I'm not sure whether I should be insulted or amused, if I haven't changed at all in that long. [he offers a wry smile.] Don't worry, I'm still the same stick in the mud I used to be.

[he leans back in his seat a little, then changes his mind and rests his elbows on the edge of the table, lowering his voice a little.]

Anyway, I'm...not entirely sure how this will help us, but I guess it's worth a try.