Annabet pushed on the door. "What were you doing?"

Johann pushed back. "Working," he said. "Go away."

Annabet pushed harder. "Open the door."

Johann glared. "No."

Her eyes narrowed. When Johann didn't back down, Annabet demanded, "What is wrong with you?"

"Nothing." He shoved his jaw out in the stubborn expression that Annabet recognized all too well.

"We'll see about that." Annabet threw her weight on the door. "Bertha, don't just stand there! Help me."

Bertha added her weight. Johann held them off for a moment but ended up slipping back a step or two.

Johann gave up. "Stop."

Annabet squinted with suspicion, but stopped. Johann shoved something aside and opened the door.

Annabet stepped over the threshold, then stopped. Bertha followed, trying to peer around her. The shop was covered with spilled ink and scattered papers.

Annabet picked up a ruined pattern. "What happened?"

Johann kicked at a pile of ink-splattered paper. "A group of men from the city council." He shrugged and surveyed his shop. "They ruined all my paper and spilled the ink then left me with a warning."

"Be glad they didn't do more," Bertha said. "They normally break heads."

Annabet paused her prodding of the nearest mess and looked up at him. "What kind of warning?"

"Get out of the Committee or suffer the consequences."

Annabet snorted and started to pick up papers. "What did you expect?"

"Not this. I expected other journeymen and apprentices to join me." He sighed. "I hoped they would help me spread democracy."

Annabet clucked. "Always the dreamer."

Johann kept silent and continued cleaning. The women followed suit, at least until it came time to mop up the ink.

"Do you have enough money to buy more supplies?" Annabet asked.

His gaze slid away then he forced it back. "No," Johann said. "That is what part of the mess is from. I fought to save what I had."