It's been days since Alex last seen Norma. She had called him about flowers that were sent to her office and she suspected that it was from that mysterious man named Abernathy. He can't help but felt a little guilty by shutting her down when she's obviously scared of that guy. It's true that it's impossible to track him by the florist but he can at least say something to make her feel better. The poor woman has been through enough since she moved in his town. It's the least he can do.

He decided to drive by the motel to check on her. It's not what he normally do but it will ease his mind if he will see it with his own eyes that she's fine and doing well.

Alex arrived at the motel and saw Norma's shadow inside the office. She's leaning over her table and doesn't seem to notice he has arrived. He went inside and found her staring into space.

"Hey", he called her attention.

Norma, startled, looked at him right away before turning away and putting some of her hair on her face but it's too late. He already saw it.

"What happened to you?" he asked.

Norma's guard immediately kicked in. With her hair covering half of her face, she turned to Alex with a mask on.

"What do you mean? I was just here working. Do you need something?" she lied and then asked him back.

He knows she's lying. It wouldn't be the first time she lied on his face without even blinking. She's shutting him out.

"Tell me what happened", he insisted using his Sheriff tone to force her.

Norma just scoffed and then tried to walk past him but he caught her arm. Alex pushed the door close and pinned Norma on the wall. He closed the blinds and looked at Norma. She doesn't like being cornered but she can't just shove him off.

"What are you doing, Alex?" she asked trying to act calm but her nervousness is radiating.

He then tucked her hair behind her ear to get a clear view of her face. He discovered bruise on the side of her right eye being poorly covered by her concealer. There is a small cut near her eyebrow too.

"Who did this to you?" he asked.

"No one", she lied.

"Please…don't lie. It can't be nothing, Norma. Is it the Abernathy guy?" he insisted.

Norma hesitated.

"I can't tell you", she whispered like she doesn't want anyone to hear.

It's a confirmation for Alex. He can feel how she is shaking. His hands are on her shoulders.

"What happened?" he asked.

Norma is already tearing up.

"I already told you. I can't tell you. If I did, my family will be in danger. I am trapped, Alex. He could be watching now. I don't know", she answered.

She is scared. That much is clear for him. That man that he dismissed so easily had hurt her.

"Come with me", he said.

Norma frowned.

"What?" she asked but she didn't get any answer because Alex had already grabbed her arm and dragged her towards his truck.

Norma is too confused to even resist or get her arm back. She got in his vehicle and Alex drove off away from the motel.

"Where are you taking me?" she asked but he didn't answer.

Then, Alex pulled over on the side of the road that she doesn't recognize at all. He turned off the ignition and faced Norma.

"Now, talk. We're the only people here. No one is watching. If there's anyone coming towards us, I will know", he said.

He will not give it up. He needs to know what happened so he will know how he will protect her.

"I was closing in last night when he showed up. He pushed me inside of one of the rooms and locked the door. He said that if I don't give him the money Zack owed him, he will kill me and my sons. I told him I don't know anything about that money but he doesn't believe me. He said if I informed the police, I will regret it forever. That's why I can't talk to you. I know he will be back and I know that I will just have to do what he wants because if I refused Norman and Dylan will be killed", she said.

Alex knows it's about that sex slavery business of Zack and Keith. Norma knew nothing about that and her only fault is buying that stupid motel.

"When did he say you will give the money?" he asked.

"Tonight", she answered.

"Where will you meet him?" he asked again.

"I am not meeting him. He will pick me up at the motel. I have no idea where he's taking me but if I am not there when he arrives tonight, my kids are dead", she answered.

He has to think fast. He can't let that guy take Norma, not now, not ever. The problem is, he can't just show up and kill him in front of her motel. Her business already suffered after Zack's death.

"Listen to me. I got a plan. You will be there tonight. I will give you a bag full of cash and you will go with him", he said.

"What?" she asked in panic.

"Hold on. I will be there at your tail, okay? I will not let you out of my sight. We need to know where he's going and I will take it from there. Trust me, Norma", he continued.

She wanted to protest but if there's anything she is sure about the short time she had known Alex, it's better to trust him because he's a man of his word.

"Fine. I'll do it. I trust you", she agreed.