The Mayor is full of curiosity. When Archer asks for a private word, there his no hesitation there. His eyes flick to Thomas, and he gives only a small nod-- that's all that's required. He and Thomas have reached an understanding that surpasses the need for words. Thomas leaves easily. Brannon, not quite so smoothly-- but that's another thing the Mayor could have predicted.
He'll have to keep a close eye on that one.
But Mayor Olinger has a soft spot for both of these cops. They are committed to their duties and passionate about their jobs in a way that he hasn't quite seen before in any of Austin's previous department heads. They haven't taken these positions for the glory, for the security of being necessary, for the perks or even for the love of power. No. These are men of a nobler cut. They are here to do their jobs. They are here because they want to keep the people of this city safe. That is an ambition that the Mayor understands fully. Perhaps they don't yet realize the sacrifices that must be made for the greater good, but Olinger doesn't need them to. He just needs them honest and dutiful-- and these two men have that in droves.
So Olinger offers Archer a smile once they are alone, and it's a genuine one. The new Chief looks just a shade different from when he had first walked into this office, only a short while ago. He understands the burden on him now, and it has shifted him just slightly. This city is his to protect, in a way that is more profound and complete than it ever was before. That's a weight that can change a man.
"We have as many minutes as you need," the Mayor assures Archer. "Go on, Chief."