" So who was it?" I asked."I told the police I couldn't identify my attacker because he wore a hood," she paused and hugged herself, "which was true b...t it was still a load of crap." So you know who attacked you?" I asked."Oh yes," she said, turning to look at me, "I know who it was. I recognized him straight away despite everything he did to hide his identity. I know his smell, the way he walked and that damned watch he liked to flash about in the office.Claimed it cost three grand but I could. He would never understand eggheads.Poor Jasper did his best to suppress his fruitless love for his science partner, never daring to say anything the least bit suggestive. For one thing, in spite of her teasing him that first night she came to dinner, she hadn't said or done anything since to indicate she was interested in being anything more than good friends. If anything, they were becoming more like siblings than anything else. And then there was the age barrier thing.Mr. and Mrs. Van Buskirk. Cassie gave her an awkward look, and Melinda shuffled her feet. Diane looked uneasy as well, and Richie narrowed his eyes. Only Ned was able to look on with some degree of equanimity. "I don't think that will be necessary, Heather, but thank you for offering," Cassie said in a polite but stiff voice."I figger they'll hafta have someone take her home," Ned said. "They'll prolly call fer Melinda's mother."Melinda did not react, but when Cassie glanced at her, she averted her eyes. From what. ." "Married that stupid jerk? Let me tell you something, Matt was full ofBS. When I took over the company I wouldn't take all his ass kissing likemy father did. So he left and formed his own company. But he was meant toalways be a flunkie, not a boss. His new company was bankrupt in two yearsand he later became an alcoholic. I understand he went through three wivesas well. If my father believes that I should marry that loser, well someoneshould tell him the truth before he makes a big.