What an irony, Nami the Cat Burglar thinks.

Here's Trafalgar Law, the Dark Doctor, one of the most infamous players of the underworld, handcuffed to his own bed's headboard. And here's she, the rising star of the criminal scene (if there is such a thing, that is), sitting on his bed and browsing through his things. Oh, the doctor doesn't appreciate the situation in which he found himself in; doesn't like vulnerability and helplessness of his position. Still, he sends her obligatory death glares, at least she thinks these are death glares, it's hard to tell considering the blindfold he has on his face.

"Who sent you!" he hisses. Such an ugly sound from such an attractive man. And yes, Nami finds him attractive and is not ashamed to admit it. She is the connoisseur of all thing exquisite, after all. His dark skin, adorned with the ornaments of multiple tattoos, his long limbs and mussed hair, the external package of the underground doctor looks promising enough. She'd even consider a date with him if he were somebody else and not a man known as Surgeon of Death - a real scum in Nami's eyes.

"Relax," the burglar says at last, her voice perfectly neutral. "It's just a robbery. I'll take a few things and be on my way."

"So you are not a…"

"No. I won't hurt you, doctor." Maybe just a little.

Trafalgar visibly relaxes. Did he take her for a hired killer or what?

His credit cards and watch, his jewelry and even his fancy hat are already in her possession. Her spacious custom made valise is filling nicely with his belongings.

It's a shame Trafalgar cannot see her at work. In her form fitting black clothes, with a cat's mask on her face, she is a sight to behold. Yes, she looks like a model. She tried to be a model once, a long time ago, and found this choice of career mind-bogglingly boring. Her current occupation is much more exciting, she thinks.

"So you're that thief," the doctor suddenly says. "He warned me about you."

Who's he, she wonders. Doesn't matter. Your loss, Trafalgar.

"You should've invested in a better alarm system," she shrugs.

He shivers, mulling the implication of her words. A man like him is bound to have a lot of enemies. And if a waif of a girl has managed to overpower him in his own house, in his own bed, what about the others, the people with much more sinister intentions? No wonder he looks so not amused.

"Did you use chloroform?" he asks, feigning nonchalance. "How quaint."

Yes, it was chloroform. What was she supposed to do when she found him sound asleep, in home that she was about to burglarize? She expected him to be out of town! She even checked his schedule!

"You are not afraid of possible repercussions?" he asks her, tilting his head.

Nami raises an eyebrow. If she were afraid of repercussions, she wouldn't hunt the prey she's chosen – men of the underworld who consider themselves above the law. Men like this doctor Trafalgar.

Besides, what's there to be afraid of? The doctor wouldn't inform the police, for obvious reasons. As for his underground connections, well, let them catch her if they can. The underworld dealers have yet to see her true face.

"You talk too much, doctor."

"I'm a little bit nervous," he admits. "I've never been robbed before. My reputation alone makes unsavory people stay away from me."

Unsavory, he says. If she's unsavory, how do we call you, Mr. 'I'll do anything for the right amount of money'?

"However," he chuckles, "I am glad I'm being robbed by a beautiful cat burglar. It could be much worse."

How does he know she is beautiful? It's her voice, isn't? Does he like her voice?

Wait… She is getting distracted by his compliments. And she doesn't need compliments from the likes of him. She used to hate all those underground dealers, who were the real monsters, the scourge of earth. Even if she was an outlaw herself, at least Nami had some principles, some boundaries she tried not to overstep, unlike the likes of doctor Trafalgar…

"By the way, miss burglar, are you quiet finished?" he sounds bored. "If you are, please unshackle my hands. These handcuffs are chafing my skin and it makes me uncomfortable."

Is he mocking her? Uncomfortable, my ass. He is not supposed to be comfortable! Even handcuffed and blindfolded, doctor Trafalgar manages to piss her off. Well, the good doctor needs to be taught some manners.

"It looks like you want to get rid of me, doctor," she tells him, her voice full of sarcasm, "It's understandable. How about you tell me where to look for your 'treasure trove'? The sooner I find the place where you stash your ill gained money the sooner I'll get out of your hair."

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me…"

"Any suggestions?"

"Keep looking."

Is he so sure she wouldn't find it? In that case, he will be gravely disappointed.

Nami observes her surroundings with a critical eye. There's nothing out of place in his bedroom on the first sight, the standard albeit expensive furnishing, obligatory white carpet and heavy blinds. Well, if you don't count the painting of Jora, this overhyped modern artist that looks like a frame out horror movie.

Oh joy, she thinks, how unoriginal, a hidden vault behind the painting. And judging from the expression on Trafalgar's face she hit jackpot.

Well, how to better approach this matter?

She can crack it, for sure, but it could take all the night. However, there is another, much simpler way.

"Doctor, what is the right combination?"

TBC

Next chapter: Resistance is futile...