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

"You understand why my father removed him from the expedition's roster. We had no desire to spend months at sea with such a boorish man."


Dr. Gostan's mouth was moving but Pentam couldn't hear him over the noise of the audience as they turned to find the source of the new interruption.


Cal strolled down the aisle of the auditorium, dressed in immaculate whites with a blue jacket. Her hair had been cut short, yet still somehow looked feminine. 


"May I introduce Miss Calliope Shillingsworth, artist extraordinaire and engineer of the Peregrine." Pentam pointed toward Cal. The room erupted in applause, completely drowning out Dr. Gostan who finally slumped down in his seat looking petulant.


Cal made her way up the stairs to the podium. 


"Sorry I was late, we ran into a spot of trouble with the steam carriage. It took me longer than it should have to set it right." She hugged Pentam. "I caught enough to know you are doing a marvelous job."


Chapter 58: The Royal Society Part 4