[There's a pause, and then Gene just lets out a tired (maybe a little frustrated) sigh.]

Goin' after him like you're doin' with me isn't gonna do you any favors. You're not our CO, he won't take you seriously, and frankly, he shouldn't. You're not his warden, either.

Treat him like he's a person and not a wild animal who's gonna go after your friend, and you might actually get somewhere with him.