After Reid left, Luke informed the team about taking over the arson case.

Initially, they didn't have much of a reaction, but upon learning about the high reward for the arson case, their enthusiasm for the investigation was ignited, and they were full of energy.

The deputy continued to be responsible for tracking Walda Becker.

Luke took the team to take over the arson case.

He first went to the fire department to understand the situation.

According to the fire department's professional testing, the source of this fire was the sixth-floor laboratory for the new antihypertensive drug. They found a large amount of accelerant at the scene, which was the reason for the rapid spread of the fire.

The fire department also reviewed the surveillance footage before the fire and discovered that there was a power outage at the Kerman Pharmaceutical Company's building before the fire. Kerman Pharmaceutical Company has a backup power supply, but it primarily provides power to the laboratory and does not include camera surveillance, so there is no footage of the scene before the fire.

The fire department also sent people to investigate the cause of the power outage and found traces of human sabotage.

The fire department's final investigation concluded that someone deliberately cut off the power and used accelerants to set fire to Kerman Pharmaceutical Company.

It was based on this conclusion that Kerman Pharmaceutical Company asked Luke to take over the case investigation.

Luke carefully studied the information obtained from the fire department. Kerman Pharmaceutical Company has security, and the power room is relatively secluded, so it would be challenging for outsiders to sabotage the power facilities while avoiding security personnel.

Luke speculated that there should be an insider within the company.

The insider led the way, and Walda Becker provided the accelerant. The two cooperated from inside and outside to set fire to the new antihypertensive drug laboratory.

After leaving the fire department, Luke did not return to the police station but went to Kerman Pharmaceutical Company to investigate.

This time, the person in charge of receiving Luke and his team was still the head of the research and development department, Fred Kramer.

Luke had two reasons for visiting Kerman Pharmaceutical Company. The first reason was that Kerman Pharmaceutical Company spent a lot of money hiring the Robbery and Murder Department to investigate the arson case. Since Luke had taken over the case, he needed to make an appearance.

The second reason was that Fred Kramer is the lead researcher for the new antihypertensive drug, and Luke wanted to inquire about some clues regarding the insider.

After exchanging pleasantries, Luke directly asked, "Mr. Kramer, has your company experienced power outages before?"

"Yes, it has happened twice before."

"Did you investigate it?"

Fred Kramer thought for a moment. "The first power trip also occurred at night, and it was discovered by the security guards. It was just a trip, and they flipped the switch back."

The second power outage was also due to a trip. We hired professional repairmen who replaced some equipment to make the circuit more stable."

Luke pressed on, "When did the previous two power outages occur?"

"One was in early May, and the other was around June 10th."

"Do you think these two outages were intentional or accidental?"

"Our company has a lot of experimental equipment and needs to work at night, consuming a significant amount of electricity. I initially thought it was due to excessive electricity consumption...

But now it seems very likely to be due to human factors."

"Do you think it was done by someone within the company or by an outsider?"

Fred Kramer shrugged, "I don't know."

Luke said, "Based on the current clues and evidence, I suspect there might be an insider at Kerman Pharmaceutical Company.

Do you have any suspects? Or someone you find suspicious?"

Fred Kramer was silent for a while and shook his head, "Listen, from my current position, it's hard to answer that question.

Because of this arson case, the company lost a lot of research materials, and the atmosphere is very tense.

We have to unite and rally the team. If I suspect my colleagues without reason, it will cause even bigger problems for the company..."

"Okay, let me change the question.

What do you think is the reason for this arson?"

"It's obvious someone wants to sabotage the research on the new antihypertensive drug. Our company invested a lot of money, manpower, and time in this. If the drug development fails, it will trigger a series of chain reactions within the company, potentially leading to bankruptcy."

"Who stands to gain the most if the research on the new antihypertensive drug fails?"

"Assuming?""

"Yes, only you and I will know."

"Jersson Company.

Their Nebivolol antihypertensive drug has a high market share. Once our company's new antihypertensive drug is developed, it will undoubtedly impact the market share of Nebivolol.

This would be a huge blow to Jersson Company."

A few days ago, Luke visited Jersson Company and even met with their Vice President, Royce Woodman. Luke inquired about the murder of Rochelle Horn, but Woodman was not aware of it.

Luke didn't notice any obvious signs of lying from Woodman either.

Moreover, the reason why Luke investigated Kerman Company was because of the clue provided by Jersson Company's Vice President.

Logically speaking, if Jersson Company were behind the arson, there would be no reason for Woodman to point the police towards Kerman Pharmaceutical Company, indirectly increasing the risk of exposure for Jersson Company.

Luke suppressed his speculation and took out a photo of the suspect, Walda Becker. "Do you recognize him?"

Fred Kramer picked up the photo, looked at it, and shook his head, "I don't recognize him. Does he have any connection to the arson case?"

"He is very likely one of the suspects in the arson case."

Fred Kramer appeared a bit surprised, "You found out so quickly."