I like writing scenes with manipulative thieves in them.  It’s surprisingly entertaining  writing both sides of this type of exchange. One side has to believable, but also subtly bend the truth that the reader is aware of. The other side has to be gullible, but not to the point where you think they are getting what they deserve.

Maybe this is hitting me hardest now because the scene I’m writing involves two established characters, but one is in disguise to infiltrate a thief lair and the other was never told the plan.  So, I really feel sorry for what is about to happen to the oblivious character while internally applauding and outwardly grinning at what the thief is doing.  Honestly, I never realized how manipulative and cunning this character was until this scene.