When Love Comes Late by PASSION

Everything felt like an insurmountable weight pressing on her chest.

Her exhaustion caught up with her, and before she realized it, she had drifted off to sleep.

A knock at the door startled her awake sometime around noon.

She sat up abruptly, her stiff body protesting the sudden movement.

Her mind felt foggy as she tried to reorient herself.

Stella, are you in there? came Doreens gentle voice from outside.

Quickly smoothing her hair and straightening her clothes, Stella called out, Come in.

She felt the heavy weight of fatigue lingering as though her energy had been drained completely.

Lately, it seemed she could fall asleep anywhere, at any time.

Doreen entered and immediately noticed Stellas pale face and tired eyes.

Stella, you look absolutely worn out, she said, her tone filled with concern.

Maybe you should go home and rest for a bit? Stella shook her head firmly.

I cant.

Theres too much going on right now. I dont have the time.

took a steadying

Theres a young man outside asking

Stellas brows furrowed.

the ideaDoreen knew Sanford, so she wouldnt have been

could ask more,

Lowell sent him.

had asked Bennett to help

she said,

quick nod and stepped

later, she returned, escorting a tall,

Doreen excused herself with a tactful bow,

man approached Stella with an air of

Good afternoon.

name is

graduate from Stella held up a hand, cutting him off with

no need for a

handed him a

incident

you to review them

the warehouse fire and see if you can

the folder with a confident

Understood.

to the bottom of it as quickly as

he gave a respectful nod and

Stellas surprise, Dexter proved to be astonishingly