Michael followed a moving truck to a new yet smaller home in Algonquin, IL, at the end of March. Algonquin was a lovely middle-class suburb just 60 miles west of Lake Forest. Michael sold the house on Festive Lane to Harry and Susan Hill, who believed the home would be a fresh beginning for the three children they had taken into their family due to the tragic deaths of their parents, Carin and Rick McCann.

Carin was Susan’s sister, although you would never know it. Susan, a tall and thin natural blonde, could easily have been a model in her younger years, whereas Carin was short and stocky with dark, almost black hair. Rick and Carin owned a bar and grill located on the Northside of Chicago called McNasty’s.

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As Harry, Susan, and the children entered the home at 148 Festive Lane, Michael offered them hot chocolate and some freshly baked cookies.

“Oh no, thank you, Mr. Carter; we won’t be here that long. We just wanted to take a quick look around,” said Susan.

“Don’t be silly. Come on, have some hot chocolate. Please let me take your coats. Come in and sit down. There are several trays of cookies just out of the oven waiting for a hungry kid. Any hungry kids around here?” he said as he shaped his hands like binoculars and scanned the hallway.

“I’m starving!” shouted Rose.

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A NEW ADVENTURE FOR THE HILLS

It was a cold day in March, even for Chicago, but the sky was a bright blue, and the frigid winds embraced the city as it had done for hundreds of years. A brisk 18 degrees above zero was not the best day to be house hunting, but this family of five huddled into a luxury Mercedes sedan, braving the cold to find a much-needed new home.

“Yes, that’s it up ahead. East Townline Road, Route 60. Take that exit and go east toward Lake Forest,” said the adult woman sitting in the passenger seat.

“Aunt Susan, this is far from our school and all of our friends. I don’t think we should look this far out,” stated a cute 10-year-old redhead girl with freckles.

“Rose, we all decided that we cannot stay in your current house. There are just too many memories of your parents." Susan replied, "We have to find a new home and have a fresh start.” Susan replied.

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THE HOUSE GUESTS

      As the doorbell's tone faded into silence, Harry, Susan, and the kids all stood frozen in anticipation and disbelief. Susan stood up and walked to her father. She reached out her hand and poked him in the shoulder. His physical body was real. 

      “Daddy? Is it really you?” she asked.

      “Yes, sweetheart. It’s really your mother and me. Your sister could be waiting just outside as well. You might want to answer the door,” he replied.

      Susan looked at Harry, and Harry turned to the kids.

      “Are you guys ready for this? Rose honey, do you understand what is happening here?” he asked.

      “Sure… we live in a magical house that is bringing mom and dad back to me. What are you waiting for? Open the door,” she replied.

      Harry hesitates and stops short of opening the door. He looks at Susan.

      “Can we talk privately for a second, Susan?”

      “Sure, Harry,” she replied.

      “Do not open the front door. Just give us a second,” Harry told the others.

      Harry and Susan walk toward the back of the house into the family room, just past the kitchen.

      “This is frickin unbelievable, but how do we handle this knowing that Rick killed Carin?” he asked.