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

O'Brien pushed her up the stairs, staying between her and the attackers. The lead man ran up the stairs waving a club. O'Brien kicked him down the stairs, blocking the rest long enough for Cal to make the top. She ran along the hall. If she could get to the hatch, she could escape and bring reinforcements. A man stepped out of the shadows, a long knife in hand. O'Brien pulled her back of the man's reach and pushed her into her office. He slammed the door behind him. Cal picked herself off the floor in time to see Tallinan's arm come around O'Brien's neck. The point of his knife penetrated the front of O'Brien's uniform. The Chief Petty Officer collapsed soundlessly to the floor.


Chapter 52: Turncoat Part 4