"Well, that is an impressive talent."

And one he's quite glad nobody in his world possesses, as far as he knows (of course, if they did, he likely wouldn't know it.)

"I associate with a man--"

Because he can't say he works for him anymore, can he? Not after what had happened... but that's better not to think on.

"-- who enjoys operating in a similar way, although of course less... drastically."