Zach POV
My so called monthly time-off starts one hour before sunset tomorrow. I have about twenty-two hours to do all the things I normally did before going into the cage.
First is go 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 you up?"
She sighs. "I can't see you tonight, Zach. I'm so sorry."
"Aw. What a shame." I start undoing the buttons of my shirt, then kicking off my shoes. It’s an effort to hold back the deep sigh of relief. I couldn't go to
