AGAIN, I DO NOT OWN LIZZIE MCGUIRE. This chapter is probably going to be a
little strange and perhaps considered bizarre, but it is all part of the
build-up of the story, and this is an important part of the story. Also, I
have researched some stuff mentioned in this chapter, although some of the
stuff might be incorrect. I will explain more after this chapter.
Identity
A Few Months Later. . .
Since the plane crash, Lizzie had calmed down, and was back in work. One day, after work, Lizzie, who still wasn't showing at this point, started walking to her car in the parking lot of the building. At this point, it was pretty late, and the amount of cars in the parking lot was scarce. While Lizzie walked to her car, however, she heard three distinct voices. She thought nothing of them, and continued to walk to her car. All of the sudden, she heard two loud noises, and she looked to see what was going on, and saw that a man was holding a gun, and she only saw that one guy.
In shock and awe of what she just saw, she dialed 911, trying to see to it that the armed man would not see her. The operator picked up, and she whispered, "I think I just witnessed a murder," into her phone.
"Where are you?" the operator asked.
"I am in a parking lot of the Gradient Office Buildings," Lizzie whispered.
"Okay, hold on, miss. Try and stay calm. I realize this is a very shocking event. I have dispatched a few policemen, who should be there any minute. Please stay on the line and stay calm."
"The guy is still in the parking lot," Lizzie cried, hiding behind a car, "I don't want him to find me."
"He won't find you if you stay calm and wait for someone to get there," the operator said.
Lizzie heard footsteps coming closer and closer to her. She was too afraid to look and find out what was going on. Suddenly, the footsteps turned into a shadow of a figure, and then a figure, hovering over her, "What do you think you are doing?" a low voice asked.
Lizzie was still on the phone, and she couldn't talk.
"Hang up the phone, lady," the man said, and he pointed a gun at her. Lizzie hung up the phone. The man tugged on her to stand up, and he held the gun to her ear, "Now, normally, I try to keep the ladies out of my affairs, but since you didn't keep out of mine, I am afraid I have to interfere."
Lizzie still said nothing as she prayed that she would somehow be rescued.
"How long have you been in this parking lot?" the man said.
"I just got here," Lizzie lied.
"Well, who were you on the phone with?"
"My friend."
"That's not good enough," the man said and he prepared to shoot her.
Just then, sirens were heard, and policemen surrounded the situation. "FREEZE!" an officer said. "Drop the gun and let the girl go!"
The man dropped the gun, but before letting Lizzie go, he whispered in her ear, "You called the cops? Well, you are going to pay for this, especially if I have to go to jail."
Lizzie froze as she took in his words as he let her go forcefully. A lady cop walked over to Lizzie, while several other cops handled and hand-cuffed the man. Lizzie watched as he was escorted into the backseat of a car. Lizzie watched him as he mouthed, "You are going to die."
Lizzie watched as he was driven away. In the meantime, Lizzie stayed with the female cop, "Are you okay, miss?" the cop asked.
"I don't know. That man threatened to kill me," Lizzie said, still shaken up. This was the last thing she needed in her life.
"Well, I am afraid you are going to have to ride with me to the police station to answer some questions and deal with some other matters," the cop said.
"What matters?"
"Well, miss, you were a witness to a murder, and if this man pleads innocence, which, believe it or not, is very likely, you may have to be called to testify. Now, come on," the cop said, "You can ride with me."
Lizzie took her belongings and walked with the cop to a car. Other police officers stayed behind to deal with the dead bodies.
Once at the police station, Lizzie was escorted to an office, and the door was shut closed. A few minutes later, two policemen came in to question her. Lizzie was still shaken up by the whole thing, and that she almost died.
"Miss, as you may or may not realize, you just witnessed a murder of two men. Now, I understand that you were threatened by the murderer?" one of them asked.
"Yes," Lizzie said.
"Well, Miss McGuire, I am afraid I have some good news and some bad news about Robert Horawitz. He was the murderer. He is believed to have killed George Tellico and David Jacobs this afternoon. However, he claims he is innocent, which means his trial will be a lot bigger, and witnesses will be required," the older looking officer explained.
Lizzie nodded her head, not sure as to what the two officers were getting at.
"Well, I am Officer Bill McKnight, and this is my partner, Officer Kyle Goodman. We are here to help you, as we know this is a hard thing to deal with," Bill said.
Lizzie nodded her head, "What are you trying to say?"
"Well, you are a witness to this, and, will be asked to testify in court about what you know and what you saw," Kyle explained.
