Jefferson.

The cottage sat majestically over its surroundings. As if nature itself had carved out the place to build.

Passing on the road, it seemed like a cottage you might see anywhere. A garage stood alone and the gap between the house and garage was bridged by a gated access road. The grounds well kept and no apparent weathering on the cottage. All and all nothing special to look at. To most passers by, it went unseen.

Driving on to the property, you would be promptly greeted. Regardless of the time day or night. Met with a a greeting of why are you here tone, while saying "How can I help you Sir?"

The cottage was not short of visitors. Daily deliveries of fresh groceries, bread, milk, eggs and meat. Inside the cottage was divided in to three parts by hallways. Along the left side was 5 Doors. The first a guest toilet, the next four private rooms of residents. On the immediate right was an office room. Fitted with security and computer equipment.

Midway along the hall there was another hallway to the right. dividing the right side of the cottage to front and back. Five doors were in this Hallway, Two on the left, two on the right and one straight ahead. The office door and a large storage room were on the right. To the left a Laundry room and a Kitchen area. The door at the end opened to a room that reached from the front to the back of the cottage.

To the front of this long room. A cosy area around a fireplace had been made. To the back a large dining table to seat more than the 11 residents. The middle of the room was divided by two counters on wheels that could be moved to the side for large gatherings of a party nature.

There are four permanent residents in the cottage. In total eleven people live in the cottage. Eight adults and three girls aged 4 4 and 5. The attic space had been converted and now used as bedroom play area for the three girls. The four were contractors. Two couples with one child and two. Contracted on a renewable 2 year contract.

Their job was to ensure the needs of the estate were taken care of. It put just below a weekly basic wage in each of their pockets. The 0 cost for living expense more than doubled the value of their hourly rate. Adding in other perks like transport, insurance coverage and pension contributions. They were caretakers that came out ahead of many well paid office workers. Before they got any yearly bonus.

They were also known locally as the gatekeeper. Keeping records of who comes and goes deliveries and general upkeep of the premises and land all came down to these four people. They hired people as needed to do various jobs. None of them were experts or even knowledgeable about land or taking care of it. Picking up stray paper that now and then infiltrated the yard was about as much upkeep as they actually done themselves.

Plumbers, electricians, brick layers, gardeners, landscapers. If it was needed they sourced it and got it done.

The other four were tourists, travelling together in a old rented tour bus. Using the cottage as their base camp. Getting fresh supplies and a reliable spot for a decent bed and hot shower. Heading off in different direction every two days. Once gone, they would not be back for another two or three days. One day to travel there, one day there, one day return was their general rule.

Travelling bloggers, making more money than banana boat coal mine shift. People like to watch them for some reason though and endless excitement around the dining table when they are sharing what their next epic blog will be about.

On this day, a coin was tossed and they jumped in to the bus and began their journey south.

Page 1.

Author note:
Contractors or tourists.