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

something? Theres a young

Stellas brows furrowed.

she quickly dismissed the ideaDoreen knew Sanford, so she wouldnt have been so

Stella could ask more, Doreen

Lowell sent him.

had asked Bennett to

to Doreen, she said, Let

a quick nod and stepped out of the

she returned, escorting a

excused herself

Stella with

Good afternoon.

is

Stella held up a hand, cutting him off with a faint

alright, no need for

a folder that Doreen had prepared

incident at the launch event

you to review them

on the warehouse fire and see if you can uncover

the folder

Understood.

to the bottom of it

a

surprise, Dexter proved to