Bill's Lengthy Atonement

Bill is shocked to learn of his own death and arrival at a type of purgatory or atonement zone. He is sent back to earth in many forms, each time not ending well for him. Finally, he receives his most important assignment, one which will determine whether he moves up or hopefully not down one level. He is told to protect a beautiful, redhaired young nurse from harm. But in what guise will he appear and how to go about the mission? And if successful, how will it change her life ?