The Nicest Guy In Hell

By Wagner Wolf

Paul Branch is the risk taking self-made business man who has it all and is on the verge of getting even more. As a humanitarian and well-traveled business guru he's a privileged, connected, and sought after industry titan whose meteoric rise to the top shows no signs of slowing down. Although he views life through atheistic lenses, his insatiable passion for family and community prove that despite an abundance of wealth and notoriety, he's possibly one of the nicest guys you could know. This mogul has a long-standing history of outstanding charitable work aimed at making the world we live in a better place. Being outspoken on various politically incorrect topics allows Paul to be viewed as an expert in his field as well as a public icon. Paul's heavily opinionated views on money, religion, politics, family, and philanthropy always seem to resonate well with the masses.

Well not everyone. One day everything changes! A string of smack you in your face shocking catastrophes stir up plot twists leading to a total and immediate shake up of his tight knit loving family. Paul’s flourishing multi-million dollar business and hard earned legacy are also vulnerable to demise. One unexpected tragedy snowballs into an unpredictable series of unfortunate events blindsiding everyone by pinning their backs up against the wall. A credible and imminent threat to everything Paul has worked for lurks just beyond the horizon. Paul's loyal wife Angela is suddenly thrust into an overwhelmingly maddening predicament. Under tremendous pressure and following the advice of the wrong voices in her head, she unknowingly puts herself and the lives of those she loves directly in harm’s way.

Paul and Angela's two teenage children rise to the occasion and begin showing their true colors when adversity puts its stranglehold grip on the family. Sides are taken and lines are crossed as they all begin isolating themselves from each other. One wants to control the family’s money to fund a high risk reckless lifestyle. The other just wants life to go back to the way it once was. Angela is trapped in the middle devising her own methods of how to make things right again. When you think you finally have a sense of what this family is going through, go several levels lower then you'll begin to understand the immense despair they are trying to overcome.

Become a personal eyewitness to the vivid scenery and events detailed of the glorious and marvelous heaven above as well as the dark and fiery beast laden pits of the hell below us. In addition to the great storyline taking place within the Branch family, this is one of the best books about death and the afterlife experience. The propulsive narrative of "The Nicest Guy In Hell" makes this absorbing read hard to stop turning the pages. Hang on tight because you'll be surprised by what takes place in the story just around the bend. Everything you think you know will be blindsided by the one thing you didn't see coming. You'll soon realize that it gets harder and harder to put down as the book races to its unexpected ending.

You'll need to dive in spoiler free before picking up this highly addictive novel. Just know that in the end, all secrets carried in the dark will one day be regretfully revealed in the light. Everyone will ultimately come to realize they must now live forever with the consequences of choices made. Good or bad.... .

Why Read This Book?

•Plot twist and dramatic storyline will keep you engaged.
•You’ll be turning pages thinking, I can’t believe what I just read!
•Entertaining, powerful, and thought provoking dialogue will force you to stop and think.
•Indulge your senses in a well-paced novel sprinting to an unexpected ending.

The Nicest Guy In Hell is truly a unique must read book to experience in your lifetime.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wagner Wolf
• Release date: Nov 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311914248

Wagner Wolf

Wagner Wolf is the creative mind behind several great mind twisting psychological thriller titles including "The Rich Must Die" in which the have and have-nots battle for it all until the bloody end. Domestic violence and abuse is no laughing matter. That's why in "Antoinette - Shattered Dreams", revenge is served swiftly, discreetly, and harshly by the one and only, Antoinette. Near death experience stories and Heaven Is For Real doesn't compare to the drama, suspense, thought provoking dialogue, and thrill ride you're in for while reading "The Nicest Guy In Hell". The non-fiction title for all of the kids, students, residents, and career changers that want to one day become medical professional need to get their hands on "So You Wanna Be A Doctor". After all, it was written by actual doctors who recently completed medical residency at some of the most exclusive and prestigious institutions in the country.Jedi mind like creative thought and valiant effort go into publishing each captivating and engrossing story that is made available specifically for you. Be sure to also check out great reads including "Blissful Encounters" and "Breast Cancer Chronicles".

Book preview

Be honest with me, deep down do you look at me as a hypocrite? I didn’t live by any of this worldly advice I’m now giving when I was their age. You know how wild it got at times for us when we were young and dumb. Paul poses thought provoking questions to his wife as she hands him a dark-colored three button sports jacket. Angela gracefully adjusts the Windsor knot on his blue and black tie then pins a small metallic American flag onto his lapel. She then lovingly replies of course not honey, everyone appreciates the work you do and they love you for it, and I love you too.

