Star & Moon Café
The moment Annelise Valentine pushed open the door to the private room, she saw a despondent Stella Sterling.
She wore a simple cream-colored sweater, her hair loosely pinned up with a few stray strands framing her face. Her eyes were as swollen as walnuts, her lips were pale, and she looked utterly haggard.
Two untouched cups of coffee sat on the table, long since gone cold.
Seeing Annelise Valentine arrive, Stella Sterling scrambled to her feet. Her voice was faint and laced with anxiety. "Valentine... you—you're here..."
Annelise Valentine didn't answer. She sat down across from her and placed her handbag on the empty chair beside her.
"Get to it. What is this about? I have limited time."
"Valentine!" Stella raised her head, her eyes welling with tears. "Please, can you... can you not let Jett send me to Linchester..."
