Episode 8 of "Cross" kicks off with haunting flashbacks, unveiling deeper layers of the bond between Alex and John. After enduring the tragic loss of his parents, Nana Mama stood as his beacon of hope, reassuring him that brighter days were on the horizon. Yet, Alex's heart is heavy with the fear that something untoward might also claim her, despite her reassurance of emerging unscathed from their current turmoil. Little does he know, that vow will soon be put under severe scrutiny as the narrative shifts back to the present.
Regina is whisked away to the hospital for a battery of tests, accompanied by the children and Elle. Alex is acutely aware that Peter is the shadowy stalker lurking in the shadows, and he desperately seeks a haven for his family. Fortunately, Damon's music tutor, Miss Nancy, offers just the refuge they need—a charming, secluded cabin nestled in Goose Creek. Its remote location and deviation from Alex's usual routine make it an unlikely target for Peter's sinister pursuits. Yet, Alex decides to stay behind, doubling his efforts to crack the Lenox case.
As Alex delves deeper, he uncovers that Peter's biological family is no more, leaving no immediate kinship ties to explore. However, a crucial revelation emerges: Peter had someone he revered as his "fairy godmother" and "street mom." This clue ignites Alex's investigative fire, driving him to unravel the connection between this enigmatic figure and his menacing stalker.
A pivotal phone call with Janelle subsequently dawns a realization upon Alex—that bloodlines do not define family, hinting that they've been barking up the wrong tree in their hunt for Peter. Alex realizes his colossal blunder: the individual intertwined with Peter Lenox's life is none other than Miss Nancy, the very person offering his family sanctuary. Her mask slips during Alex's call, her amusement evident as she declares her reign over their fate.
The cabin, situated three and a half hours away, seems a world apart. Yet, Damon's astute observation—a photo tucked away in the basement depicting Miss Nancy and Peter Lenox side by side—puts them on high alert. The pair decides to keep this discovery under wraps, shielding Janelle from the impending danger.
Miss Nancy grants Alex a four-hour ultimatum to arrive alone. Instead, he rushes to John, pleading forgiveness, owning up to his mistakes, and mending their frayed relationship. Meanwhile, back at the cabin, Elle ingeniously spikes Miss Nancy's drink, buying them precious time. The plan, albeit imperfect, succeeds momentarily, as Miss Nancy slumps unconscious in her chair. Elle seizes the moment, gathering the children and making a swift exit.
But fate has other plans. Miss Nancy miraculously regains consciousness, sparking a fierce confrontation with Elle, armed with a taser. Though Elle manages to outwit her, their triumph is short-lived. Peter Lenox storms in, wielding a baseball bat, vandalizing the car and flattening Elle to the ground, escalating the stakes to a perilous climax.
Alex and John raced towards the cabin with urgency, splitting their paths halfway to avoid raising suspicion. Inside, Alex was bound with cable ties and seated opposite the children, while John remained outside—but so did Peter, who had his hands clasped around a sniper rifle. With a cold heart, Peter took the shot, leaving John lifeless on the ground.
Later, Peter joined Miss Nancy, who stood watching as she doused the children in kerosene and compelled Alex to choose one of them to die. Peter harbored doubts about the plan, but Alex understood that this was all about seeking justice. It transpired that Miss Nancy had manipulated Deirdre into taking the blame for Peter, her sibling. Deirdre agreed, driven by their familial bond, revealing Nancy's unwavering devotion to her son above all else.
Alex realized Peter was unaware of this deceit and confronted him with the truth, acknowledging that Nancy's scheme had backfired due to Deirdre's mental breakdown in prison. Suddenly, John burst through the window with a fridge, initiating a fierce battle with Peter Lenox. As they fought, the kerosene spilled across the floor, creating a perilous scene.
Lenox was eventually knocked unconscious with a frying pan, while Alex held Miss Nancy at gunpoint. "My babies need me," were Maria's final words, echoed mockingly by Nancy now. This confirmation solidified Nancy's guilt in Maria's murder a year prior. Alex vowed she would face justice, but Nancy, determined to avoid prison, chose to immolate herself and the cabin.
As flames engulfed the cabin, Peter Lenox was incarcerated, while Alex and John breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have escaped unscathed. Meanwhile, Ed Ramsay was escorted through the police station for interrogation, with Chief Anderson overseeing the process. Alex was summoned for an interview, just as in the first episode, and entered to confront Ed. It became apparent that Ed had requested his presence, believing himself akin to a celebrity destined for historical remembrance. However, in 2024, the era of celebrity endorsements had waned, and his dreams of fame were dashed.
Alex deflected Ed's narcissism, informing him that Bobby Trey owned the incriminating book. John, however, decided to thwart Ed's ambitions by burning the book in front of him via a live feed. He tore out pages and revealed that the police were pursuing the narrative of a "crooked ex-cop as a serial killer," rather than promoting Ed's infamy. Instead, Ed was destined to be labeled clinically insane.
Alex was cleared of charges, while Chief Anderson received a prestigious promotion to Mayor. Malika, swallowing her pride, visited the station to collect Emir's belongings and thanked John for solving the case alongside Alex. As Damon performed his grand piano recital, Alex found the courage to visit Maria's grave and embarked on a journey to confront his past, ultimately attending therapy.
Kayla spoke with Bobby Trey, who was now positioned as America's Most Wanted and the Fanboy killer. Though he had innocent blood on his hands—Vanessa and Tavio among them—there was a path to redemption. By providing information on at least six Fanboy victims, Trey could secure full immunity for 24 months. He accepted the deal and agreed to share a wealth of information to help bring down corrupt individuals at the top.
