Specter Analysis: Oleander's Irregulars, #3

By Alice Sabo

A sudden rash of burglaries seems to be targeting the Arcane community. When Miller joins his brother to investigate the break-ins, they discover some peculiar anomalies. Miller knows the Darkness is testing them. Powerful magic is being used in a tragic and bizarre method. With help from the newest residents of the Stronghold, he attempts to unravel a strange new criminal enterprise. An unexpected ally emerges to help them make sense of things as they take a stand against the Darkness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alice Sabo
• Release date: Aug 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223406303

Alice Sabo

Alice Sabo is the author of over 25 novels in 7 series. Her character-driven stories range across multiple genres including science fiction, post-apocalyptic, high fantasy, mystery and contemporary fantasy. Whether seeking lost cultures in an unforgiving galaxy or fighting the Darkness on the streets of the city, her books have strong world building, multi-layered characters and a satisfying culmination.

Book preview

Chapter one

Miller didn’t like to argue with mythical beings. They always based things on the assumption that he should understand all of their century-stretching, unfathomable existences. He was respectful of their needs and wants but felt it wasn’t really their responsibility to look after the young humans. And in his opinion, Lulu and Timothy would definitely benefit from a well-planned social event.

He made his case, speaking to an empty room that had a heavy sense of presence. There was something listening. He just had no idea what it was. Usually, it was Oleander who spoke to the Unseen, but Timothy had dreamed this. For some reason, it had to be Miller who explained the situation to something. No one had been very clear on what or who it was, just that it needed to be reassured. He did his best, and it seemed to have appeased whatever had been concerned.

The upcoming event was part of a process that had been in the works for awhile. And since the city in general had been surprisingly quiet since the Great Release, this was a good time to be trying new things. Eloise, Doc and Joey were slowly adapting to their lives in a very new world, and the apartment complex that Antonio and Ralf had designed was swiftly built. It included an event room carefully tucked into a basement and guarded by so many wards it made Miller’s skin crawl.

That room would be the new teaching area. Miller wasn’t ready to call it a school because it was simply a big space to gather all the Arcane youngsters. He wanted Lulu and Timothy included. They might not have talent, but they did have a very difficult gift. And anything that might help them get through the night was worth exploring.

The apartment complex was wrapped in a fine-tuned look-away that only worked on the mundane. They saw it as a rather ugly, industrial-looking building that might house drab offices or some small manufacturing. The Arcane saw it for what it was, a beautiful compound of apartments and gardens safely enclosed behind a high wall and more of Moon’s carefully constructed wards.

Miller went to report to Oleander knowing that she dealt with the more ethereal beings of the island. He was hopeful but wasn’t sure if anything had been achieved by his carefully prepared speech. She was in her tower room busily poring over some ancient-looking ledgers. It didn’t surprise him to find her still set against it. He’d run his arguments past her earlier and had thought he’d seen a bit of agreement, but she was still deeply concerned about possible consequences.

They cannot leave the island, she said firmly.

It’s not far, Miller said patiently. And I will keep them at arm’s length the whole time.

It’s my responsibility to keep them safe, Oleander said in a tone that inferred the conversation was at an end.

They will be surrounded by the Arcane community. How could they not be safe with Moon, me, Ralf, Antonio, Rainbow, Eloise… He stopped naming people as her frown eased. You know that I would do anything to protect them.

Why is this so important? Oleander asked, her scowl returning.

Because they are young. They need better connections. Friends. Lulu has an invisible housekeeper, a mythical being and a middle-aged, ex-FBI agent as her friends. If we want her to grow up to be a healthy, well-rounded person, she needs to interact with others her age.

Oleander looked alarmed. You want her around untrained Arcane?

Yes, Miller insisted. That way she can see others who are learning and making mistakes. She’s too isolated, and we place unreasonable expectations on her.

Oleander got up to pace. I don’t feel good about this.

Miller didn’t repeat his invitation for her to attend the gathering. She’d already declined rather firmly. He knew she was still hurting from the long betrayal by Mitchell Bascomb and was uneasy facing the community. Her face had gathered a few more lines and her gray hair had a few new strands of white since the discovery of his infiltration into the Stronghold.

He wanted to assure her that he wasn’t taking any unreasonable risks. I think that it will be a start. Maybe messy. Maybe uncomfortable. But we have to make an effort to get these kids educated.