The happily married couple of twenty years amorously embrace for an intimate hug while waiting alone in the University president’s office. Law books, literary classics, and abstract art bring much-needed color to the generously large office. Dark stained mahogany furniture, framed certifications, and degrees decorate the wall space above the grand executive desk validating his worthiness of the position. Okay, if you say so honey as he dabs sweat beads from his forehead. I just want to be sure I’m not setting unrealistic goals and expectations on people who may never be able to live up to it.

As the couple reaches the peak of their starry-eyed embrace, the always enthusiastic grad student Devin pops his head in the office. Wearing a boom microphone headset and holding a tan clipboard he interrupts saying excuse me Mr. and Mrs. Branch, we’ll be ready for you in 10 minutes. Angela reaches for her white and gold clutch purse then gets busy double checking her flawless hair and minimal makeup in the office bathroom. Paul takes another glance at his index card notes making a few last-minute edits. With five minutes to spare the couple begins walking on campus from the office to the Convocation Hall.

Maybe it’s the warm spring air, or the nostalgia from a century’s old cobble stone path causing Paul to begin reflecting. He shares with Angela I’m concerned about the kids. Michael mentioned this morning he’s tired of dropping everything just to come hear me give speeches. That has me thinking maybe I spend more time building up others than I do my own family. Angela quickly hushes his anxiety expressing you’re a great father, husband, and extraordinary leader in the community. The kids are fine and will be in the front row as always happy to see you. If only there were more men like you Paul, we’d all be better off. To lighten the mood Paul jokes with her saying you know after this you’ll have to call me Dr. Paul. She grabs his left hand interlocking her fingers with his as they approach the rear stage entrance. Angela passionately replies I know honey; I’ll call you whatever you want me to.

The always active Devin can clearly use extra help as he stands at the stage entrance. While directing traffic letting everyone know where to sit and when to enter, he focuses in on the couple motioning them to come closer. Using his hand to cover the headset microphone he softly utters Mrs. Branch, you may go in now and sit in the third chair to the right of the podium. Mr. Branch, after this musical selection the school president will introduce you then the mic is all yours.

Angela spins around planting a soft kiss on the lips of her husband then whispers after the ceremony the kids and I will meet you at the reception, okay doc. Paul reaches into his jacket breast pocket to silence his phone. Looking right into her eyes he tells her can’t wait, I’ll be thinking about you and the kids the entire time. Angela gently walks out to her seat trying not to let her high heels click clack against the hardwood stage floor. The audience consists of over 2,000 in attendance made up of graduates, alumni, and invited spectators. Everyone is seated patiently enjoying the glee club choir belt out the last verse of the University of Pennsylvania school alma mater. President Katz walks over to Paul back stage firmly shaking his hand saying it’s an honor and we are truly grateful to have you become a permanent member of this school’s legacy.

President Katz walks to the podium located at center stage during applause after the choir’s performance. It gives me great pleasure to introduce today’s commencement speaker, Paul Branch. Since inception, our university has made it a point to be bold and ‘Branch’ out in new directions. This is a characteristic very much shared by today’s speaker. Our guest is a distinguished philanthropist recognized for making notable contributions to benefit society. His lifetime accomplishments encompass many achievements that serve the greater good. One of his more recent endeavors is the brand-new Branch Technology Building that many of you have been taking advantage of all semester. His vision and leadership represent the aspirations of this institution. That is why with great joy I present this honorary doctorate award. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Dr. Paul Branch.

Paul lightheartedly struts onto the stage receiving a standing ovation from the bright eyed graduates and others in attendance. He approaches the podium and playfully sings into the mic don’t you cry baby in an exaggerated falsetto voice. In return Paul receives a cheerful response from the audience helping everyone loosen up. He begins delivering his speech saying thank you President Katz, Board of Trustees, faculty, distinguished alumni, and other honorary recipients. I am so honored to be in the company of greatness. We have an architect building the city of the future, a scientist making breakthroughs in nanotechnology, but I get to give the speech because I had a pop hit and made a bunch of money. The crowd laughs then Paul sarcastically adds what a world we live in.

Rows upon rows of spectators appear delightfully enamored with Paul throughout the witty delivery of his speech. All eyes are focused either directly on Paul or on several jumbo screens projecting him from the podium throughout the building. With a boyish smile he glances over to his wife who gives him a wink and a nod. After taking in the moment as the cheers settle down, Paul continues addressing the audience with his commencement speech.

