Before Martin could pronounce his decision, Ryan cleared his throat. "Mayor Stovall? May I speak?"
Martin looked a bit surprised at the officer's request but nodded, "Go ahead."
Ryan says slowly, "I know this isn't my place so thank you for hearing me out..." He cleared his throat for a moment and then looked at Claire before looking back at the Mayor. "I, uh, I'd like you to consider letting her make the choice."
Martin raised an eye, "Let her make the choice? To do what?"
Ryan says, "Of if she wants to be a were or just our friend. Let her stay here a few days, get to know the people more slowly, and agree to wear a simple tracking bracelet if you really think it nessecary. I don't think it's right we force all this on her at once. I understand we cannot allow her leave but we're not animals here. Let her have a few days to think about all this." He looked at Clarie, "I'll be responsible for her and make sure she doesn't run away from it but I think anyone after spending all that time in a cell would doubt our intentions." He looks back at the Mayor, "That's all I have to say."
Martin Stovall looked at Ryan evenly who eventually averted his eyes, but his body language still held firm. It was obvious he had some degree of feelings toward this girl, even if they weren't romantic. 'Still, he's not entirely wrong.' The mayor mused as he turned his gaze back to Claire. "Well, Claire? What do you say? Officer Conners is going out on a limb for you here. What is your opinion?"
Claire looked at the officer then back to the Mayor. She absolutely did not want to be forced into deciding this right now. How could she possibly make such a huge decision so quickly? But, she did love nature. These people didn't seem like lunatics or crazed beasts. She had to admit there was some definite possibility there but the rest of her mind reeled at the implicatations. She looks up at Ryan for a moment then nods to the Mayor, "I promise I won't try to leave but I don't know if I could decide so quickly if you did give the choice to me. I." She grinned a little coyly at Ryan, "I wouldn't mind a guard dog..."
Ryan smirked, "Even if that guard dog turns into a literal dog?"
Claire's smile faltered as she gave that some thought but she slowly nodded.
Martin nods, "Very well then. This is my decision. Ryan. I am taking a very large risk here but no larger than the one I already took trusting this young lady with our secret. I'll go along with your request however Claire you will not be allowed to leave this town until you have either joined a were-species group or become our ally. We will judge you by your actions rather than promises. Ryan you will be responsible for her but I'm also going to assign the Twists to help you learn about our town and become acquatined with it's people and policies." He pauses, "And if you show you cannot be trusted... Then I am going to leave the Assistant Mayor and Town Chancellor full authority to enact 2B in my stead." He stands up and says, "Now... I have to get back to my daughter." He gave Ryan a look that said 'I hope you're right about this' as he left.