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 find it curious that my opinion matters to you at all,” he said. “Since you knew who I was when I walked into your meeting, I think it’s safe to assume you know that I was only just assigned to the case yesterday. So why would you want to know what I think, when I’ve barely had a chance to read through the whole case file?”


“Because you were assigned for a reason, and I’m going to find out what that is, even if you won’t tell me. Because twenty-four hours is more than enough time to form an opinion on this case. You must be familiar with all the evidence against my client at this point. There isn’t much, after all.”


Chapter 10