James smiled and shook his head at his friend's reaction, taking the offered hand. Saeed was much too generous in his outlook. "I think you are far too compassionate. And if I have earned something, it is mine to keep and should not serve to put food on someone else's table," James answered, looking quite serious. Because he was, though he was not trying to start an argument.
At his friend's observation, James grinned. "I will keep my eyes open, at least," he answered, taking a seat and ordering a drink as soon as someone came by to take his order. He would never be generous enough to say someone deserved whatever reward they got from robbing him, but he could understand appreciating someone's skill. Though, again, he'd be hard-pressed to do it at the precise moment that he discovered his missing belongings.
"So, how was your holiday weekend?" he asked, thinking that perhaps current events would be best for catching up.