"Really can't say I believe that right about now. What do I have to fear?" But yes, he did catch the other end of that thought on his own. He just wasn't about to voice it. Why confirm any suspicions Alex might have of him wanting to destroy who ever took him, piece by piece, in a very gory and brutal fashion so others know not to do it again?
"You don't have to be anywhere, and of all people, without me." Yes, he didn't ditch his own father until he was far older and far more irritated by his rule. Completely different circumstances. But if Alex mentioned something about dying, oh how that boy was getting a whole new life lesson right there.