I’m going to share a secret with you today. These words of advice helped me along the way to become the man I am today. It wasn’t always easy nor did success happen right away, but when it did I was ready to seize the moment. A constant string of failures subconsciously built up a resiliency in me allowing me to keep pressing forward no matter how bleak a situation appeared. I know you all want instant success and there’s nothing wrong with that, but the key is to not be afraid of failure. Embrace the many challenges you’ll inevitably face. Seeing so many of you in cap and gowns signifies you already know how to set and achieve major milestones. However, this is only the beginning. This my friends is the first day of the rest of your life.

The audience cheers as a few students prematurely throw up their caps in a celebratory response. Paul resumes his speech saying all along through the years teachers, mentors, and professors have been grooming you. They’ve been prepping you with knowledge, skills, and information to go out and be the change you wish to see in the world. Find your own way to happiness. Be true to yourself and core values. That way you’ll end up with less regrets down the road. My only regret is I never had a follow-up hit to ‘Don’t You Cry’, but hey, the 80s were famous for churning out one hit wonders. I just happened to be one of them. All jokes aside, the future is yours to shape. When you work hard, good things tend to happen. You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets. Here’s the interesting part, if you follow your passion and trust your gut instincts, the money will come. You may never become filthy rich, but you’ll be valued as a priceless treasure in your community. Take that newfound responsibility head on and pay it forward. Make a lasting difference to the people around you. Be brave and live your life to the fullest every day. In the end, this life is all we really have, so make it count. Thank you graduating class of UPenn!

A thunderous round of applause erupts prompting President Katz to walk up to Paul as he turns away from the podium waving to the audience. The two men meet center stage. Katz and Paul shake hands then Paul is handed his official honorary doctorate degree. The Dean of Students then takes to the podium and begins calling graduates up to receive their individual degrees. Paul is escorted offstage and outside the building to entertain brief Q&A interviews with local news media along with the school newspaper. After 15 minutes Paul completes the interviews. He looks up ahead and is completely taken by surprise. Just up the walkway Paul instantly recognizes an old long time buddy he hasn’t seen in quite some time.

Joseph, are my eyes playing tricks on me? It’s been like 10 years! What are you doing here? Paul asks loudly as he briskly walks over closing the distance between the two of them. Joseph positions his body for a hug telling Paul I live in Philadelphia now and heard you were coming to town. How can I resist an opportunity to catch up on old times and see how you’ve been? Forgive me for not making it in time to hear your speech. Let me guess, you gave them the old be the change you want to be line, or this is the first day of the rest of your life. The two of them begin laughing uncontrollably as if they’ve never been apart. Paul wipes tears of laughter from his eyes then says Joe, it’s so good to see you. You know I have a hard time coming up with new material. Joseph responds yeah, just like back when we were writing songs together. At least we got one solid tune out of you. Let me walk you over to the reception. Paul and Joseph begin talking during their leisurely stroll across campus towards the dining hall.

Paulie, I need to share some unpleasant news with you. Our pal Howard, Mr. Invincible himself recently passed away. Paul stops in his tracks shockingly responding what! He always said he’d live forever, or at the very least outlive us. What in the world happened? Joseph continues he suffered a massive heart attack. Last month he was cutting the grass and dropped to the ground. What’s crazy is the wife and kids were right inside the house. They had no idea anything happened until they checked outside to see why the lawnmower was running for so long. There he was, facedown hugging the earth. No one could hear if he called for help over the motor noise so who knows, maybe he could have been rescued. By time help arrived he was dead and gone. Tracy had a ceremony for him then he was cremated and that was the end of it.

Paul’s wide eyes and dropped jaw express his astonishment hearing the news. Paul says wow, I haven’t seen him since the old days. We all partied hard but he was always good for making his way to the after, after party. He sure knew how to have a good time and make everyone else have a good time too. He could always liven any dull night with those party favors, you know what I mean. I always tell Angela me and the guys have to get together one day. I’ve been saying that for 10 years now. Joseph immediately responds yeah I been thinking about you too. Life sure has a way of keeping us busy. Howard was one of us though. If he’s gone, we may not be too far behind. I’m losing sleep at night these days. What do you think is waiting for us on the other side Paulie?

Paul furrows his brow and responds with a little more sternness in his voice saying you know I don’t get into all that stuff. If I put in the work, I reap the benefits. Who in their right mind gives all the credit to some invisible or mystical force? Ooh, look I’m pulling the strings to your life Paul laughingly says in an exaggerated wizard type voice dangling his fingers. Life is what you make it. If for some strange reason I’m wrong, I’m a nice enough guy and not as bad as some of these crazies out here to get a pass.

