Try to negotiate

As I stand there, pondering my next move, one of the thugs turns to his comrades and says, "Look what we have here boys... fresh meat with a wish. Don't you two know this is Harley Quinn's territory?" I started to answer, but while his friend was talking the second thug had moved behind me and took a swing at my head with his fist. I was narrowly able to avoid the attack. Not wanting a fight after I moved out of the way, I put my hands up in front of me and shouted, "Wait! I'm not here to fight. My name is John Doe, and I'm here to offer my condolences to Harley! That's why I brought this reporter bitch, she is a tribute."

Vicki was shooting daggers at me, but whether for calling her a bitch, abducting her, or making her a tribute to someone who she no doubt thought of as below her, is anyone's guess. "And in case any of you were thinking of beating me down then having your way with this slut, and delivering her to Harley after, think about this, would she appreciate getting a broken toy?" I said, hoping that could be avoided. They seemed to be thinking it over and discussing it with each other