The Jenkins cottage was a small abode in the town of Collinsport, Maine. It was the home of mystery writers, Alex and Claire Jenkins. The Jenkins enjoyed decorating their home in an art-deco pastiche with many fine examples of modern art. In 1971, Alex and Claire allowed Tracy Collins to stay at their cottage during a time when her husband, Quentin was behaving uncharacteristically violent. A demented man named Gerard Stiles broke into the Jenkins cottage to kidnap Tracy. Claire Jenkins shot Gerard in the face, but he still managed to abduct Tracy and escape.