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.

a

you need something? Theres a young man outside asking

Stellas brows furrowed.

was Sanford, but she quickly dismissed the ideaDoreen knew

more, Doreen added, He said

Lowell sent him.

Bennett to help her investigate

she

nod and stepped out of

returned, escorting a tall, young

he was inside, Doreen excused herself with a

approached Stella with an air

Good afternoon.

is

graduate from Stella held up a hand,

no need for

a folder that Doreen

the chandelier incident at the launch event and the warehouse

need you to review

warehouse fire and see if you can uncover

folder

Understood.

bottom of it as

that, he gave a

Stellas surprise, Dexter proved to