Independence Day

Frank brings the Markhams to the house he wants to show them, which belongs to Ted Houlihan, a retired engineer who has recently lost his wife. Along the way, Frank muses on aspects of his job as a realtor. The house is in Penn’s Neck, which places it somewhat out of the way and a bit removed from Haddam, but Frank tells the couple that it represents their best chance yet. At first sight, Phyllis likes what she sees. The ever-negative Joe does not like it. Frank loses patience with Joe, but after another heart-to-heart conversation, he finally convinces Joe to go inside and take a look.

Upon entering, Joe doesn’t even stop to meet Ted Houlihan, the owner of the home. Along with Ted, Frank and Phyllis look over the house. Phyllis likes what she sees until she discovers that the property is next to a prison. Ted and Frank quickly try to assuage her fears and insist that the prison is more like a country club where white-collar criminals serve mild sentences. It is not a maximum-security federal prison. This does not calm Phyllis. Meanwhile, Joe’s presence is heard throughout the house as he checks over everything by hand.