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

Calling the hospital got him the brush-off again.


“I’m sorry, sir,” the nurse said. “I have orders. Mr. Saucedo is not to be disturbed without specific clearance from his doctor.”


“I thought it was just a minor heart attack.”


“I can’t discuss a patient’s condition unless you’re part of the immediate family, sir. I’m sorry.”


Duke knew stonewalling when he heard it. He disconnected as politely as he could and gathered up his notes. This mountain clearly had to go to Mohammed.


He made it all the way to the parking lot before he heard running footsteps behind him. Winnie huffed closer, her apple cheeks even redder from the exertion, and thrust a pink message into his hand.


“The DA called. He wants to talk to you about the Mayfield case. He said it was urgent.”


Chapter 22