Hotshot defense attorney James Scott always follows his gut -- even when it tells him an obviously guilty man is a victim himself. Homicide detective Owen Duke doesn't have time for gut feelings -- he lives by logic and evidence. And all the evidence tells him that Scott's client is guilty of the cold-blooded murder of a young ballerina.<br><br>Scott, a notorious media darling, is willing to risk his reputation and his career on the kid's innocence. But his undeniable charm is not enough to save his client's life. He needs Owen Duke, a man who stands for truth and justice, even if the detective hates Scott and his gut feelings.<br><br>What's supposed to be an open-and-shut case quickly becomes a quagmire of lies, murder, and rotting corruption. Suddenly, instead of being a thorn in Duke's side, James Scott is the only person in San Francisco the detective can trust. As the attraction between them deepens, they race to save an innocent man, but can they save their own hearts in the process?

Pas de Deux

“I’m going to arrange for another meeting at this time tomorrow. We’re going to cover everything. Every detail of your life. Be prepared for that.”


Hector looked less than pleased with the announcement, but jerked his head in what Scott assumed was a nod. “Do you actually believe me, or are you just blowing smoke up my ass to get me to talk to you?”


Scott stood and buttoned his jacket. “Why do you care? Either way, I’m the guy who’s going to make sure that you’re not on the receiving end of a lethal injection.”


The way Hector’s face closed after that said the conversation was fundamentally over. “Guess that’s all that matters then. Bring some decent coffee when you show tomorrow. It’s easier to remember shit if I’ve got some caffeine in me.”


Chapter 9