Capítulo 54: Chapter 54: Death Party
Peter recorded the appearance of the parasite host as described by Clark and Azu and sent the details to Officer Chandler, asking for assistance in the investigation.
That evening, while Peter was having dinner with Jonathan's family, the phone at the farm rang.
Peter answered, "Hello, this is the Podrick Farm."
"Peter, it's me, Chandler."
Recognizing Chandler's voice, Peter held the receiver close. "I'm guessing you've found something on the identity of the person I asked you to investigate, right, Officer Chandler?"
"Exactly, Peter," Chandler replied. "Based on the description you provided, we've narrowed it down to a few individuals. The prime suspect is Dr. David Harwood, a biologist specializing in synthetic biology and bioenergy at Luthor Chemical Group."
"He's also the chief science officer at Luthor's bio lab. Normally, he wouldn't be in Smallville, but someone recently spotted him around town."
Peter shifted the receiver to his other ear. "That's interesting. Maybe Lionel Luthor has some secret experiment going on in Smallville."
After thanking Chandler and hanging up, Peter pondered. Dr. David Harwood was a strong candidate for the alien parasite host, which could also explain why he might have attacked Lex Luthor.
In fact, Lionel Luthor had recently invited him to a party—which, if Peter remembered correctly, was scheduled for tomorrow night.
It seemed he would need to prepare in advance for this party.
The next evening arrived quickly.
At Luthor Manor, the grand and elegantly decorated hall echoed with laughter, lively conversation, and subtle undercurrents of deception.
Peter stood in the hall, put down his champagne, and observed the elegantly dressed guests, chatting in small groups. The party was intimate, yet Peter recognized many familiar faces—the members of Smallville's oldest Hanks family, the town's museum curator and historian, old Mac, as well as the mayor and his assistant.
"Thank you for attending, Podrick."
Lionel approached with a warm greeting, clearly pleased. "I haven't properly thanked you for bringing Lex home last time."
Peter replied politely, "No need to thank me. I was just doing what anyone would do."
Taking a glass of champagne from a server, Lionel said with a smile, "Sharing a little gratitude is never a waste. Regardless, let me introduce you to some people here, Podrick."
Peter declined, "No, thank you. I don't need that right now."
He hadn't come to the party to expand his social circle. If Dr. David Harwood was the host for the alien parasite, Lionel Luthor might know something about it. Peter planned to take advantage of the gathering to investigate the manor, not waste time on mingling.
Seeing Peter's refusal, Lionel looked a bit disappointed but moved on to greet other guests after a few more words.
Once Lionel left, Peter tightened his slightly uncomfortable tie, turned, and slipped into an unnoticed corner.
The curtain fluttered, and in a blink, Peter was gone.
Upstairs, in Lionel's office, Peter quickly scanned the room for clues.
Soon, he found a videotape labeled "Lab Incident—David Harwood" in a drawer. Playing it, he watched footage of Dr. Harwood dissecting a coyote, then shockingly grabbing his assistant's face and draining their life force. Peter paused the video, narrowing his eyes as he scrutinized the contorted face on the screen.
It appeared that the alien parasite had granted Harwood formidable strength and altered his mind.
Glancing away from the screen, Peter looked out into the misty night. If this parasite could absorb life energy to grow stronger, would it become even more powerful after feeding on Clark and Azu?
Meanwhile, downstairs in the hall, an uninvited guest had arrived.
Lionel was in conversation when he noticed a familiar figure at the door.
Seeing Dr. David Harwood standing there, Lionel's expression froze.
He forced himself to remain composed, excusing himself from his guests and walking briskly upstairs. To his assistant, he said, "Lock down all exits on the first floor and ready the guards. Since he's here, he won't escape."
"What about the guests?" the assistant asked, visibly anxious.
"Forget them. Sometimes sacrifices are necessary," Lionel replied coldly.
Then, after a brief hesitation, he added, "Get a helicopter ready, and make sure Peter Podrick is protected. Escort him upstairs if necessary. His safety must be assured."
With a loud "Bang!" the main door to the hall was shut tight.
The festive chatter immediately fell silent, as guests turned to look toward the source of the noise, puzzled.
Guards in protective gear surrounded Dr. David Harwood, who looked around at them with a smirk. "Well, I didn't expect Lionel to welcome me like this. I was only here to talk."
He waved his hand dismissively, and with a heavy thud, one guard was thrown against the wall, the impact shattering bone and leaving a splatter of blood like a macabre painting.
The guests, frozen in shock, erupted into screams, scattering in panic.
In a matter of moments, what had been a lively gathering became a chilling "Death Party," filled with the sounds of terror and the stench of blood.
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