Board Thread:Skyrim/@comment-108.76.119.144-20160728231123/@comment-28157605-20170706121257

No, they won't. I'm past lvl 10 and I always pay a visit to their HQ  and kill everyone before it gets burned (and loot Carcette's robes).

No seriously, I don't think if masses learn what's really going on they will attack except if there something really bad to incriminate them. You know, like in Falkreath. Whiterun may be a scared but in the end they know their Companions because action speaks louder.

About the exit I don't know, to me it seems isolate enough in the dark. Also if farmers hear sound they may think it's where the Companions keep dogs.