He snorts, "Nothing like that. She wants to talk business."

"Sure," he says, "But will I come out of her business talk alive?" 

"Ha ha. If it was like that she wouldn't be asking for you, she'd be calling on the Dark Brotherhood." 

He smirks, "Well, alright. Any idea what she wants from me?" 

"That's between you and Maven. Now get going. She's waiting for you on the second floor at the Bee and the Barb." 

Great, he didn't want to bug Keerava again any time soon but he supposes that's just how it goes. 

Back out he goes, and down to the B+B. Is there someone idling on the second floor?

Not quite idling. More possessing, filling the space around her. It's obvious who he's looking for - a Redguard woman, dressed finely, style balanced carefully between a wealthy merchant of Skyrim and Hammerfell nobility. She's older, the harsh lines of her face well-worn.

"You would be Gaemir, I suppose," she says, voice low, when he's shown in by her bodyguard. 

"I am," he agrees, wary. "Brynjolf said you wished to speak with me." 

"Yes. You did well, with your last commission. I have another for you."

"I'm listening." 

"One of my competitors is getting quite... Irritating. I would like you to investigate their business practices. See if they're doing anything they shouldn't be. I'd hate for the people of Skyrim to be being misled about their mead, after all."

He nods thoughtfully, "Which competitor? Honningbrew?" He ran into a couple of very drunk farmers who offered him a bottle on the way to Riften. Also, as far as he can tell from the drinking habits at various taverns he's passed through, Black-Briar and Honningbrew might as well be the only two meads in Skyrim. 

She nods. "I have an agent in Whiterun who will update you on what we know."

He nods briskly, "Do they have a preferred meeting place?" 

"The Bannered Mare. You're looking for Mallus Maccius."

"Description? Any further instructions?" 

She describes him, briefly, and then says, "Be discreet."

"Of course." 

And if the bodyguard will let him out? 

The bodyguard will.

Then he goes, offering her a respectful nod as he does.  

Well! That was stressful. Dealing with important people who expect to be treated as important doesn't come naturally to him, but you learn some things when you've been on the job a while. 

Back to the Guild to let Brynjolf know he'll be out of town for a while on that contract. And maybe say hi-and-bye to Vex? If she's around. 

She's halfway out the door, actually. But pauses when she spots him.

"You taking off?"

"Yep! Be out of town for a week or so on a contract. You too?" 

"Mhm. I'm heading over to Markarth. Something shiny calls my name."

He grins, "Good luck! I'll take you up on your offer when we're both back here," he adds, "If you're still interested in beating some skill into me then." 

She raises an eyebrow. "I'm always up for it. Just say the word."