[He keeps looking anyway as he listens, as much to give himself something to focus on as whatever incidental benefits will come of fussing over Coop like this; he's precise enough and observant enough that a once-over told him there are no injuries, but he keeps looking anyway, like he's checking for the scars Windom left on Coop's psyche instead of on his body.

There's a sort of bitter realization, one that he's already accepted, in that there is ultimately nothing he can do to protect Coop from Windom Earle. Aid him, guide him, support him? Yes. But he knows he's a side character in the ongoing drama between the two of them, and it is between the two of them — Windom will make sure to keep it that way, and prevent any interference he deems encroaching.

He can't protect Coop. Couldn't then, can't now. But he can do this much.]

Whatever he told you, he's baiting you. You know how he works. Don't let it get in your head — that's just what he wants.