Or you could ask him right now. On an e-mail somebody is no less likely to reveal to you highly regarded information.

Or you could say, "Hi. I'm nobody. Tell me about the rumours on JCF about you and CliffyB working on a new Jazz game." Who cares about subtle.

Or you could figure it out yourself.

Or you could act spontaneously(sp?).

Or you could achieve world domination.

Or you could not and say you did.