Zach POV

My so called monthly time-off starts one hour before sunset tomorrow. That gives me twenty-two hours to do all the things I normally did before going into the cage.

First is going on a date with Madison Marlowe.

I'm getting ready for that now when my cellphone starts to ring. It's her.

"Hello, Mads."

"Taye died," she says with a shaky voice.

I don't know who that is. I'm still trying to put a face to the name when she adds,

"I know he's old, but I've had that cat for so long. He's family. I wasn't ready."

"I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do to cheer...