Superheated

By Charles Burgess

Their law education is complete, sisters Mimi and Nimisha Chandra turn their ambition toward becoming an investigative and litigation team. Almost right out of the starting gate, they’re assigned to investigate a disappearance at the Great Lakes Nuclear Station. The plant is a closely-guarded maze of forensic evidence, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission presents opposition.
With burden of proof in hand, forensic evidence points to a gruesome murder. Personal and professional lives hang in the balance. Sensitive personal decisions become as important as courtroom skills and investigative tenacity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bold Venture Press
• Release date: Apr 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005921415

Charles Burgess

Charles Burgess earned a BS in Workforce Education and an MBA. In a career as a Global Training Lead, he received awards from Dell Computer, Intel Microprocessor Engineering and Exelon Nuclear. His novel Superheated draws upon his career field and incorporates treasured Midwest locations.

Book preview

Charless Burgess

Bold Venture Press

Copyright

Copright © 2021 Charles Burgess. All Rights Reserved.

Available in eBook and print edition

Bold Venture Press edition April 2021

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without express permission of the publisher and copyright holder.

All persons, places and events in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to any actual persons, places or events is purely coincidental.

Contents

Title page

Copyright

Part 1

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Part 2

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Part 3

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

About the author

About the publisher

Part 1

Chapter 1

A loud crash echoed out as a heavy steel door slammed against the outside stone wall. A massive doorman used bodily force to remove two unruly patrons from the tavern.

A solid blow from a clenched fist landed directly to the mouth of the shorter man as they tried to gain their feet outside on the icy sidewalk. A splash of blood spurted onto the frozen walkway as the fallen man pulled a glove from his pocket to cover his split lower lip.

Slipping with his first step, the recipient of the wild punch pushed himself up to his knees. Holding his battered mouth, his feet hit a dry spot and raised up and ran down the street.

Get me the money by next weekend, the attacker shouted as he sat on the sidewalk with a tight grasp on his sore knuckles.

Jeff Stanford held his sore hand and walked to his pickup truck on the street not more than two blocks from the tavern. Stanford welcomed the heat that came his way in about five minutes after he started his Silverado. He leaned back and passed out.

In response to an anonymous call that announced a disturbance at Red’s Tavern, Officer Allyson Burns turned on to 15th Avenue. The veteran officer was close to the bar when she got the call.

Another bar brawl, she told her partner Jim Larkin. They turned the corner and Officer Barns slowed the police cruiser as she saw a pickup truck with Illinois plates. The flow of exhaust vapor cut into the frosty air.

The female officer centered her sight on a person slumped in the front driver’s seat as they got closer to the rumbling, but stationary vehicle. Her spotlight shined on a head leaning against the vehicle’s window. Barns turned on the flashers as she parked in the street. To approach with care, she moved in close enough to block the vehicle, yet far enough from the driver’s door so that her partner could approach with caution.

With his gun drawn Officer Larkin investigated the driver’s side window and saw a man with his mouth wide open, possibly unconscious but more likely just passed out from drinking.

There was no response from the slumped man as Officer Larkin tapped on the window. Jeff Stanford fell out of the vehicle as Jim opened the unlocked door. Catching the heavy alcohol-soaked body, Officer Larkin prevented him from falling head-first into the street.

What the hell, burst out Jeff Stanford as he awoke and sent a blast of whiskey breath into Officer Larkin’s face. He’s loaded, Officer Larkin told his partner as she joined them on the street.

She shined a flashlight in his eyes and asked him to get up and put his hands against the car. Officer Burns asked him why he was out here and if he knew anything about carbon monoxide poisoning.

A sobriety test was certainly in order as the answer came in slurred words and profanity. Stanford’s arrest and detainment at the Kewaunee police station followed the failure of the test.

Before they took Jeff Stanford to the station, the officers got a statement from the bartender about Jeff and another man who was removed from the bar for unruly behavior. Officer Burns took a picture of the blood patch on the sidewalk in front of the tavern.

***

Kewaunee Police Department

Mimi and Nimisha Chandra passed by the break room on their way to Detective Bradley Grant’s office. All eyes turned to the girls as the room full of all-male policemen set down their sodas and sandwiches in unison.

Their business attire did not hide their shapely figures. Mimi’s short black hair framed a face of saffron colored skin. Her piercing sable eyes revealed attentive, serious concentration, yet her expression seemed mischievous.

