THE DARK SIDE

CHAPTER FOUR: LIFE AND DEATH

ERIC GREEN'S lab loomed large, a fortress of glass and steel that whispered of cutting-edge medical breakthroughs. Athenz couldn't help but imagine the incredible technology hidden within.

A blonde woman in a crisp lab coat approached, her smile a dazzling flash. "Welcome to the Green Laboratory. You are...?" she inquired, her gaze flickering between Athenz and his partner, Brent.

"Major Guzim, and this is my partner, Major Mazano. Crime Investigation Unit. Is Dr. Green in his office?" Athenz noted the fleeting worry that crossed the doctor's face before she composed herself.

"I believe... he's quite busy, but you can try." She gestured towards an imposing door emblazoned with "THE GREEN" and excused herself, claiming a pressing research update.

Brent raised his hand to knock, but a figure emerged from the hallway, a medical kit clutched in his hands. It was Eric Green himself, his face etched with urgency.

"Dr. Green, may we-" Athenz began, but the doctor dropped the kit with a startled gasp and sprinted down the hallway, disappearing out the building's main entrance.

"What the...?" Athenz exclaimed, his mind racing. "Brent, round up and meet me by the parking lot!" He chased after the fleeing doctor, while Brent raced towards the exit, anticipating Eric's attempt to escape in his car.

"Eric Green! Police! Freeze or I'll be forced to open fire!" Athenz shouted, his pistol drawn. They reached the parking lot, Athenz's fingers tightening around the trigger. He scanned the area, hoping to find Brent.

Then, he saw him. Brent stood by a sleek sports car, his own weapon leveled.

"Stop right there!"

Eric Green was just about to open the car door when Brent appeared, his voice sharp and commanding.

"Damn it!" Eric cursed, turning to face them, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

"Eric Green, you are under arrest for fleeing a police officer."

"I TOLD you already! I'm not your guy!" Eric roared, frustration boiling over.

Athenz, his gaze burning with suspicion, leaned forward, "Oh really, Mr. Green? Then why did you run? Huh? Why did you run?"

"Maybe it's because you killed Mr. Wilang," Brent countered, a smirk playing on his lips. Eric's eyes widened, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing his face.

"What? Me? Why would I? I have nothing against that guy! My father's running for mayor, not me!" Eric sputtered, beads of sweat tracing down his temples.

"Ha! Now, you're pointing fingers at your father, huh?" Brent pressed, his smirk widening.

"What? No!" Eric exploded, his voice rising. "Look, that's not what I mean! I'm just saying... you don't have a motive to pin this on me!" He managed to regain his composure, his voice calmer now.

"Well, not exactly." Brent dropped a stack of photos onto the table, his eyes fixed on Eric's. "We've got you on camera, meeting with Mr. Wilang the day before he was found dead in his hotel room. You're the last person he saw before... well, you know."

Athenz watched Eric closely, his jaw clenched. "Now, tell me, what the hell did you talk about that made you flee the scene when you saw a police officer?"

Eric hesitated, his eyes darting around the room. "O-okay... I met with Mr. Wilang that day for business. We were talking about a partnership."

"Business?" Athenz scoffed, his voice laced with disbelief. "You really expect me to believe that? What kind of 'business' could a doctor possibly have with a man like him?"

A knock interrupted the tense exchange. Migz poked his head in, "Give me a second." He disappeared as quickly as he appeared.

Athenz turned back to Eric, his eyes narrowing. "You better sit tight."

As soon as the door closed, Migz leaned forward. "Guane just called. Remember that medical kit Eric dropped before he ran?"

Brent rolled his eyes. "Of course, I remember. What about it?"

"It contains illegal substances," Migz revealed, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "And guess what?" Brent rolled his eyesagain. Guane has a Guess Who game and now Migz has a Guess What game?

"It's fentanyl, isn't it?" Athenz guessed, a grin spreading across his face.

Migz snapped his fingers. "Bingo! But she said this batch is way stronger than usual. She's still analyzing the other contents."

Athenz opened the door, Brent following behind him.

"You better start talking doc."