Stranger (Johnny slaughter x reader)

The big door

The truck came to a halt in front of a weathered sign that read "Midland Psychiatric Institute." The imposing institution loomed behind it, with its exterior a mix of aged brickwork and barred windows, giving it an unwelcoming appearance. Y/n was about to open the door, eager to proceed, but Johnny's hand abruptly clamped onto her arm, preventing her from stepping out. He turned to her and said, "Wait a minute."

"Why? We're already-" Y/n began to ask, but before she could finish her question, Johnny interrupted, his tone firm, "Just give me a second."

Johnny released his grip on Y/n and took a deep breath, his brow furrowed in thought. Y/n watched him intently, her mind racing as she tried to imagine what must be going through his mind in this moment.

Johnny stammered slightly, his eyes locked onto Y/n's. "I-I need you to do the talking. Please," he implored.

Y/n furrowed her brow in confusion. "Why?" she asked, her curiosity and concern etched on her face.

Johnny took another deep breath before he reluctantly confessed, "Well, what I really need is for you to go in alone."
Y/n's eyes widened, and her voice trembled with disbelief as she asked, "Are you serious?"

Johnny nodded, a mix of determination and concern in his eyes. "Yes, I'm serious. I need you to do whatever reporter mumbo jumbo you do, sweet talk your way into them letting you talk to her, you're her best chance."

Frustration crept into Y/n's voice as she pressed Johnny for an answer. "Why, Johnny?"

Johnny finally revealed a piece of the puzzle, his voice low and cautious. "They know my family, Y/n. They've seen us before. But you... you don't look like family."

Y/n's internal reaction was one of unsurprise. Given her experience with Johnny's family, it made sense that a mental institution would have dealt with them in the past.

Y/n asked, "What am I supposed to say when I get in there?"

Johnny replied, "I don't know, figure it out. Just don't do anything stupid." He then opened the truck door, and Y/n quickly caught up behind him.

As Y/n walked towards the front entrance of the institution, she noticed Johnny heading towards the back. She called out, "Hey, where are you going?"

Johnny turned to her and said, "Don't worry about it. Just do what you need to do inside." With that, he disappeared around the corner, leaving Y/n to face the institution on her own.

Y/n walked into the facility, her nerves mounting with every step. At the front desk, a nurse with a stern expression greeted her.
She approached the nurse. The sterile, fluorescent-lit hallway casting harsh shadows as she hesitantly spoke, "Hello, I called earlier today inquiring about a patient here, Nancy Sawyer."

The nurse, her expression firm but not unkind, nodded and maintained her professional demeanor. She reached for a thick binder, flipping through its pages, and asked, "Yes, we received a call earlier. Can you please provide some information for verification? May I have your name and the purpose of your visit?"

Y/n took a deep breath, her voice quivering slightly as she replied, "My name is Y/n, and I'm a journalist. I was hoping to interview Nancy Sawyer for a story I'm working on."

The nurse listened attentively, her fingers poised over the pages of the binder. After a moment's pause, she said, "I understand your request, but we must prioritize the safety and well-being of our patients. Interviews or visits without proper authorization can't be allowed."

Desperation began to creep into Y/n's voice as she pleaded, "Please, you have to understand. This interview is crucial for my story, and time is of the essence. It won't be disruptive, I promise. I just need a chance."