Nimisha’s willowy chocolate brown hair flowed around her radiant golden face to below her delicate shoulders. The indoor lighting changed her eyes from caramel brown to a dark cinnamon. As she strolled through the room, she held the men captive with her gaze. Nimisha was the younger sister, a couple inches taller than Mimi, with long stylish legs, giving her an especially elegant stride. She was natural, yet and sensual and alluring.

At 2:15 am, the after-hours crew of eight policemen acted like foot-soldiers who had never seen two attractive Indian girls. Mimi felt the stare, turned to the men, and yelled out, Boo!

A can of soda fell out of one patrolman’s hand, and as laughter filled the room, another policeman shook his hand in the air and blurted, Wow, where did those babes come from!

One of the more senior in the group told them, The girls are local attorneys. Mind your manners boys.

He asked for a good lawyer, so I told him ‘I’ll do you one better,’ Detective Grant told the girls as they entered his office. I showed him your card and told him the truth, two of the best right here in Kewaunee!

Mimi looked at Detective Grant. You’re still chewing that crap, and you know it’s not good for you my friend. Mimi’s welcoming smile broke into a sneer and a shake of her head in disapproval.

Not now, Mimi, Nimisha told her sister, touching her arm.

Bradley Grant was a tall ruggedly handsome lead detective at the Kewaunee Police Department. Do you want to know what happened here or not? Grant asked as he spit into a paper cup.

Nimisha answered, Yes please.

We got an anonymous phone call about a violent attack outside of a local tavern. In the interview room is Jeff Stanford from the north side of Chicago who is under arrest for OWI and suspected battery. He was passed out in an operating vehicle by Red’s Tavern over on 15th. As I mentioned, he asked for a lawyer and when I showed him your card, he asked for your representation.

Nimisha’s golden brown eyes looked up at Detective Grant as she took note and her soft look summoned additional information.

Grant continued, Blood was found on the sidewalk when Officer’s Allyson Burns and Jim Larkin arrived on the scene. They discovered Jeff Stanford passed out in the front seat of his black Silverado pickup, with his head rested on the window with his mouth wide open. Officer Larkin drew his weapon and opened the door of the truck. He suspected the driver may have been the injured victim. He opened the door to a strong smell of alcohol and a passed-out Jeff Stanford who had to be secured by Larkin. Mr. Stanford failed a field sobriety test. He agreed to a breath test and blew a 0.11.

And the suspicion of battery? Nimisha asked.

Grant continued, The anonymous caller said there was a fight outside of the tavern. The bartender said Stanford was talking tough with another man in the bar, so the bartender told them to take it outside. Peeking into the interview room where Stanford apparently sat waiting, she could see two people, so she tapped her sister’s arm. Nimisha, we need to get to our prospective client.

One last thing, Bradley Grant said with a grin, Did you ever watch Star Trek?

Once or twice, answered Nimisha with an expression of question.

Well, you’re about to meet Captain Kirk … or least Captain Kirk’s doppelganger.

Nimisha voiced a breath of impatience as they left, Thanks Brad, good to see you.

As they entered the room, a lady from the station brought some forms and had some questions for the accused man. Nimisha raised her hand up in front of the girl’s face before she could ask another question and turned to the man who did, indeed, look like Captain Kirk.

We are here, appointed by the state for your legal representation. Do you accept our counsel as your state-appointed legal representation?

He was hunched over some and lifted his head to take in the two women with a squint, a grimace, and finally growled, I do.

Nimisha turned to the lady with the forms. We are here to represent Mr. Stanford. No more questions.

The lady left the room like a scolded schoolgirl.

Mr. Stanford, I am Nimisha Chandra and this is my sister Mimi Chandra.

Two lawyers? he asked in a gravel and overly loud voice. So, do I take it up the ass twice at payment time?

Nimisha shared an eye-roll with her sister but showed no embarrassment when she answered, Mr. Stanford, we are a legal team. Mimi has more involvement with the investigation if it is needed and I will be the attorney for your defense. However, we are both qualified and licensed in both areas.

Mimi added, I hope you understand the trouble you’re in. Which is why you need our legal representation. As far as what you take up your ass, that’s entirely up to you. The state of Wisconsin will be billed for whatever the case requires.

From a paper, Nimisha read to the man in custody, You are charged with OWI at a level of 0.11, that is Operating While Intoxicated, a little different than in Illinois where it would be DUI. You are charged because the car was running, therefore in ‘operation’ and you were legally intoxicated. You also face a charge of suspected battery based on an anonymous call about a fight and the bartender's report of talk of threatened violence in the bar, and then sounds of a scuffle outside after you were bodily removed from the bar.

