He didn't want to let Merrill do that alone. Part of him wanted to be there just hoping Hawke would punch him. She should. It would make him feel better.
"I feel like I'm being a chicken, letting you go without me. I'm not a coward." He shook his head. "Okay, you should go." Maybe he could call her, or try to get there first. It was probably smartest to let Merrill handle it, but he was never that smart.