Eliciting information from others is a very important practice. There are many things we don’t know, others may know them or may not, but questioning is a good way to find out.
Unfortunately, the answer to your question might not be forthcoming or inaccurate or even a deliberate falsehood. Also, sometimes others are disdainful of those who ask questions. Occasionally I hear, “You ask too many questions”
Is there another way?
Obviously a direct question is not the only way to elicit information from others. More subtle methods could be employed to get the information desired.
This can involve making a statement or observation or even taking an action intended to get a response which provides the information that is sought after.
The indirect forms of eliciting information from others may also have a bit more veracity as the other person may not realize they are being probed and so do not filter the reaction.
Asking Directly
Still, while less direct methods can be used there is always the question of clarity, the potential the result of your probing misunderstood. You may misinterpret the response and think you have elicited the desired information when in fact, you have not.
A direct question, while it might not always get an honest or accurate answer provides greater ability for you to assess the value information received.
As well, follow up questions can be used to resolve any ambiguity to perceive in the answer.
Don’t hold back
Whether you seek to elicit information directly or indirectly the main advise is to proceed. There are gaps in everyones information and questioning in some form is often the only way to resolve them.
