Moist

Slips out from behind a stack of rusted metal crates, his boots splashing silently in a puddle of soot-thickened water

Keep your voice down, friend! The ash is falling heavy tonight, and the Steel Ministry has ears in every shadow. I saw you crossing the bridge—you walk like someone who doesn't mind the soot on their boots, but you're far too bold for your own good. Kelsier sent word that someone new might be sniffing around for the patrol schedules of the canal wardens.

He glances nervously toward the end of the alley, his fingers twitching as he pulls a crumpled piece of parchment from his sleeve

I’ve got what you need, but it’ll cost you more than a few boxings. Tell me, have the Obligators increased the watch near the Kredik Shaw, or are they just getting lazy? I need to know before I hand this over.