Nimisha continued, Let’s talk about last night and early this morning. I have read the summary of charges from Detective Grant. We would like to hear your side of the story, but first I have a question. We know you are from Chicago, so why did you come up to northern Wisconsin?

After a pause he leaned back in his chair, rolled his head and answered, To visit a friend.

Mimi gave him a legal pad and pen. Write down the name for us please and an explanation as to the reason for the visit.

Tell us what happened last night, Nimisha requested.

Jeff wrote down the name and some comments about a casual visit and then started his version in his gravel tone. I left my buddy’s house and I stopped by Red’s Bar for a drink before I hit the road. I realized I had too much to drink so I stayed in my car. I was not on the road and I did not drive under the influence. I guess you call it OWI, or whatever, but I don’t know why I got arrested.

Nimisha answered, "As I explained, OWI stands for Operating While Intoxicated. Since your car was running and you were intoxicated, that is one of the charges. Now, I would like to hear about the fight that happened outside the bar.

The guy is a fuckin’ moron, Sanford sputtered.

Mimi snapped her hand to Stanford’s temple so quickly the pain was apparent from his facial expression, but Mimi’s hand was already back in her lap. Leave your disrespect in the barroom if you want us to represent you.

What the hell? Is that some kind of karate move? The accused man rubbed the side of his head and sneered at Mimi.

Nimisha answered: That’s just a reminder for you to show some respect. Now tell me about the confrontation.

Stanford continued with a wince. The black dude was loaded and told me to take my eyes off his lady. We both had words and when we started to raise our voices, the bartender kicked us both out of the bar. What the fu … He stopped himself and then continued, but his tone grew sarcastic and even louder than before. What did he think would happen? We went outside and started to throw punches. It was just a little barroom brawl, but it happened outside the bar."

What about the blood? Nimisha asked.

It was his, I guess I landed one before he ran down the street. I went to my car and did not take the fight any further. Like I said, I knew I had too much to drink, so I did not drive. I started the car, so I didn’t freeze to death.

Nimisha finished her notes. Anything else we should know about the fight or your visit to Kewaunee?

That’s the whole story, he answered as he massaged his throbbing temple and lowered one eyebrow.

Mimi said, It will sting for about five more minutes. No permanent damage. She continued, What will we find out about your record, any other arrests?

No, I’m clean, he answered.

Nimisha responded, Ok, we will check your record and the arrest report. The DA should get in by about 9:00 a.m. and we will be sure to get an appointment to meet with him. We will see what he has to say, and we will get your arraignment set for later this morning So, hang in there, they will bring you some breakfast and you will be in lockup until the arraignment.

Stanford growled. Sorry for the language. I’m sure you will do what you can to help me out in this, and added a sarcastic sing-song thank you.

Jeff Stanford went to lock up and the counselors went back to Detective Grant’s office.

You on the late-night shift now, Bradley? Nimisha asked.

Just my turn on the shift, he answered. I’ll be back on days next week.

Mimi and Nimisha worked with Detective Grant’s staff to confirm Jeff Stanford’s record and they were able to get an appointment with DA Andrew Davis at 9:00 a.m.

Mimi asked Detective Grant, Want to come out with us for some breakfast, Brad?

I’m headed home in twenty minutes, he answered, but try out Schneider’s Diner around the corner. They’re open early and they serve some good veggie dishes.

Sounds good, Nimisha replied.

Bradley stood about 6 foot 2 and Mimi was proud to shake their friend’s hand before they left. Brad, sorry about the comments earlier about the tobacco chaw, but you promised me you would try to quit.

I will do that, he answered. Just give me some time. I have to quit, or you won’t leave me alone.

See, you have to quit.

Mimi continued, When Papa comes to visit us, I can tell him in ten days about our great friend, a proud Chief of Detectives who quit chewing tobacco just for me, she laughed as she artfully attached a timeline to her request.

Talk to you soon, ladies, Grant said as they left his office.

The girls enjoyed a tasty vegetable dish and were glad to discover a great place to eat while they were at the station.

So, what do you think about this guy? Nimisha asked her sister.

What guy? Captain Kirk? she asked.

Nimisha nodded as she ate, Yeah, Mr. smart mouth.

Mimi pushed her hair back. I think he should have a little more respect for the law, but I think it’s just a barroom brawl like he said. You know how Wisconsin is cracking down on drinking and driving or operating as the OWI states. Let’s see what the DA says. What will we ask for the charges to be?

Nimisha answered, I think a fine and probation because it is his first offense, but I won’t even make suggestions about a court date. Let that be his call.

I agree, Mimi commented and then changed the subject, Papa will be here in ten days Misha!

