In Tamsin's presence, the man had no option except to tell the truth.
"He copied my ability, to delete abilities. He's going through his mind, finding those abilities which he as to delete. He must not be disturbed." he replied.
"Why is he in pain?" Jessica asked. The girls glared at him, thinking it was his fault that their Peter was in pain, even though Peter ability meant he copied abilities automatically.
"Some of them are wrapped around powerfully emotional memories, and sometimes removing them hurts. I don't know if removing abilities within yourself as I only have this one. Apparently, it does."
The group turned to look at Peter, concerned. The girls went to find something to mop his forehead with and wipe his chest with.