"Okay," Lizzie said.
"This gets a little more complicated than just being a witness. Since he has threatened to kill you, we strongly suggest that you take action," Bill said.
Lizzie nodded her head. She had a clearer sense as to what they were talking about. "What kind of action?" Lizzie said, trying to sound professional, as opposed to what she really felt, which was a slur of emotions, including confusion, sadness, scared, and paranoia.
"Well, the first step is to file a restraining order on Mr. Horawitz, but that might not keep you out of danger," Kyle said.
"And, therefore, we think it is best for you to enter the Witness Protection Program, so if Mr. Horawitz or anyone who knows of Mr. Horawitz tried to find you and hurt you in any way, they will have some difficulty," Bill said.
Lizzie nodded her head, "Do you know about the witness protection program, miss?"
"Not much," Lizzie said.
"Well, the WPP is a program designed for witnesses of a crime who may need protection from other people involved. They will give you a new identity, social security number, as well as a new place to live. They give you a new past as well. With the help of the WPP, it is hard to find someone. Now, are you married? Do you have a family?"
Lizzie looked down at her stomach, which to most people, looked pretty normal. "Uh, no, I am not married. I am, however four months pregnant. The, uh, father died in the plane crash a couple of months ago," Lizzie explained.
"I am very sorry to hear that. Your baby, when born, will take on your new name. I regret to have to say this, but this is very serious business. This program protects your identity, yet at the same time, you loose all contact with your family and friends, for at least a while," Bill explained.
Lizzie looked down. She had never been so scared in her life that afternoon, and she never wanted to go through that again, so she agreed to joining the program, without really thinking of the fact that she could no longer keep contact with her family or Miranda.
The officers explained that she would meet with the program soon, and Lizzie would also have to meet to explain what she saw in the parking lot. In the meantime, she would have to stay with one of the police officers. They said that she would stay with Officer Janet Smith, who Lizzie recognized as the female cop that helped her. The female cop was not in the room when she was explained about the WPP. They called it a day pretty soon after that, and the officer drove Lizzie to her house.
Janet lived by herself. She could see how distressed Lizzie was, and thought maybe they could have a girl-to-girl talk to ease her mind. Being a witness was a hard thing to go through, as Janet helped many witnesses cope with aftermath.
They ate a frozen dinner, and sat down in Janet's kitchen table, "You know, if you want to call somebody and let them know what happened, you can. I mean, you aren't part of the program yet, Miss. McGuire."
"You can call me Lizzie."
"Okay, Lizzie, do you have a friend or family member you want to call, just to let them know you are okay? You can't tell them much, but they deserve to know where you are."
"What can I tell them?"
"You can tell them that you witnessed a crime, and cannot really talk about it and you may have to move for your own protection. When the trial takes place, they can come and see it, but for the time being, you have to be very careful. The WPP will probably explain to your parents and other family about the WPP, and how you can't really talk with them at the moment," Janet explained sympathetically.
Lizzie sniffed, as she started to cry, "I will call them tomorrow. Right now, I don't think I have a clear enough head to talk about it."
"Okay. Well, in the meantime, you are welcome to talk to me. I have dealt with several witnesses, just like you, who have been through the same thing, and I am here to help you and be a friend," Janet said.
Lizzie nodded her head, "I know. I guess this is just adding a lot of stress to my already stressful life," Lizzie said.
"Well, what is so stressful?"
"Well, I am four months pregnant," Lizzie explained.
"Have you talked to your husband? He will have to enter the program, too, I believe."
"Well, I am not married. Actually, the father died in a plane crash, and so it is just me and the baby," Lizzie said.
"Wow! You are having a pretty tough time, then, aren't you?"
Lizzie nodded her head, "and the worst part is, Gordo never even knew he was going to be a father."
Janet looked at her sympathetically, "Well, I will do all I can to help you get through this. This arrangement isn't always permanent. Sometimes, you only have to hide for a few years. I think you are going to be just fine, McGuire."
~~~
Three Months Later.
"Okay, Miss McGuire, starting tomorrow, you will assume this identity," Agent Jeffries explained to Lizzie as he handed her an envelope. Enclosed is a name, a social security number, drivers license, plane ticket, apartment information, work information, and any other necessary info you may need. Now, remember, you may not tell anyone of your real identity, and if you are to let it slip, notify us immediately, so we can give you a new identity. Remember, try to stay low, and keep out of anything that could get you on television or anything. Now, since you are pregnant, this baby will have to take your new name and information regarding all of that is enclosed with this packet. Also, do not call anyone from your past. That could lead to more unwanted trouble. Now, with all of that said, please sign this sheet of paper, and leave. Your flight to your new hometown leaves tomorrow. Once there, someone will meet you in the airport and drive you around to explain your life. Selected people know about this, such as your boss, tenant, and new doctor. They are sworn to secrecy. Any violations on their part could lead to an arrest. Any questions?"