I know, I can’t wait, her sister replied. We can show him our new office and the great Wisconsin countryside!

Sure, She looked at her watch and added, Let’s go see the DA.

***

Mr. Davis, I am Nimisha Chandra and this is my sister Mimi.

He shook hands with Nimish. You two are the talk of the town. I have heard about your cases. I am pleased to meet you.

Well thank you, Mimi said as she also shook his hand.

The DA continued, I have read the arrest report and since it is a first offense, I’m interested in your thoughts on this Chicago gentleman.

Both Nimisha and Mimi wanted to say This guy is no gentleman, but for the sake of their representation of the case, Nimisha said: Looks like just a barroom squabble that started with a lot of tough talk, but I don’t think there was any serious injury and there weren’t any charges filed by the other guy. As far as the drinking, I know what is covered by the Wisconsin OWI law. Nimisha looked for some reaction from the DA, but none was apparent, so she continued. For a first offense, we would like to ask for a fine and counseling on alcoholism but, of course, we look for your direction on the decision.

Andrew Davis broke right in. First offense, an Illinois driver, we do not plea bargain first of all and, secondly, he faces mandatory counseling, license revocation for six to nine months in Wisconsin. The violation will be reported to Illinois where he will also face license revocation, and there will be a lifetime record in Wisconsin.

Nimisha had hoped to draw some immediate leniency, but it appeared that was not going to happen.

She asked, Mr. Davis, I understand the OWI law provides for conviction for a person who is behind the wheel when the car is running while intoxicated, but he has stated he didn’t have anywhere to go, would not drive in his condition and the car was started because he needed heat.

Davis answered, After drinking to excess and his involvement in a fight, he made more than one bad decision. He checked their facial response, then continued. That would be like somebody who is pulled over for intoxication while speeding and his explanation is, he’s speeding to get home as fast as possible because he knows he had too much to drink and had to get off the road.

Nimisha was not sure if that was supposed to be a bad joke or a reprimand so she just nodded in agreement.

Andrew Davis turned away and headed toward the door, Timely trial, three months, thank you, ladies.

The girls took the long way home to their condo. They liked the route that gave them a view of Lake Michigan. Nimisha was driving her new Subaru Crosstrek and she was proud of the comfort of the ride.

Mimi, don’t those towers look impressive over the water? That’s the Great Lakes Nuclear Station. I guess they always build the nukes a long way from big cities.

Mimi answered, Close enough to Green Bay, but I guess they don’t call that a big city. That station sure is a big employer for this area.

The view and the quiet ride provided a feeling of comfort for the girls, but the threatening panorama of dark clouds passing over the huge intrusive towers interrupted the shoreline serenity and gave them both a sense of discomfort. No words could describe the feeling, but the look they gave each other communicated a common notion of apprehension.

Chapter 2

With an early chill in the air of the September night in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, the tremble and roar of the Unit 1 turbine rotation filled the entire Great Lakes Nuclear plant basement. With no one in sight, a twosome snuck away to a lower ledge of the plant basement to a carefully selected and secluded area.

We have time before the start-up meeting, Jan Carson urged John Fuller. Let’s go.

Are you sure? he spoke with hesitation, but his eyes lit up with urgent excitement.

They could wait no longer since they had planned their rendezvous when the Unit 2 outage first began months earlier.

Popping open the first clasp from Jan’s tan overhauls, John looked up to glimpse a glimmer in her crystal green eyes as she worked on the other strap. They ignored the smell of musty equipment as they removed and rolled their clothes into a crumpled bundle, which they slid on a metal shelf near the enclosed area.

A soft kiss melted them to a close embrace. Pressing their bodies hard against each other they slid gently to the damp concrete. With John’s back on the moist floor, Jan’s erotic touch turned the warm, moist concrete into a softly cushioned feather bed. Time passed as quickly as an amusement park ride which seems to an end just as the thrill has begun.

The meeting John, we have to go, Jan whispered, resting on her haunches. Then she shook her long black hair into his face and gazed at him.

John nodded and got to his knees, gently lifting her up with his hands on her trim waist. He separated her clothes from the rolled-up bundle on the shelf and thoughtfully helped her slip into her pants to be sure they did not drag across the wet pavement.

As Jan’s attractive figure disappeared behind drab work clothes, John kissed her neck, which stopped her progress, but then brought her to issue a forceful statement: Get dressed, John, we have to go!

He took full pleasure in snapping her pants, and performing a delicate upward pull on her zipper, You run up there, I’ll be right behind you.

With a quick last kiss, she turned toward the stairwell as she connected the last overhaul shoulder strap and sprinted upstairs to make the meeting.

