There is a knock upon the door and councilman Bryan bids them enter. It's a very nervous looking aide who whispers into the councilmans ear for several long moments. He then bids the aide leave the room, and turns to Mr. Jenkins.
"It would seem some of my council brethren are as motivated by fear as common sense. They want to have some sort of hold upon various important persons, and your Colonel Peebles is one of them. I will see to it the pressure is taken off of him. It may indeed be that they wished to use him to get yo you sir. The council has parted ways in our opinions on how to best handle the current circumstances. Indeed we aren't even sure in total what our current circumstances are. You may wish to...be careful. Even enlightened men who should know better can act oddly under duress."
"But now Constable Jones, who was among our most formidable practicioners of...science, has disappeared on an errand. Much like Franklin. Much like General Washington, whom we all suspect to be dead. You were picked by him, most likely for some sort of training I think because desperate times demand desperate measures. But you will need a new governmental liaison until Jones reappears. I would suggest Constable Isaiah here, and that furthermore at least one of you be made a constable as well. I will leave that to you."
He turns to the natives
"What news did you have for Jones?"
"I was told to speak only to Jones or his second, Harry Dresden. Failing that I was to locate the rest of his men, who would conveniently appear to have been arranged for my arrival."
His expression and tone are perfectly neutral. You can't tell if he's fishing or being accusatory.