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

you need something? Theres a young man outside asking to see you, Doreen

Stellas brows furrowed.

dismissed the ideaDoreen knew Sanford, so she wouldnt have been

Stella could ask more, Doreen added, He said

Lowell sent him.

recalled that she had asked Bennett to help her investigate the

she said, Let him

and stepped

returned, escorting

excused herself with

with

Good afternoon.

name is Dexter

and a graduate from Stella held up a hand, cutting him

need for a

handed him a

incident at the launch event and the warehouse

need you to

and see if you can

accepted the folder

Understood.

get to the bottom of it as quickly

a respectful

Stellas surprise, Dexter proved to be astonishingly