Paul gives Joseph a reassuring nudge on the shoulder as they approach the dining facility hosting the graduation reception. Joseph responds with uncertainty in his voice saying that sounds okay if you’re right. But if you’re wrong, that means we missed the big picture here. Paul cracks a smile then informs Joseph you worry too much. Come on in, we’ll have a drink and reminisce on happier times. Joseph laughs with Paul then regretfully says I can’t stay, I’m just happy I was able to meet up with you this way. Today’s Kelly’s 16th birthday and I promised her all week I’ll take her to the King of Prussia mall to let her pick out whatever she wants. With disappointment Paul says well you have to come by and see me at the office one day. I’ll be in my New Jersey office for a few days next week. Stop by anytime and we’ll catch up then. Boy, it sure is good seeing you today though. They hug each other and say their goodbyes. Paul gives Joseph a business card with all of his most up to date contact information. Paul turns around and walks into the dining hall proud of what he’s been able to accomplish in his life. Joseph walks across campus self-reflecting on his own mortality and truly wondering what’s waiting for him on the other side.

Chapter 2

Making Connections

Paul enters the ornately decorated ballroom. The silk linen chair back rest covers alone make it clear the school went all out on this event. Paul begins to ponder I hope my money didn’t go to buy all this fancy nonsense. Two-tier 30 light crystal chandeliers light up the banquet hall creating a warm ambience ripe for socializing and networking. Paul briefly scans the space and from a distance spots his family sitting at table number six. Without hesitation he begins walking across the room to join them.

Several strides into the hall, members from the board of directors eyes Paul stopping him before getting to the table. With artificial enthusiasm they say Dr. Paul, what an honor it is to have you as a permanent fixture within our schools historic legacy. Your monetary contributions are highly valued and won’t be overlooked. If there’s ever anything we as a university can do for you, you just let us know. For example, I don’t know; let’s say Lauren or Michael want to attend here, consider them as good as in.

Paul can almost literally see dollar signs replacing their eyeballs. Another overzealous board member steps in the conversation adding and they won’t have to worry about application paperwork, SATs, or any of that other formal mumbo-jumbo. You call me personally and I’ll take care of everything, and I mean everything. In the meanwhile, you and your lovely family take care. By the way, if there are any other buildings you see fit for renovating or any other endowments you want to supplement, just let us know. No, I’m just kidding. Hope to hear from you soon.

Paul shakes their hands and walks for all of 10 seconds before being approached by a mother and graduating daughter. The seductively dressed fortysomething mother says I watch your music videos every night before I lay me down to sleep. You keep me company every night. Paul blushes and on cue responds we’ll don’t you cry if I’m not there when you wake up in the morning. They both begin smiling and laughing. The daughter full of naïve hope interrupts thanks so much for coming today. I recorded your whole speech as a voice memo on my phone. Unlike my mom who goes to sleep hearing your voice, I’m customizing my favorite sections and turning them into an alarm to start my day off with your motivating words.

Angela looks across the room and her face blossoms when she catches a glimpse of her true love. She can see from her table that Paul may have been becoming too comfortable in one place. She stands up and walks over to steal him away. Angela good-humoredly says I’m sorry girls; Paul seems to have forgotten where his table is. She playfully whispers as they walk away who was that? Paul puts his arm around her and says those are my two biggest fans. I may have to get back in the studio. Plus Lauren and Michael just got accepted here. When they reach the table Angela makes the remark well I guess your $30 million gift buys more than just a building full of computers. I think this is a good school for the kids to realistically consider when they graduate next year. By the way, you did great today. I never get tired of hearing your sexy voice.

Lauren and Michael walk side by side on their way back to table #6 from the buffet station. The two growing teenagers maneuver carefully juggling plates full of food they’ll never finish. Lauren puts her food down then immediately hugs her daddy saying you were inspiring out there. Will you come to speak at my graduation too? Paul feels joy in his heart as he tells his loving daughter sure, anything for you sweetheart. You know I’ll always be there for you. What about you Mikey, do you want me to speak at your graduation too? Michael is working on a mouthful of food as he replies dad, it’s bad enough that you tell me what to do. Do you think I want you to tell all my friends what to do in another one of your save the world speeches. No thanks! They can hire a real rock star to speak to my class. No offense. Angela steps in to Paul’s defense saying don’t be so mean! You don’t know how lucky you are to have this man as your father. Michael takes a sip of his soft drink then blurts out I know. I’m sorry. Can I drive home when we leave here? Lauren jumps in responding if he’s driving I’ll take a limo home. He still has a learners permit. I’m not getting on the highway with him behind the wheel. No offense.

