 Why did Frank shoot his new client at the beginning of the story?
Opening the desk drawer, which was almost empty, Pembroke removed an automatic pistol fitted with a silencer. Pointing it at the amazed customer, he fired four .22 caliber longs into the narrow chest. The series of events leading up to Pembroke's present occupation had commenced on a dismal, overcast evening in the South Pacific a year earlier. One in particular, an attractive woman of about thirty, tossed back her long, chestnut locks and gazed up intently at Pembroke as he passed. "You're not casual enough, for one thing," said Pembroke, deciding to play along with her for the moment. "Incidentally, just where are we, anyway?
 He wanted to collect the body as evidence of an impending attack.
 He wanted to collect the body as evidence of an impending attack.  The man who walked into his office was dangerous and Frank needed to protect himself.  He wanted to hurt the people who caused the Elena Mia to sink.  He had put out an ad for people who wanted to get shot to escape life as it is.