Swamped

"Something about 'leverage'... uh, I think these two words are 'sea people', which is just weird... 'force cooperation'? Maybe he's trying to blackmail the sailor's guild?" Mortimer scratches his head.

You suspect "sea people" means something else. And if your suspicions are correct, one of them was watching the show.

The muckbeast is here now, so the panic may have subsided. You might still be able to find that woman.

But there's a muckbeast in the door, and Mortimer says there's a roving band of masked people outside. Not to mention you aren't entirely sure it's safe to leave this cauldron unattended.

In the meantime, you decide it's best not to leave Mortimer without a response.

"The mixture in this cauldron looks a lot like the ooze in their guildhouse, so I suppose he might have something to do with that." You don't think it's especially likely that's what the message is about, but it's possible.

"Can't see how making a mess gives him leverage, though," Mortimer says, scratching his head. "I mean, it just made me attack you, right? Sailors get in brawls all the time, I doubt they'd even notice anything."

"Well, it gives me an idea or two for following up on some other leads," you continue. "But I can't really check any of them in here. So the question is, should I take my chances with the muckbeast, or with whoever was chasing you."

Mortimer glances around.

"You've got a mask. Doesn't look like theirs, but maybe they'll figure you're with them." He sounds a little doubtful.

But he's give you a thought.

"Well, this is a dressing room. Maybe I can borrow something from the wardrobe to blend in a little better."

"Oh, good idea. A few of them were in longcoats," Mortimer says. "I think I see one in there. Looks like the same color, even."

You grab the longcoat and put it on, then carefully slip out the window. Now you suppose you should get back inside through the main doors.

But as you approach the corner, you hear somebody talking.