Paul signals for the servers to bring out two vegan plates he and his wife previously requested. President Katz and a long time alumni with exceptionally deep pockets are making their rounds and decide to stop at the Branch table to say hello. Paul stands up to greet them then Katz offers an introduction. Paul this is David Wincroft. I’ve been telling him about you and your philanthropy work and he insisted we come over to talk to you. Wincroft is a self-made software developer who’s unsure in his own mind of what exactly to do with the excess of his wealth. Wincroft asks Paul, you never attended U Penn or have any formal connections here, what prompted you to make such a generous gift? Paul answers my grades and let’s say, level of focus, were never good enough to get accepted here when I was a student. I did however come here every spring throughout high school to participate in the Penn Relays. As an outdoor track athlete I had a chance to tour the campus once a year and secretly fell in love with the place. Now that I have the means, I found a way to permanently become a part of the University. Wincroft exclaims wow, that’s amazing! What else do you factor in when determining how to give to other charities, organizations, or even people?"

Two vegan entrée meals arrive at the table for Paul and Angela. The kids continue eating their meals and sit quietly as they overhear dad talk to Katz and Wincroft. Paul begins speaking on the topic he enjoys discussing which is how and why he gives away money. At first I thought I could bequeath my estate and assign handouts in my will. Then I thought, where’s the fun in that? You’ll never see how your money makes a difference in people’s lives. Talk about delayed gratification. I think as a human we all have universal values. It’s our civic duty as responsible citizens to have empathy on those with less, especially when we clearly have so much more.

Wincroft interrupts with the question so do you feel pressure to give to the poor to in a sense, level the playing field? Paul jumps back into his thought saying not leveling the playing field, but being fair-minded and ethical in my giving decision-making. If we don’t have universal pity for the poor, certain groups and organizations may be left out at no fault of their own. Personally, I don’t contribute to faith-based charities. They’re too controversial and I don’t want to support any spread of propaganda. I do however enjoy supporting human rights causes and making in-kind contributions of equipment and supplies to poor and war stricken regions.

Wincroft is thoroughly impressed with Paul’s straightforward speech and extends yet another publicity offer to him. A friend of mine is a producer for a national news network headquartered in New Jersey. He’s looking to fill a seat for a panel discussion Monday afternoon. I think your personality and opinionated views will be a great fit for the show. Would you mind if I tell him you’ll sit in on the show as a favor to me? Paul looks at Wincroft and responds okay I’ll take you up on that offer. Here’s my information to have someone contact me. Katz and Wincroft are now ready to continue making their rounds and excuse themselves from the Branch table. Paul sits down feeling good about his productive day. He takes a few quick bites of his meal to catch up to his family already finishing their plates.

Paul asks his family who’s up for getting out of here early so we can beat traffic? Michael immediately stands up, throws his lap napkin in the plate, and says I thought you would never ask. So I’m driving right? The rest of the family slowly stands up gathering their belongings. Angela tells Michael your father will take you driving next weekend at the track. We can rent it out just for you. Paul adds that’s right son, and you can pick out any car in the garage. As they all walk towards the exit Michael questions his father’s sincerity. What if I want to drive your Maserati MC 12? You don’t let anyone touch that. Paul laughs oh Michael, you know that’s one of my prized possessions. I think instead of a coffin I’ll be buried in the driver’s seat. You should think about honing your skills in something more practical and less exotic like the Panamera or the S550. They have great safety ratings, but to answer your question, I’ll get us home for today.

Valet drivers scurry into motion as the Branch family emerges almost knocking each other over to redeem the claim stub from Paul’s hand. The eager teens and young adults ignore other guests clearly there before Paul in hopes of receiving a hefty tip for retrieving the car. The lucky valet drives the platinum color Aston Martin Rapide to the front and holds the driver side door open. Paul walks over getting in the car handing the valet a $100 bill saying that should cover it. Michael makes one more attempt to get behind the wheel of the four-door sports car but to no avail. He ends up in the back seat behind his dad sitting next to his twin sister for the hour drive to their North Jersey estate.

Chapter 3

Lifetime Bonds

Lauren and Michael begin unconcernedly waking up as the ultra-smooth car cruises past a bevy of luxury homes until