Of course, she said waving a hand in dismissal. I’m just not sold on the idea of mixing them all in together.

We have to, Miller said. They need to see that people like Ralf with a small talent are just as important as someone like Doc with a bigger talent.

She turned her eyes on him. They can’t be away for very long.

I don’t know how long they will want to be there, Miller admitted. It could be that we get to the end of the bridge, and they both feel overwhelmed. If something like that happens, I’ll bring them right back. If not, I think it’s very important for them to meet others and have fun.

Oleander looked even more uneasy. And you think this will be fun?

I think that leaving the Stronghold might be a shock for them. And that they need to know that the outside world is not waiting to gobble them up. And that they have allies.

You could be wrong on all accounts, Oleander warned. "The outside world already did its best to crush them. That’s why they are here. That’s why they are safe here."

I know that, Miller acknowledged. It’s not as if I’m dropping them in the middle of the city on their own. We’re going a couple of blocks away to the apartments. Everyone there is a part of the Arcane community. No one would hurt them. He let Oleander stew for a few minutes. He had reservations about it too. But having Timothy and Lulu in the curious isolation of the Stronghold wasn’t the best for their emotional growth. This would be an experiment, and he had to handle it delicately.

In my day… she began but didn’t finish the sentence.

Miller knew she was second guessing herself again. She’d been the stalwart leader of the Stronghold for a very long time. He worried that she had lost some confidence in herself. It was different, he said carefully. Children were raised knowing the community. You’ve said yourself that this generation is unprecedented. We need to do things differently. To discover new methods and that means making mistakes. But if we all know that we’re trying new things, then we can plan and expect a few failures along the way.

You make it sound unreasonably logical, she scolded but ceased her pacing.

It isn’t. It can’t be. We’re talking about people and magic, and that will inevitably get messy.

Oleander rolled her eyes and sighed. You have no idea.

Chapter two

Lulu changed her clothes three times before she was ready to leave. Weatherbee laid out a few outfits, and Lulu had to come down to Miller’s office in each one to get his opinion. He thought each one was fine and said so, but she seemed to think otherwise and ran off to change again.

Timothy seemed a little sullen, but Miller thought he was covering some shyness. He didn’t know a lot about his history, only that Oleander had rescued him from a mental hospital. This party was a big deal for both the sybils. They had struggled in the mundane world. Miller wanted them to know that they had strong support in the Arcane community.

He’d known the prep would take longer than expected and had planned it in, but they were still about the last to arrive. After shepherding his charges out to the car, he Cleared the Way and drove over the bridge slowly. As they bumped onto the ground on the other side, he slowed even more waiting for any kind of reaction. All good? he asked.

I don’t feel any different, Timothy admitted.

How far do we have to go? Lulu asked.

Almost there, Miller said, relieved at having cleared the first hurdle. All the same he drove slowly through the old factory yards. The rusting hulks of junk amid the vines and weeds were quiet today. There were no odd shadows or fleeting glimpses of movement in the buildings. Despite knowing all was well, Miller was relieved to find nothing amiss.

The complex had plenty of parking and lots of signs to guide any visitors to the event space. Lulu slipped her hand into his as they went down the stairs and through the door into a brightly decorated room loud with conversation. Cooper was just inside the door, and Lacey came running over when she saw Miller.

Uncle Miller, she squealed as she hugged him.

Lacey, this is Lulu.

Can you do magic? Lacey asked.

No. I see the future in my dreams, Lulu said earnestly.

Cool, Lacey said. Want some cake?

Miller watched them slide into the shifting groups chattering away as if they’d known each other forever. Just like that she’d found a friend, and he realized it might be Timothy that he’d need to worry about.

There were games all around the room that were actually tests of ability. Someone from the community proctored each game and made note of who was good at what, so that a curriculum or mentor could be prepared.

I guess I’ll get some cake, too, Timothy said as he darted curious glances around the room. Miller saw a new spark in his eyes. The young man looked more relaxed as he wandered over to the food tables. There were several people there in his age group. And every one of them understood the arcane. There would be no accusations or confrontations or suggestion of mental instability.

Is this a good idea? Cooper asked echoing Oleander’s concerns.

Of course. The area is warded so that nothing lethal can happen, Miller said. How’s Marie?

