The Interrogation Continues

"Reynolds and I were collaborating on a project, but our work had nothing to do with memory erasure," said Dr. Green.

Sam exchanged a glance with Sarah, noting the subtle tension in Dr. Green's stance. "We have reason to believe that someone deliberately erased Mr. Reynolds' memories," he continued, his voice firm. "And your name came up in our investigation."

Dr. Green's eyes widened, and he shook his head vehemently. "I assure you, Detective, I had no part in anything like that. Our research was purely focused on enhancing and preserving memory, not erasing it."

Sarah stepped forward, her gaze piercing. "Can you tell us more about your project with Mr. Reynolds? Any details might help us understand why he was targeted."

Dr. Green sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly as he considered their request. "Very well," he said finally. "Mr. Reynolds and I were working on a revolutionary neural implant designed to enhance memory retention and recall. It was meant to help people with degenerative memory conditions and improve cognitive functions. We were in the early stages of clinical trials when..." He paused, a troubled look crossing his face. "When Mr. Reynolds began to experience memory loss."

Sam leaned in, sensing a breakthrough. "Did Mr. Reynolds' memory loss coincide with any specific events or procedures related to your project?"

Dr. Green nodded slowly. "Yes. We had just completed the initial phase of the implant's integration when he first reported missing memories. At first, we thought it was a side effect, but it quickly became clear that something else was at play."

Sarah frowned. "Did anyone else have access to the project data or the implant technology?"

Dr. Green hesitated, then shook his head. "Only a select few of us were involved—myself, Mr. Reynolds, and a handful of trusted researchers. The data was highly confidential and encrypted."

Sam's mind raced, piecing together the fragments of the mystery. "Could someone have hacked into your systems or sabotaged the implant?"

Dr. Green's face paled at the suggestion. "It's possible, but highly unlikely. Our security measures are top-notch. However," he added, his voice dropping to a whisper, "there were rumors of industrial espionage. Competitors who would stop at nothing to get their hands on our technology."

Sarah's eyes narrowed. "Do you have any suspects?"

Dr. Green shook his head. "No concrete evidence, just whispers and suspicions. But if someone wanted to sabotage our work or steal our technology, erasing Mr. Reynolds' memories could be a way to cover their tracks."

Sam thanked Dr. Green for his cooperation, promising to keep him informed as the investigation progressed. As they left the conference, Sarah turned to Sam, her expression thoughtful.

"Industrial espionage," she mused. "It makes sense. If someone wanted to gain a competitive edge or destroy Dr. Green's research, targeting Mr. Reynolds would be a logical move."

Sam nodded, his mind still racing with possibilities. "We need to dig deeper into Dr. Green's competitors and any potential threats to their project. Whoever is behind this has a lot to lose—and a lot to gain."

Back at the police headquarters, they began sifting through records, looking for any connections between Dr. Green's research and known instances of industrial espionage. Hours passed, the sun setting outside the windows as they pored over documents and digital files.

Finally, Sarah's eyes lit up as she found a lead. "Sam, look at this," she said, pointing to a series of reports. "There's a company called NeuroTech Solutions that has been aggressively expanding its research into neural implants and memory technology. They've been accused of shady practices before—bribery, data theft, even sabotage."

Sam's heart quickened as he read through the reports. "NeuroTech Solutions," he murmured. "They could be the ones behind Mr. Reynolds' memory loss. If they saw Dr. Green's project as a threat, they might have gone to extreme lengths to eliminate the competition."

Sarah nodded, her expression grim. "We need to pay them a visit. See if we can find any evidence linking them to Mr. Reynolds' case."

The headquarters of NeuroTech Solutions was a sleek, modern building, a testament to the company's success and ambition. Sam and Sarah approached the front desk, flashing their badges as they requested a meeting with the CEO.

After a brief wait, they were escorted to a luxurious office where they were greeted by a man in his late forties, his demeanor calm and confident. "Detectives," he said smoothly, extending a hand. "I'm Martin Blake, CEO of NeuroTech Solutions. How can I help you?"

Sam and Sarah exchanged a glance before Sam spoke up. "Mr. Blake, we're investigating a case involving memory erasure, and we believe your company might have information relevant to our inquiry."

Blake's eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile remained courteous. "Memory erasure? That's a serious accusation. I assure you, NeuroTech Solutions operates within the bounds of the law and ethical guidelines."

"We're aware of your company's aggressive tactics in the past," Sarah interjected, her tone firm. "Including allegations of espionage and sabotage."

Blake's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "Those are unsubstantiated rumors, Detective. We have no involvement in any illegal activities."

Sam leaned forward, his gaze unyielding. "Do you have any business connections with Mr. Reynolds or Dr. Nathaniel Green?"

Blake's expression remained neutral. "I'm aware of their work in the field of neurotechnology, but we have no direct dealings with them. Our focus is on our own research and development."

Sam and Sarah exchanged a knowing glance, sensing that Blake was hiding something. "We'd like to take a look at your records and speak with your research team," Sam said firmly. "If you have nothing to hide, there should be no problem."

Blake's eyes hardened, but he nodded reluctantly. "Very well. I'll arrange for you to meet with our head of research. But I assure you, Detectives, you won't find anything incriminating here."

As they followed Blake to the research department, Sam's mind raced with anticipation. The truth was within their grasp, and he was determined to uncover the secrets hidden within NeuroTech Solutions.

What they found would either confirm their suspicions or lead them down an even darker path, where the lines between memory and reality blurred, and the stakes grew higher with each revelation.