Teds Cottage

Teddy Bates ordered his usual pint and took a seat at the bar of the Old Feathers pub. The landlord, Jim Best, called over from behind the bar.

“Finished the holiday cottage yet Ted?”

“Yep all done. Got a young couple coming to stay later today. I’ve put a bottle of bubbly for them in the fridge. Thought it would be a nice touch as they’re my first paying guests.”

“That’s nice Ted. Got many bookings?”

“August is full as is September and already got two for October.”

“Bloody hell Ted that’s great news. I’ll have to come round and take a look at this new venture of yours.”

“Welcome any time Jim. I’m really pleased with the way it’s turned out. Looks really good.”

“What is it Ted, two bedroom?”

“No just the one but with en-suite. Big Kitchen, lounge and a small separate bathroom.”

“I’m really pleased for you Ted, looks like you’ve put that bit of redundancy money to good use.”

“It seemed the best option. I’ve got the ground; the new cottage is only fifty yards from my house. I did all the footings then got Bob and Dave to do the building work, old Martin did all the plumbing and with my background in electrics I did all the spark work and fitted all the security gear. It’ll give me a nice bit of extra income.”

“As I said Ted, great news.”

Jim raised his pint and gestured towards Ted.

At the other end of the bar sat Terry Riley another local man. He called over quietly to Jim.

“Did I hear you say that Teddy has finished the cottage?”

“Yeh, he said he’s got a couple coming later today.”

“Must have come to a few quid?”

“Redundancy Terry, he paid for it with his Redundancy payment from Blundell Electrics. He was there for over thirty years so must have got a few bob.”

“Oh I didn’t know he worked for Blundells. Shame about them closing down, the company was never the same after those two teenage girls went missing. One of the guvnors was charged wasn’t he?”

“Well, they never found the bodies, but it turned out that Steve Blundell was having affairs with both of them. The Police found one of the girl’s cardigans in his boot. He pleaded all innocent of course but they’ve charged him and I think the trial is set for later this year.”

“He ought to be bloody strung up, that’s what I say.”

Jim Best nodded in agreement. He walked back to Teddy.

“Another pint Ted?”

“No thanks Jim I’m gonna make a move now. That couple should be at the cottage by now and I want to make sure that everything’s done proper.”

“Okay mate, see you soon.”

Teddy put down his pint glass and left the pub. It was only a short walk back to his house and he could already see a blue car parked outside. As he got close he could see a young woman in her early twenties taking a small bag from the boot of the car. Teddy called out.

“Hi there. You in the cottage for the weekend?”

She looked up and smiled at him, her long dark hair tied back into a ponytail.

“Yes, we’ve just arrived. Are you Mister Bates the owner?”

“I am indeed me dear. Welcome to Forget –Me- Knot Cottage. I’ve put a bottle of something sparkly in the fridge for you. My treat. Anything you need, I’m just along the path.”

Her eyes sparkled and she started to giggle.

“Thanks ever so much.”

A young man appeared from the pathway and smiled. The girl grabbed his arm.

“This is the owner, Mister Bates; he’s put some champagne in the fridge for us. Isn’t that nice of him?”

The David Beckham lookalike ran his hands through his hair and stroked the two day stubble on his chin.

“Thank you. I found the key under the flowerpot just as you said.”

Teddy shook his hand.

“As I mentioned to your young lady, anything you need just come and see me at the end of the pathway. Now go and open that bottle of sparkly and make yourself comfortable. You’ve had a long drive all the way from London. It’s now time to relax so I’ll leave you to get settled. Have a nice stay.”

The young couple took two more bags out of the boot of the car and walked along the narrow pathway and into the small cottage. The girl flung herself on the bed.

“How’s this for a plan? I’ll take a nice shower while you open up the bubbly. Then we’ll do as the old guy said and get comfy.”

She giggled and winked at him. He smiled then gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Don’t be long. I think we should christen this old bed don’t you?”

She giggled once again and started to take off her clothes.

Teddy Bates walked along his hallway. He entered a small room. His office. On a desk were four flat screen monitors. He sat down and flicked a switch on a small grey box. The monitors came on. In full colour and HD were each of the rooms in the new cottage. He saw the young girl exit the bedroom and walk into the bathroom. He smiled and said aloud.

“Just like the other two. Here we go!”