Leann Harris - The Detective And The D.A.

Youre a dangerous man, Detective, Kelly murmured.

She leaned forward, and for an instant he thought she was going to kiss him. Suddenly she jerked back and turned away, color in her cheeks. All right, Tony. Lets see if we can turn up any evidence of murder.

She was in her crusader mode, fiery and sincere. And it reached deep within him. He wanted to help, wanted to slay this dragon for her. You got it, Kel.

Her smile sent a jolt racing through him, making him want things that couldnt be.

Oh, he was in trouble. And it had nothing to do with murder.

Dear Reader,

Once again we invite you to enjoy six of the most exciting romances around, starting with Ruth Langans His Fathers Son. This is the last of THE LASSITER LAW, her miniseries about a family with a tradition of law enforcement, and its a finale that will leave you looking forward to this bestselling authors next novel. Meanwhile, enjoy Cameron Lassiters headlong tumble into love.

ROMANCING THE CROWN continues with Virgin Seduction, by award winner Kathleen Creighton. The missing prince is home at lastand just in time for the shotgun wedding between Cade Gallagher and Tamiri princess Leila Kamal. Carla Cassidy continues THE DELANEY HEIRS with Matthews story, in Out of Exile, while Pamela Dalton spins a tale of a couple who are Strategically Wed. Sharon Mignerey returns with an emotional tale of a hero who is Friend, Lover, Protector, and Leann Harris wraps up the month with a match between The Detective and the D.A.

You wont want to miss a single one. And, of course, be sure to come back next month for more of the most exciting romances aroundright here in Silhouette Intimate Moments.

Enjoy!

Leslie J. Wainger

Executive Senior Editor

The Detective and the D.A. Leann Harris

LEANN HARRIS

I would like to thank

the following people for their help with this book:

Lt. Dave Davis for his ideas

on how to get a case kicked back.

Warren Spencer for his suggestions

on how police and the D.A.s office interact.

Robert Hurst of Houston PD for his willingness to

answer all my questions. Any errors are strictly mine.

A dedication:

This is for you, Dad. I miss you.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Epilogue

Chapter 1

Kelly Whalen heard her secretary yell from her desk in the next room.

You gonna stop me? The mans tone held true menace.

An assistant D.A. for the city of Houston, Kelly recognized the voice of her ex-husband and wondered why he was here. And apparently unhappy. Very unhappy.

A moment later all six feet two inches of Detective Tony Ashcroft barreled into her office. He wore his lets-frighten-the-socks-off-the suspect expression. What the hell is going on here, Kelly? he demanded.

Ash was still an incredibly handsome man with wide shoulders, dark brown hair, and green eyes that sparked with anger.

Teresa Myers, her poor secretary, rushed into the room behind Ash and came to a halt. Sorry, Kelly. I tried to stop him, bu-but it was like trying to stop a herd of cattle from charging. Teresa knew of what she spoke, having been raised on a cattle ranch in West Texas.

Dont worry about it, Teresa. Kelly stood. She wanted to be at eye level with her exas much as she couldin a position of power instead of looking up at him like a servant. When Ash makes up his mind, nothing short of calling in the marines could stop him.

Teresa glared at the detective. I dont doubt it, she mumbled as she walked out of the room.

Ash folded his arms over his chest. He didnt look amused at the exchange between Kelly and Teresa. Now that the shows over, you want to explain yourself?

It had been close to four years since shed spoken to Ash. Shed seen him in passing at the courthouse and around city buildings, but they hadnt spoken since they had cleaned up the property issues remaining after their divorce.

You want to let me in on what it is you want explained? Kelly shot back, irritated with his attitude.

Why was I tapped to do the reinvestigation of the Carlson case since it was originally Ralph Lees? he snarled.

What? She couldnt believe her ears. Youve been assigned the case? Kelly felt as if a bomb had just exploded in front of her, leaving her disorientated and disconnected to the world.

His eyes narrowed. You didnt know? He sounded skeptical. Didnt request it?

No, I didnt request it. Did he think she was nuts? And no, I didnt know.

He crossed his arms over his chest. I was called into my captains office this morning and told to c-o-o-p-erate with you on this case.

Kelly hated when Ash got that tone in his voice.

Ive been pulled off my active cases, which didnt make my partner happy, and told to report to you. So explain whats going on.

Taking a deep breath, she said, Sit down, Ash, and quit glaring at me. Im not a suspect that needs to be interrogated.

If only it were that easy, he grumbled.

She had had enough. Just sit down and stop acting like a hard case.

Im the hard case, Kelly? His brow arched. If I recall, I wasnt the only one.