The Manager pinches the air near Hunter's cuff, eyes fixed on the ink smear. She lifts the ruined office copy like evidence, then points toward her back office door.
Evelyn
Step in with me. We can resolve the damage privately, and keep this from becoming a bigger issue.
The Clerk goes still at her desk. Mrs. Gable shifts one step closer to Hunter, and the other vendors keep their places, watching the doorway like it matters more than the paper.
Hunter McCready
No. If there is a problem, say it here.
Evelyn
Here is exactly where I am trying to spare you trouble. In my office, we can sort out who is responsible for what.
Her eyes flick to the ink on his cuff again, then to the vendor group behind him. The message lands plainly, alone means easier to pressure, together means a witness.
✓ Quest Accepted
Force the Manager to deal with the group as a whole
“I cross my arms and gesture for the Manager to speak her piece to everyone.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Hunter folds his arms and tips his chin toward the desk, making the room share the same answer. The private door stops mattering for a second.
Evelyn
Fine. Say it here, then. What exactly are you all refusing?
Sarah
She looks from Hunter to Mrs. Gable, then back again, as if counting who stays in the room.
Mrs. Gable
We are refusing to be split up and handled one by one.
The Manager goes quiet, the kind of silence that makes the fluorescent hum feel louder. She sets the stained copy down hard enough to crease it again.
Evelyn
Then speak clearly, all of you. I am listening.
Hunter's cuff picks up a fresh streak of ink when his sleeve brushes the desk edge, and the Clerk's pen pauses over the ledger without writing.
Quest Complete
Force the Manager to deal with the group as a whole