"Our place." The words were meant as a comfort to the blonde. To let her know that she had somewhere to run on days like this that could be her safehaven. "Come on... There's a bath with you're name on it. Along with a glass of wine... I'll even break out the Italian bottle my mama sent me over last month." He wrapped an arm around her and led Daisy up the sidewalk and back to his flat.Ā
There he drew a bath for her and poured a glass of wine, a record softly playing on the gramophone. "You enjoy yourself... I have a quick errand to run and when I get back I'll cook us dinner. On me tonight... okay?" Sal placed a kiss to her forehead, one hand cupping her cheek lightly, before he turned and headed out of the apartment, giving Daisy space to unwind.Ā
It was only a fifteen minute drive to the country club and the Italian made his way straight back to Sidney's office, not even stopping when the receptionist yelled at him.Ā
"Mr... Mr. Perri... I wasn't expecting a visit from any Capones... I don't think. I've paid my fees this month." Salvatore laughed, closing the man's office door behind him.
"Oh no, Sid. I'm not here to collect, perse." He pulled his revolver out of it's holster, spinning the chamber and locking it in place. "We have another matter to attend to... one a bit more personal." Sal strolled over to the now shaking man still sitting in his office chair.Ā
"Sal... Salvatore... I have no idea what you're on about... I promise I would never do anything to anger the family." Sweat was already beginning to trickle down his now pail face.Ā
"Is that so?" Sal walked around the back of Sidney's chair. "I beg to differ, Mr. VanHooven... you see, you've hurt a member of our family. Someone who is both close to myself and like a sister to Frankie Capone." Sal now stood in front of the quivering man, using on hand to lean the office chair back as far as it would go while the other hand held the gun to the man's chin.Ā
"You denied one Miss Daisy Miller entrance into your establishment today. On grounds of rumors that you don't even know are true.... You also allowed her tires to be slashed without incident.... that's a problem for me and my family." Sal clicked the safety off.Ā
"So the way I see it... you have two choices, you can either continue to act like the idiot you were today and shun a woman whose done nothing wrong... or you can apologize like the gentleman I know you are and make your wrongs right." He dug the metal into Sidney's skin, so hard he could feel the pushback as the man swallowed hard.Ā
"So Sid... what's if going to be? Will you do the right thing or do I have to show you how the Capone family treats Village idiots?" The man shook his head.Ā
"No...n-n-no... I'm sorry Mr. Perri. I will correct the error. I promise I did not know Miss Miller was part of the family. I will ensure she receives the best treatment from here on out."Ā
"See... I don't think you quite understand. You won't be doing this because she happens to know the right people. You will be doing this because you're a gentleman who is smart enough not to act on gossip and idle chats in some spa. Daisy Miller is a wonderful, intelligent amazing woman and she's done nothing wrong. Events were out of her control and she's never once lifted a finger to hurt a soul. So Mr. VanHooven, you won't be doing this because I hold your life at the tip of my pointer finger, you'll be doing this because it's the right and proper thing to do. It will be something you can proudly tell your kids about one day, about how you stood up to a woman whose name was being dragged through the mud by the cruel people of Montford. How you, Mr. Sidney VanHooven, showed bravery and intelligence to rise above the rest of the scum and take a higher road.... do I make myself clear?"Ā
The man simply nodded and so Sal removed the gun from his throat and patted him on the cheek. "Good Man. You have a lovely day." And with that he walked out of the club, pulling a rose from a bouquet and handing it the receptionist, all apologies for the interruption as he left and headed back to his flat to be with Daisy.Ā