I Hate That I Loved You!

41- Preps for hackathon

At Rizi's Villa:

"Zi, where are those new in-ear Bluetooth devices?" Zack asked while searching in the different drawers.

He and Rizi were in the study room.

Rizi was busy working on her computer.
Zack was preparing their bag packs for tomorrow's event.

"Third drawer from the left. There will be a rectangle velvet case below the file. Check it out." Rizi gave him direction in neutral tonewhile continuing typing on her computer. Her eyes glued on her computer screen and finger dancing on the keys speedily.

Zack opened the instructed drawer and found a black velvet rectangle case. He took out the case from the drawer and opened it carefully.

Five tiny black button-like devices were placed neatly in a row on a white soft cloth inside the case.

He picked up one of the devices and carefully examined it. It was a small button-sized micro spy Bluetooth earpiece. Its extremely tiny size makes it almost invisible and undetectable. But it was not just a bluetooth device,  It can also be planted as a bug on someone to record or hear their conversation.

He took out three Bluetooth earpieces, wrapped them in a white handkerchief, and placed them in his bag.

"How is it going? Are you done?" Zack asked sitting languidly on the couch in the study room. He folded his legs, his one arm rested on the back of the couch, and the other arm rested on the side.

"yes, almost done.  I have copied the software and algorithm on this USB and CD." Rizi quickly ejected the CD and USB from her computer. She turned towards Zack and handed him both the things.  "Place it carefully. I am sure they will allow us to use our laptops. But if they do not, then this will serve as our backup."

They already read the rules of the Hackathon and were aware of everything. But sometimes, organizers like to add few surprise elements. So it will not astound them if Organizers will add  new rules or twists during the event.

The event will be a gathering of all smart geeks, red hat hackers, white-hat hackers and skilled government agents. so everyone was well prepared for any notorious mischiefs or challenging twist at the last moment from organizer's end.

Rizi opened her bag pack and checked all the things once more.

Zack packed everything meticulously and neatly such that the required item is easily accessible.

Seeing everything packed with so much attention, Rizi patted his shoulder in encouragement.

"I forgot one thing." She spoke abruptly and walked towards her desk.

She bent forward and opened the last drawer of her desk.

She took out three Glock 42 and threw it in the air towards Zack one by one.

Without even looking or battling an eyelid, Zack caught them all one by one in a swift motion and packed it in their bags.

"Well, they will not allow it inside," Zack spoke nonchalantly.

"This is just for safety purposes. For any unpredictable situation. As such we are getting all necessary security so it should not be an issue." Riz explained with a smug look on her face.

"I agree." Zack zipped up all packed three bags and placed them on the couch.

"When is Abby coming?"

"After 10 pm. She has to extend her shift at Café today."

Both Zack and Rizi came out of the study room after setting up everything for the next day Hackathon.

They saw Sara chatting with Leo sitting on the couch in the living room. Sara was still in office wear as she directly came from her office along with Jason.

Leo was wearing his bunny pajamas and showing her latest drawings from his new assignment.

Once in awhile, Sara would turn around and look towards the kitchen.

Riz followed her gaze and saw Jason in the kitchen cooking with Aunt Maria.

Jason also was in his office clothes, his white shirt sleeves were rolled up, and he wore a black apron. He had a spatula in one hand and the other hand holding a pan and stirring something in it.

He looked at Sara and his lips curved into a wide smile. Then he winked at her. Rizi giggled seeing these two lovebirds. She was extremely glad they both had figured out their feelings towards each other.  Both of her close friends were the gem of a person and they both deserve the best. What's better than two gems together!

Rizi walked towards Sara and Leo.

She saw how Leo observed Sara peeking at Jason. His expression turned sour. Rizi bit her lips to control her laughter.

Her poor baby Leo!

She will let Jason deal with it. After all, Leo was his and Sara's godchild.

They should explain to him about their relationship.

Zack observed the whole ordeal and raised an eyebrow at Rizi. "Looks like these two are together now."

"Yeah.." Rizi exclaimed gleefully.

"What kind of mother are you? Can't you see your toddler's sour face?" Zack chuckled and teased Rizi.

"You want to take the honor of explaining this situation to him?" Rizi grinned at Zack.

Zack turned towards Leo and gulped. That little devil was a  smart mouth. He cannot afford to be in his bad books.

Zack shrugged his shoulders and ignored her statement. Then, he walked towards the dining area with large strides.

"C'mon guys. Dinner is ready." Jason spoke in his deep charming voice.

Hearing Jason's voice, Sara quickly carried Leo and walked towards the dining room.

They all occupied their seats, Jason took a seat next to Sara.

He had made braised pork and roasted duck specifically for Sara. The rest of other dishes like satay, mix veg noodles and spring rolls were prepared by Aunt Maria.

Jason sliced up the piece of braised pork and place it in Sara's plate. Sara blushed and thanked him.

She picked up her fork and took a bite.

"Wow. Jason. This is delicious!" Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction and she gave him a heartwarming smile.

This man is good at everything.
Who does not like a guy who cooks so well?

She felt grateful that even after such a tiring day, he had put these efforts for her.

Jason smiled at her and held her hand under the table.

Rizi and Zack coughed.

"Enough of this PDA!  You are making us singles feel jealous! Don't youuu....." Zack spoke annoyingly. Then all of sudden he shut his mouth observing Leo's reaction. He coughed violently and swallowed the rest of his words.

Leo blinked his big green eyes and stared at Zack. Then, he turned towards his Aunt Sara and Uncle Jason with a scrunched face.

He was bit confused.

Why his uncle Jason placed the slice of food on Aunt Sara's plate only?

Why his uncle did not put anything on his mother's plate?

Why his Aunt Sara's face so red?

Jason cleared his throat and hurriedly placed a piece of braised pork in Leo's plate as well. "Eat little Devil and let me know how it tastes?"'

Laughter echoed around the dining room and everyone shared a happy meal.