Episode 4 of "Cross" kicks off with a glimpse into Susan's past as a formidable lawyer, where she stands in court, passionately defending the case of Lance Marion, a victim brutally beaten and tortured 17 times by Deidre Nolan. Intriguingly, the dress she wears in this courtroom drama matches the one later seen hanging in the cemetery, foreshadowing a deeper connection.
Switching to the present, Alex learns that Brenda, once a corrections officer at the same prison as Deidre, was terminated for wielding her power irresponsibly. Ironically, Alex himself had been a witness in Deidre's case, testifying that redemption was beyond her reach. This stands in stark contrast to his own mantra of hope and rehabilitation for the youth. Furthermore, the path to reaching Deidre seems blocked, leaving no clear avenue for justice.
Meanwhile, Ed has orchestrated a sinister scenario, with Shannon confined in the basement closet of his next house, now being soundproofed by hired workers.
At the precinct, Alex Cross delves into the serial killer tome, uncovering a chilling connection to their ongoing investigation. It transpires that serial killers themselves are being targeted with methods mirroring those in the book. This enigmatic volume holds the key to Shannon's whereabouts, serving as the crucial final piece in a puzzle encompassing 11 other cases—12 in total to complete the narrative. They dub this haunting saga the "Fanboy" case.
John and Alex's sleuthing soon intertwines Shannon's disappearance with the world of dating apps, specifically e-Fling, which boasts a non-discriminatory matching system. By cross-referencing Emir and Shannon's profiles and examining their matches, Cross sets out to uncover a hidden thread.
A chilling realization dawns: the Fanboy is leveraging the names of real serial killers. To ensnare this elusive adversary, John and Alex devise a daring plan, playing into his dark fantasies. This strategy involves sharing their findings with Tania Hightower, inadvertently stirring up a frenzy among protesters who cry foul over Shannon's prominence in the media, despite her having been missing for mere days. The stage is set for a high-stakes confrontation where every move could be the difference between life and death.
Alex Cross steps into the shoes of the protagonist, scrutinizing every detail with intense focus. Gradually, the pieces fit together, revealing that Ed's ultimate desire is to be idolized. Cross recognizes that the book holds the crucial key, marking their final chance to apprehend Ed before he vanishes into thin air, forever eluding justice.
As time ticks away preciously, John pulls off a coup by securing Deidre's psychological evaluation, personally conducted by Alex Cross. This document serves as a beacon, illuminating a motive steeped in revenge. However, an additional revelation unfolds at the precinct, adding another layer to the puzzle.
Shannon's skin, plagued by Dermatitis, now makes sense of the mysterious rashes we glimpsed in our last encounter. The treatment required is a specialized endeavor, accessible only to a handful of elite chemists, far beyond the reach of common remedies. After a thorough investigation, they uncover a vital lead at a place named Kugler's. The customer in question goes by the name Harry Powers—a moniker eerily reminiscent of a serial killer from a cinematic tale. Yet, Ed's need for a legitimate prescription and identification narrows the path of inquiry, making it a trail they can unmistakably follow back to him. His meticulous planning has a critical flaw, one that will ultimately betray him.
At the station, the gang delves deep and discovers that Ed hails originally from Indiana. This scrapbook serves as his holy grail, and he holds these murderers in a reverence akin to worship. More than just a fanboy, Ed is a fanatic, likening himself to an artist in his dedication.
That evening, Alex Cross and his companions engage in karaoke, seeking to unwind and let go of their tensions. However, an anonymous force interrupts their revelry by hacking the system and blasting through the 911 call Alex made when Maria passed away. The analysts who arrive on the scene inform them that tracing the origin is impossible due to the Bluetooth connection, which they describe as "as open as a hangar door." Consequently, the truth remains elusive.
Alex Cross pursues Trey, who retrieves the book from Ed following a botched operation at the warehouse that involved Chris Wu. Unfortunately, despite shooting at Trey, Alex only manages to knock him into the water from the bridge they stand upon, allowing Trey to escape.
When the police arrive, accompanied by Chief Anderson, it seems that the trail has gone cold. There is no trace of Trey, and the tracking device has vanished. It is revealed that Trey is an ex-cop, leaving Chief Anderson with a headache as he attempts to spin the story to the press. He portrays Trey as their real Fanboy, while secretly collaborating with John to uncover the killer.
Ed becomes aware of Alex's newfound fame in the news following the bridge incident and decides to take him more seriously. As for Alex, Kayla visits him in the morning and confirms that the Harry Powers synonym was used before, specifically at an auction last March for a photograph. This realization dawns upon Alex, and he concludes that Ed Ramsay is the killer, a revelation we've known for four episodes.