Lizzie shook her head and signed the sheet of paper. She saw her family for the last time yesterday, and the trial was over. Mr. Horowitz was sent to life in prison. Her meeting with her family was escorted and assisted, and they were not allowed to give her anything. They were instructed to tell anyone who asked that Lizzie was away at school, and they didn't talk about her. All pictures were to be put away. The Gordon's were instructed to do the same, pretending they never knew of Lizzie McGuire. Everyone was sad that they couldn't see Lizzie or the baby ever, and could not even know where Lizzie was located.
After everything was explained, Lizzie was escorted to the airport, with little luggage. What she brought with her was also limited, as she couldn't wear her old clothes or anything. The government agency provided her with enough money for clothing and food until she was safe.
On her way to the airport, Lizzie looked at the information on her new identity. Her new name was Lucille Emily Nelson. She was sent to live in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and be an elementary school teacher. Her past was that she moved here from Jackson, Mississippi and the father of her child was killed in a car accident. They gave more details and such, but they didn't really make sense. The past three months for "Lucille" had been overwhelming, with the trial, threats, and police questioning. She was looking forward to starting over again in some ways, but overall missed her old life, before the plane crash, and before the crime. It was bad enough loosing her Gordo, but now, she lost Miranda and the rest of her family.
~~~
Okay, so, like I said, this chapter was going to be bizarre, and in case you forgot, let me go over a quick re-cap. Lizzie thinks Gordo is dead while she is pregnant with his child. In the meantime, Lizzie witnessed a murder, and was threatened by a murderer. She was placed in the WPP, which protects her from the people involved, at the same time, causes her to lose at least temporary contact with everyone she knows, if not losing it all. Now, I know this seems like a soap opera from hell, but like I said, Gordo isn't dead, and he returns into the picture soon, and it still has a happy ending.
Now, I know nothing about Stuttgart, except that it is Southeast of Little Rock, so anything pertaining to Stuttgart will be made up, as far as names go and stuff. I will try and update ASAP, but in the meantime, please review.
Identity
A Few Months Later. . .
Since the plane crash, Lizzie had calmed down, and was back in work. One day, after work, Lizzie, who still wasn't showing at this point, started walking to her car in the parking lot of the building. At this point, it was pretty late, and the amount of cars in the parking lot was scarce. While Lizzie walked to her car, however, she heard three distinct voices. She thought nothing of them, and continued to walk to her car. All of the sudden, she heard two loud noises, and she looked to see what was going on, and saw that a man was holding a gun, and she only saw that one guy.
In shock and awe of what she just saw, she dialed 911, trying to see to it that the armed man would not see her. The operator picked up, and she whispered, "I think I just witnessed a murder," into her phone.
"Where are you?" the operator asked.
"I am in a parking lot of the Gradient Office Buildings," Lizzie whispered.
"Okay, hold on, miss. Try and stay calm. I realize this is a very shocking event. I have dispatched a few policemen, who should be there any minute. Please stay on the line and stay calm."
"The guy is still in the parking lot," Lizzie cried, hiding behind a car, "I don't want him to find me."
"He won't find you if you stay calm and wait for someone to get there," the operator said.
Lizzie heard footsteps coming closer and closer to her. She was too afraid to look and find out what was going on. Suddenly, the footsteps turned into a shadow of a figure, and then a figure, hovering over her, "What do you think you are doing?" a low voice asked.
Lizzie was still on the phone, and she couldn't talk.
"Hang up the phone, lady," the man said, and he pointed a gun at her. Lizzie hung up the phone. The man tugged on her to stand up, and he held the gun to her ear, "Now, normally, I try to keep the ladies out of my affairs, but since you didn't keep out of mine, I am afraid I have to interfere."
Lizzie still said nothing as she prayed that she would somehow be rescued.
"How long have you been in this parking lot?" the man said.
"I just got here," Lizzie lied.
"Well, who were you on the phone with?"
"My friend."
"That's not good enough," the man said and he prepared to shoot her.
Just then, sirens were heard, and policemen surrounded the situation. "FREEZE!" an officer said. "Drop the gun and let the girl go!"
