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

She flashed a brilliant smile. “I’m just glad you came in. Saved me the postage. Mr. Saucedo told me what precinct to mail it to, in case you didn’t show.”


Duke murmured another thank you and headed toward the elevators again, this time measurably slower. Saucedo had anticipated his arrival, even though they hadn’t spoken since his attack. Perhaps these were the missing case notes. He could have had them at home and realized they were missing from the file. This was his way of making sure Duke got them.


He waited until he was back in his car before slitting it open. When he pulled out the missing files, he almost smiled in satisfaction. Until he saw the sticky note attached to the front page.


You were never supposed to see these.—Saucedo.8


Chapter 24