Wearing down his defenses

My bureau chief sent me an email and asked me to check on a deal that was completed and probably done out of Singapore.

So I called a source, someone I had not spoken to before.

"Oh, that deal. That was signed on August 4. Isn't it a bit late to cover the story?" he said.

"What? Signed on August 4? That was long while ago. Do you think I would look ridiculous writing a story on that deal now? What company is that?"

"A middle eastern company."

Phew! Middle east is not my beat. I have not been scooped!

"Is it done out of Singapore?"

"No. Hong Kong. We have sent a press release to you guys."

"Oh really. I have not received anything. Maybe my hong kong office has. I must be the most pathetic reporter that you have ever spoken to chasing a story that is a month's old."

He laughed. "Hahaha...no no...hahahha....you are not."

"Oh really? I am not scrapping the ground yet? Someone else is more tragic than I am?"

"hahahhaha....." He couldn't stop laughing.

"My self-esteem has reached the lowest point." I continued debasing myself strategically.

"hahahhhaha..." He really couldn't stop laughing.

"So are you working on other deals?"

"I can't tell you."

"Oh please. I have to write a pre-press release story to save my ass for missing this one. I am hoping you can help me." (Playing the sympathy card)

"Hahah....no. I can't."

Then I striked.

"XXXXXXXXXX" I asked a question, attempting to catch him unware.

"Hahha.....ya....I think.....hahha." And he gave it away nearly.

"So you are working on it?" I asked. I rubbed my hands in anticipation.

He stopped laughing.

"Oh, I can't tell you."

Damn!!! Missed. Nearly.