Sam inhaled to angrily retort Phillip but she realized the man was right, at least to a point. More measured, she said as calmly as she could.
"You're right, Phillip, I was primarily thinking of my bar. I have not only myself but several hungry and hard-working crew to feed. So trying to increase sales is a little more serious than 'just a few drinks.'"
"But I wasn't just thinking of the bar. I honestly think publicity will help the group. More publicity should mean more members, more information, more sources."
"But I can't speak for the entire group, none of us can. Eventually it will come down to a vote on whether Cara and Chen should stay. I vote yes but will certainly respect a 'no.' And if the vote is no, then I will consider any further discussion of the group 'off limits' when I talk to Cara."
"In fact, I am ready to vote now, if the rest of you are. Or is there more to say?"
"In the meantime, I will show Mr. Chen out." Sam gets up to help the man, secretly hoping to have some kind of revealing conversation.
[SBLOCK=OOC related to this post]
How are decisions made in the Witching Hour group? Roberts' Rules of Order, simple vote, something else entirely? I give permission to David to amend my post as needed. Sam's intent is to put what 'legitimate' power she has to allowing Cara to stay. Sam won't cheat or go beyond what the group's charter allows. And she will respect the group's privacy should that be the group's decision.
Sam will be willing to walk Mr. Chen all of the way to his car but hopes she can talk him into staying in a different part of the bar so Sam can learn more about this encounter from a different character.
[/SBLOCK]