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

“Do not say anything to anybody. I’m going to be there as soon as I can. In the meantime, clam up. Don’t even answer if they offer you a glass of water.”


“That’s good. But don’t even say that. Don’t say a word. Understand?”


Scott hung up the phone without further instructions and barked for Monica. She arrived almost instantly, her Palm Pilot in hand, ready for whatever orders Scott wanted to give.


“Clear my schedule for the foreseeable future.” Scott stood and shrugged on his jacket. “Clear it of everything. I’ve got lead on two cases right now. Call Roberts and tell him he’s the lead now, and he should file whatever motions he can to delay the court dates.”


“Reschedule them if possible. Otherwise, let Shelley know that she’s taking them over.”


“They’re going to want to know why.”


Scott snapped his briefcase closed. “There’s been an emergency.”


Chapter 25