"We're in port, can't you let someone else do that?" Pentam would have taken back his words, but they rang out through the lounge making everyone turn and look at him.
"We'll be here a while." Cal's expression didn't change. "There will be time for us to spend together." She waved down a waiter. "I'll have a brandy, please, the best you have available."
"When did you start drinking brandy?" Prof. Orthin spoke up quickly as if he knew the question was on Pentam's lips.
"Captain Cully and I shared a toast to the destruction of the sea serpent."
"At least you've ordered the best." Pentam sighed.
***
By the time Pentam got up, Cal had broken her fast and gone down to the Peregrine. He sat at a table in the corner and sipped at his tea.
"You must be Pentam Booksdale." A lilting voice l