The man dropped the gun, but before letting Lizzie go, he whispered in her ear, "You called the cops? Well, you are going to pay for this, especially if I have to go to jail."
Lizzie froze as she took in his words as he let her go forcefully. A lady cop walked over to Lizzie, while several other cops handled and hand-cuffed the man. Lizzie watched as he was escorted into the backseat of a car. Lizzie watched him as he mouthed, "You are going to die."
Lizzie watched as he was driven away. In the meantime, Lizzie stayed with the female cop, "Are you okay, miss?" the cop asked.
"I don't know. That man threatened to kill me," Lizzie said, still shaken up. This was the last thing she needed in her life.
"Well, I am afraid you are going to have to ride with me to the police station to answer some questions and deal with some other matters," the cop said.
"What matters?"
"Well, miss, you were a witness to a murder, and if this man pleads innocence, which, believe it or not, is very likely, you may have to be called to testify. Now, come on," the cop said, "You can ride with me."
Lizzie took her belongings and walked with the cop to a car. Other police officers stayed behind to deal with the dead bodies.
Once at the police station, Lizzie was escorted to an office, and the door was shut closed. A few minutes later, two policemen came in to question her. Lizzie was still shaken up by the whole thing, and that she almost died.
"Miss, as you may or may not realize, you just witnessed a murder of two men. Now, I understand that you were threatened by the murderer?" one of them asked.
"Yes," Lizzie said.
"Well, Miss McGuire, I am afraid I have some good news and some bad news about Robert Horawitz. He was the murderer. He is believed to have killed George Tellico and David Jacobs this afternoon. However, he claims he is innocent, which means his trial will be a lot bigger, and witnesses will be required," the older looking officer explained.
Lizzie nodded her head, not sure as to what the two officers were getting at.
"Well, I am Officer Bill McKnight, and this is my partner, Officer Kyle Goodman. We are here to help you, as we know this is a hard thing to deal with," Bill said.
Lizzie nodded her head, "What are you trying to say?"
"Well, you are a witness to this, and, will be asked to testify in court about what you know and what you saw," Kyle explained.
"Okay," Lizzie said.
"This gets a little more complicated than just being a witness. Since he has threatened to kill you, we strongly suggest that you take action," Bill said.
Lizzie nodded her head. She had a clearer sense as to what they were talking about. "What kind of action?" Lizzie said, trying to sound professional, as opposed to what she really felt, which was a slur of emotions, including confusion, sadness, scared, and paranoia.
"Well, the first step is to file a restraining order on Mr. Horawitz, but that might not keep you out of danger," Kyle said.
"And, therefore, we think it is best for you to enter the Witness Protection Program, so if Mr. Horawitz or anyone who knows of Mr. Horawitz tried to find you and hurt you in any way, they will have some difficulty," Bill said.
Lizzie nodded her head, "Do you know about the witness protection program, miss?"
"Not much," Lizzie said.
"Well, the WPP is a program designed for witnesses of a crime who may need protection from other people involved. They will give you a new identity, social security number, as well as a new place to live. They give you a new past as well. With the help of the WPP, it is hard to find someone. Now, are you married? Do you have a family?"
Lizzie looked down at her stomach, which to most people, looked pretty normal. "Uh, no, I am not married. I am, however four months pregnant. The, uh, father died in the plane crash a couple of months ago," Lizzie explained.
"I am very sorry to hear that. Your baby, when born, will take on your new name. I regret to have to say this, but this is very serious business. This program protects your identity, yet at the same time, you loose all contact with your family and friends, for at least a while," Bill explained.
Lizzie looked down. She had never been so scared in her life that afternoon, and she never wanted to go through that again, so she agreed to joining the program, without really thinking of the fact that she could no longer keep contact with her family or Miranda.
The officers explained that she would meet with the program soon, and Lizzie would also have to meet to explain what she saw in the parking lot. In the meantime, she would have to stay with one of the police officers. They said that she would stay with Officer Janet Smith, who Lizzie recognized as the female cop that helped her. The female cop was not in the room when she was explained about the WPP. They called it a day pretty soon after that, and the officer drove Lizzie to her house.
Janet lived by herself. She could see how distressed Lizzie was, and thought maybe they could have a girl-to-girl talk to ease her mind. Being a witness was a hard thing to go through, as Janet helped many witnesses cope with aftermath.
They ate a frozen dinner, and sat down in Janet's kitchen table, "You know, if you want to call somebody and let them know what happened, you can. I mean, you aren't part of the program yet, Miss. McGuire."
