Well, it's a very small and minor issue, but I guess you dev guys will want to know.
Since those three zone boys have a crossbow user, pay them first then get a better tactical position might be a better idea, because you can get your money back.
Now there is a problem, you can low the payment by Mercantile, 500 to 200, 1000 to 500, but if you cut the payment to 200, the money will be disappeared, 500 or 1000, then the money still remain on them.
Although I'm not sure you guys' original idea, because at Faceless' stolen object, if you save Hugo by money, the money will not on those bandits.