Looks Can Be Deceiving

W. Somerset Maugham did wrote about spy stories. He was recruited to the British Intelligence Secret Service, and his experience became the basis for his works. The agent that the author had in mind was sophisticated and aloof. Ian Fleming admired his tales, which influenced his writings on James Bond. The Londoner also had his own experience in the Secret Service.

"Since he, Bond, could not have the girl, it was at least something that she was in good hands."

James Bond was a ladies' man, and there wasn't one book where he didn't have a chance encounter with the opposite sex. Many would frown at this part of Fleming's storytelling, wondering if he ever heard about feminism. Nonetheless, they would be engrossed on Bond's missions, playing a dangerous game of chess with operatives working for the Soviet counterintelligence agency.

"Risico", which was published in 1960, was different from Fleming's other works. Agent 007 doesn't have to contend with a megalomaniac, who was in the payroll of SMERSH. In fact, it had something to do with drug smuggling. Some might be turned off, expecting a larger-than-life operation. But they only need to know the meaning of the title. (Risico can be roughly translated as rough sailing in the sea.) Bond would figured it out after his briefing. M wasn't in a good mood, as the mission involved millions of pounds. Bond was sent to Venice, where he met a CIA informant in the most discreet place.

Mission impossible

Aristotle Kristatos doesn't like to beat around the bush. In fact, this was the reason why Bond believed his ruse. They were conversing in one corner of the club, and at one point, Kristatos pointed Bond to another person on the other side (of the club). He was Enrico Colomo, who owned the place. He must be eliminated, as he was responsible for the drug cartel in this part of Italy. He was in touch with other Italians, who were deported from America. They migrated to eastern cities like Macau, where they could built their drug empire. However, 007 was drawn to Colomo's female companion. She was not like any other blond he met.

Patience is required to finish this short story. Readers mustn't have high expectations at the beginning, but it wouldn't be right to consider this piece as inferior to Fleming's popular novels. The author revealed another side of Venice that locals (and visitors) wouldn't dare to explore. (It's far from Visconti's account of this seaside community.) Those who are wondering where the Russians will enter the picture won't be disappointed. In that dark corner of the club, Kristatos's dark eyes would say a lot. Bond might not have figured it out right away, and Colomo's alluring companion was to blame.

Fleming was deliberate in his pacing, satisfying the readers' curiosity in the end. Bond got what he wanted, and it wasn't hard to guess.