’s the last one you would trust,” the wire-man replied.

The huge bear grunted. Scarface laughed. The queen’s face was blank. “But how are we even to know you are a thief, then?”

“Well, I understand you to have asked after one, and those you asked pointed to me. But I suppose if you’re still worried, you can think of it as this. If I’m here to take your money and use my considerable skills to deprive someone of their most lustrous treasures on your behalf, well then, I am most certainly a thief. But if I am here to take your money and then use my considerable skills to escape your eye before called upon to deprive your enemies of their most lustrous treasures, then I am also certainly a thief.”

“You are most certainly a sophist,” the queen replied. “Very well. You will come with us now. Tivver and Gloom will guide you to where you will be staying the next few days. And while I am convinced you are a thief, you will also convince me that you have the skills I require or you will receive one single coin and be dismissed.”

The wire-man grew thoughtful. “Coins can vary considerably in value.”

“As can thieves.”