JB,
Thanks for your support.
It really helps to hear someone else's perspective on this.

I wasn't going to reply, but then I thought about what he would do if i didn't - he is the escalator par excellence.

So I sent a short email saying "Happy to talk. Give me a call".

I wanted to keep it light and upbeat in an attempt to de-escalate. Feel like if i didn't, much worse punishment would be headed my way.