***

A chilled breeze moved across the Lake Michigan waves to carry a frozen mist past the massive stone towers of the Great Lakes Nuclear Station. The silence of the cold night was broken by a bell siren that was more of an announcement than an alarm.

In exactly 20 minutes it would be 11:14 p.m., when Unit 2 would initiate a start-up after the two-month refueling outage. Steam would be heated to an extreme temperature in the Nuclear Reactor when the control rods were withdrawn from the reactor core.

Superheated steam turned immense turbines to produce electricity. The path of the steam followed the intricate pipe structure down to the condenser in the basement of the plant to begin cool-down before the condensed liquid could be released to Lake Michigan through a warm water outflow.

The roar of the turbine rotation now dominated the dank basement where Jan and John had made love. The overwhelming volume cloaked the dreadful events that John would become victim to.

His hand pounded against the steel cover plate from the inside of the restricted confined space as the heated steam blast entered the condenser. His skin began to sear. Nobody could hear John’s weakened strikes or his final desperate screams trapped inside the condenser. His body boiled, as his screams and his life were overcome by superheated steam within a dozen short seconds.

Jan had made it in plenty of time to the Unit start-up meeting in the insulated Instrument Maintenance office where lead supervisor, Ben Hanson, gathered his crew together to begin the discussion.

A tall muscular man with red hair and a thick beard, with a build from working heavy maintenance over his career, Ben had been in the shop assigned to manage workers responsible for electronics and instrument maintenance for the past 15 years.

Ok, let’s get started, I have the final tasks all checked off except the condenser pressure valve … John? Hanson looked at his crew of 12 … or so he thought. Bunched together as they were, he assumed the team was complete.

But there was no reply, so he turned to one of the workers, Scott, will you look for John out on the ramp, he knows this meeting is important.

Swinging the door open, Scott looked out at the ramp and walked out further to look down to a stairway that led up to the office. With nobody in sight he returned to the meeting. Can’t see him anywhere, Ben, I even checked down the staircase.

Ben showed a look mixed with concern and surprise. He turned to the crew and reflected, Has anybody seen John in the last hour?

An assertive no came from the group of the assembled IM workers. But if Ben would have looked clearly at Jan Carson, he would have seen an expression of confused hesitation. He scratched the red stubble on his chin, then he dialed down to the basement security station, but got no answer.

Ok, guys we are on hold. Scott, you come with me. He stopped to check the maintenance task list to confirm John’s final task before unit start-up was to calibrate pressure valve gauges for the condenser. He tapped the list paper as a note of confirmation and called out, Let’s go.

Scott Bush, a new IM worker who had showed immediate value as trustworthy and a notable electrician, went with Ben down to the basement level. They did a full sweep of the condenser area, the health physics station, then stopped in the radiation protection office.

Ben went directly to the rad-technician supervisor’s office. We’ve got a missing man, Glen. John Fuller was here for this shift and scheduled to do gauge calibration for the condensers as a final task before start-up and we can’t locate him. Can you ask the techs if anybody’s seen him?

The rad-tech supervisor made calls and the other techs had not seen him, so Ben and Scott decided there was no reason to don protective clothing and enter the radiation area. The next check was the main guardhouse to be sure he was still on site.

For the unit start-up, Ben’s full crew had to be inside of the plant which is called the protected area. A restricted security lock-in zone surrounded by two 16-foot fences, 15 feet apart with barbed-wire and security cameras surrounded the entire plant.

The entry point was a guard station with an explosive check and metal detector. Once a person gained admission, a film badge would be issued to measure any radiation dose along with a self-checking dosimeter — a pencil-like gauge to self-check the radiation dose. A close check of that instrument warns someone to retreat if the dose reaches a dangerous level. Nobody was allowed to leave the plant without returning their film badge before checking for radiation exposure and the dosimeter which would also be recorded at the guard station. No returned film badge was indisputable. The wearer was still in the plant.

Ben and Scott went to the guard station to the lead Security Manager, Danny Burns. We need to check the status of John Fuller. He may have left the plant for an emergency of some kind. Can you check for me?

Absolutely, the check was quick, and the Security Lead affirmed that John Fuller was in the plant somewhere.

Now the Instrument Maintenance Manager knew the next step was to report the incident to the plant manager, Mark Johnston.

***

Chandra Law Offices – Kewaunee

Mimi and Nimisha Chandra and their father Rahul stood on a recently patched sidewalk at 211 Eastman Street in Kewaunee. ‘Chandra Law Offices,’ appeared in gold letters on