"Just stressed, baby. Did you call to see which federal judge we got after Miller was reassigned?" They had received the notification just yesterday. The chief district court judge had reassigned the jurist on their case after jury selection and only two days before the injunction hearing. They were waiting to be notified of the new judge so they could look him up in the "Federal Reporter" and read about his past decisions. Herman was also trying to steer Susan onto another subject to get her off his appearance, which he damn well knew was worrisome.

"You have the number for the federal district court?" she asked. "I'll call over there now. They said they'd have the name by ten o'clock."

Herman flipped through a legal pad, found the number of the federal building in L.A., and slid it across the desk toward her. She crossed to the guest phone and dialed.

"Hello, I'd like the clerk's office, please," she said as she searched for a pencil. "This is Herman Strockmire's office. We're seeking injunctive relief and damages on behalf of the Food Policy Research Center and the Union of Concerned Scientists v. USDA, EPA, FDA, et al. Case number CO3769M. We were notified that the Chief Judge made a last-minute change in the judicial roster, that Judge Miller is not going to be able to hear the case, and that a new judge is being assigned." She dug into her purse. "Yes… yes, I have a pencil. Go." She scowled and started to write, broke the lead, stopped, and tossed the pencil onto the table. "Thanks." She slammed down the receiver and muttered, "For nothing."

"What's wrong? Who is it?"

"You're not going to believe it. We got her again."

"Awww, no. Come on… I thought she was taking a pregnancy leave."

"She is, but I guess she made time in her prenatal schedule to hammer us into the ground."

"Judge King? You sure?"