"You can call me Lizzie."
"Okay, Lizzie, do you have a friend or family member you want to call, just to let them know you are okay? You can't tell them much, but they deserve to know where you are."
"What can I tell them?"
"You can tell them that you witnessed a crime, and cannot really talk about it and you may have to move for your own protection. When the trial takes place, they can come and see it, but for the time being, you have to be very careful. The WPP will probably explain to your parents and other family about the WPP, and how you can't really talk with them at the moment," Janet explained sympathetically.
Lizzie sniffed, as she started to cry, "I will call them tomorrow. Right now, I don't think I have a clear enough head to talk about it."
"Okay. Well, in the meantime, you are welcome to talk to me. I have dealt with several witnesses, just like you, who have been through the same thing, and I am here to help you and be a friend," Janet said.
Lizzie nodded her head, "I know. I guess this is just adding a lot of stress to my already stressful life," Lizzie said.
"Well, what is so stressful?"
"Well, I am four months pregnant," Lizzie explained.
"Have you talked to your husband? He will have to enter the program, too, I believe."
"Well, I am not married. Actually, the father died in a plane crash, and so it is just me and the baby," Lizzie said.
"Wow! You are having a pretty tough time, then, aren't you?"
Lizzie nodded her head, "and the worst part is, Gordo never even knew he was going to be a father."
Janet looked at her sympathetically, "Well, I will do all I can to help you get through this. This arrangement isn't always permanent. Sometimes, you only have to hide for a few years. I think you are going to be just fine, McGuire."
~~~
Three Months Later.
"Okay, Miss McGuire, starting tomorrow, you will assume this identity," Agent Jeffries explained to Lizzie as he handed her an envelope. Enclosed is a name, a social security number, drivers license, plane ticket, apartment information, work information, and any other necessary info you may need. Now, remember, you may not tell anyone of your real identity, and if you are to let it slip, notify us immediately, so we can give you a new identity. Remember, try to stay low, and keep out of anything that could get you on television or anything. Now, since you are pregnant, this baby will have to take your new name and information regarding all of that is enclosed with this packet. Also, do not call anyone from your past. That could lead to more unwanted trouble. Now, with all of that said, please sign this sheet of paper, and leave. Your flight to your new hometown leaves tomorrow. Once there, someone will meet you in the airport and drive you around to explain your life. Selected people know about this, such as your boss, tenant, and new doctor. They are sworn to secrecy. Any violations on their part could lead to an arrest. Any questions?"
Lizzie shook her head and signed the sheet of paper. She saw her family for the last time yesterday, and the trial was over. Mr. Horowitz was sent to life in prison. Her meeting with her family was escorted and assisted, and they were not allowed to give her anything. They were instructed to tell anyone who asked that Lizzie was away at school, and they didn't talk about her. All pictures were to be put away. The Gordon's were instructed to do the same, pretending they never knew of Lizzie McGuire. Everyone was sad that they couldn't see Lizzie or the baby ever, and could not even know where Lizzie was located.
After everything was explained, Lizzie was escorted to the airport, with little luggage. What she brought with her was also limited, as she couldn't wear her old clothes or anything. The government agency provided her with enough money for clothing and food until she was safe.
On her way to the airport, Lizzie looked at the information on her new identity. Her new name was Lucille Emily Nelson. She was sent to live in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and be an elementary school teacher. Her past was that she moved here from Jackson, Mississippi and the father of her child was killed in a car accident. They gave more details and such, but they didn't really make sense. The past three months for "Lucille" had been overwhelming, with the trial, threats, and police questioning. She was looking forward to starting over again in some ways, but overall missed her old life, before the plane crash, and before the crime. It was bad enough loosing her Gordo, but now, she lost Miranda and the rest of her family.
~~~
Okay, so, like I said, this chapter was going to be bizarre, and in case you forgot, let me go over a quick re-cap. Lizzie thinks Gordo is dead while she is pregnant with his child. In the meantime, Lizzie witnessed a murder, and was threatened by a murderer. She was placed in the WPP, which protects her from the people involved, at the same time, causes her to lose at least temporary contact with everyone she knows, if not losing it all. Now, I know this seems like a soap opera from hell, but like I said, Gordo isn't dead, and he returns into the picture soon, and it still has a happy ending.
Now, I know nothing about Stuttgart, except that it is Southeast of Little Rock, so anything pertaining to Stuttgart will be made up, as far as names go and stuff. I will try and update ASAP, but in the meantime, please review.