Even as he winces at a jab that should not affect him that much, "Because...I think death would hurt her more than it hurts me."

Tempus huffs in exasperation, so he elaborates, "I have you, and other people, that I can rely on until the death toll passes. She'll just - feel even more terrified and helpless. And I know that caring about the progress of other inmates isn't your job, but it is mine."