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

"Lady Shillingsworth will no longer go anywhere without me," Bundo stood immovable as a rock.


"I can't allow non-Navy personnel into this facility." Chief Petty Officer O'Brien looked just as stubborn as Bundo. "I'm sorry, Commander, my orders come from the Admiralty. Even you can't override them."


"Very well." Cal forced her voice to be as icy as she could. "You explain to the Admiralty why all work at the Shed has stopped." She turned to leave. "Let's go."


"You can't do that!" O'Brien stepped in front of her.


"Did you suddenly get a promotion I didn't hear about?" Cal no longer had to work at the coldness. "Are you the Lord Admiral now? Perhaps you're the new heir to the throne and the news hasn't caught up with me yet." Cal pointed to the Shed. "This is my ship, Petty Officer. Nobody tells me what I can and can't do on my ship. Not you, not the Admiralty, not the Queen herself. If I say work stops, it stops. Now."


Chapter 39: New Suspicions Part 1