Confused. Cooper looked worn out. His hazel eyes were bloodshot, and he sported a bit more scruff than usual.

Do you want me to talk to her? Miller offered. He wasn’t sure what he’d tell his sister-in-law. There were some things that he still didn’t understand himself.

"No. She’s actually okay with the, um…arcane…bits. I think she’s just worried about splitting the kids up. Andie follows Lacey everywhere, and she was really upset that she couldn’t come to this party," Cooper said.

Maybe we shouldn’t have called it a party, Miller said. If it was an after-school study program would that be easier?

Cooper shook his head. I don’t know. Andie is feeling left out.

She can come, too, Miller said. He pointed into the crowd. Looks like we’ve got some kids even younger than her although I think Oleander said no one under five should be manifesting abilities.

Five? Cooper said weakly. You mean I’ve got three years before I have to worry about Sally?

Well…we do know she’s sensitive, Miller said gently. He didn’t want to burden his brother with the fact that all three of his daughters were going to be much more powerful than he was.

Cooper rubbed his face. I don’t know how to deal with this.

Think of it like music, or gymnastics, Miller suggested. Your kids have a talent that needs instruction.

But music lessons aren’t going to teach her how to steal or worse, Cooper mumbled.

That’s your job, Miller said sharply. If Lacey doesn’t know that stealing is wrong, that’s on you, Dad.

His brother frowned. Me? I can’t stop her from magicking something away.

You shape the child; we’ll take care of the ability.

Hmph. You make it sound easy, Cooper grumbled. But he seemed a little more comfortable.

No one thinks parenting is easy, Miller countered. This gathering is to get it all out in the open. So, these kids don’t think they’re alone and don’t think they’re cursed or special or whatever. Isolation is dangerous. Now they’ve got peers and soon they’ll have mentors. They need to be able to ask questions and get real answers.

Answers I can’t give her.

Miller shook his head feeling frustrated. Could you tell her the difference between adagio and allegro?

Cooper shrugged. I don’t like being pushed out of her life so soon.

Nobody’s pushing you out, Coop. You are her father and will be there for all the school plays, days at the beach and birthday parties. You’re the one sitting at the dinner table with them. And tucking them in at night. This is a facet of her life, but it isn’t everything. Even if it might feel like it for awhile.

Yeah. Well…She was totally into horses for awhile, Cooper said thoughtfully. Posters in her room. Always begging us for riding lessons. She was going to be a jockey, then a veterinarian. He chuckled. You’re saying this is a phase?

Shiny object syndrome, Miller said with a grin. As soon as she gets homework, it won’t be half as much fun.

Ralf called Miller away, and he left his brother standing by the door. He felt bad for Cooper, but it couldn’t be helped. He knew in his bones that they had to get ahead of this generation, or something bad would happen to most of them. What’s up? he asked Ralf.

I wanted to introduce you to a few more people in the community.

Sounds good.

Chapter three

Eloise stayed by the food table feeling too overwhelmed to interact with anyone. Doc stood by her and from the look on his face, she knew he felt the same. Joey had plowed into the crowd introducing himself and asking a lot of questions. She envied his energy. The three of them had walked over with Moon. Leaving the island wasn’t as scary as it had been, but she had to admit that she felt too vulnerable to be out on her own. The Stronghold protected her from the world and sometimes, on a low day, she wished she didn’t ever have to leave its all-encompassing wards.

Miller had insisted she attend, and he was very hard to resist especially since she secretly wanted to go to the party. Moon had collected her, Joey and Doc to walk over. It felt strange to just cross the bridge and wander through the factory yard. She kept looking at Doc, and he seemed just as alert. But there was nothing untoward awaiting them. Part of her saw the good places to hide, and she almost felt the need to go hunker in a safe corner. She knew she would always carry a little of Birdie in the back of her mind.

The complex was very different from what she’d expected. She was sure she’d seen modern buildings when she’d been living on the street, but she’d never paid much attention to them. The smooth lines and sleek surfaces, all felt so foreign. She preferred wandering around the Stronghold. It had been there for longer than she’d been alive, and she found the worn stone and creaking floors very reassuring.

All these people, Doc said in awe.

Eloise could see the flares and flickers of their abilities. Yes. All of them can do magic.

Arcane, Doc said. Miller calls them the Arcane.

Yes.

As are we, he added in a low voice.

I supposed we should do the rounds, she said