Author:
Alex McGilvery has been reading since before he can remember, and writing almost that long. He has published 18 books and is author and editor at his imprint Celticfrog Publishing. He lives in Kamloops with his dog and the stories clawing their way out of his head.

They’re chasing a myth in the name of science.

Calliope works for her explorer father as an artist, recording what he brings back from his journeys in her sketchbooks. When she’s given a chance to go along on a trip to capture a sea serpent she doesn’t hesitate.

Life at sea isn't what she expected, and she ends up fascinated by the engine room of the steamship HMRV Peregrine. A tragedy makes her assistant engineer, but Pentam, her father’s protégé, is even more determined than her father to make Cal a fine lady. That means protecting her from danger, even if it drives her crazy.
When science and legend collide, Cal is the one who must take up the challenge of survival, even if it means risking her new-found feelings for Pentam.

Calliope

"I love you, Pentam, but don't get in the way when I have a job to do." Cal pushed herself to her feet and headed down to the engine room. She brushed tears from her eyes, then pushed away all thought but getting the Peregrine back to Finches Harbour 


They limped into port at one quarter power with the shaft hammering the engine room. Listening to the engine struggle brought tears to Cal's eyes. The machine had struggled mightily to get them here, but it wasn't going any further. The signal from the bridge came to shut down the engine. Cal cut the steam and killed the fire. Whatever they did to this ship, the engine room would need to be completely refitted.


Cal headed upstairs. She watched at the rail while two of the boats rowed the Peregrine to the dock. She didn't leave her spot until the ropes were secured and the gangplank down. While the team left the ship, headed for the hotel, Cal went to check on her father and Monky.


Chapter 45: Limping to Port Part 2