The Accidental Wealth

Chapter 10

Jackson stepped out of the hospital, blinking in the bright sunlight. The automatic doors whooshed shut behind him, cutting off the antiseptic smell that had become all too familiar. He took a deep breath, savoring the scent of car exhaust and hot asphalt. Ah, freedom.

His hand instinctively went to his pocket, feeling for his phone. He pulled it out, squinting at the screen to recheck his bank balance. Yep, it was still there. $89,000 and change. He let out a low whistle.

"From zero to hero in one day," he muttered. "Take that, universe."

A passing jogger gave him an odd look. Jackson realized he was standing in the middle of the sidewalk, grinning like an idiot at his phone. He cleared his throat and tried to look nonchalant as if staring at one's bank account with a dopey smile, which was normal outside a hospital.

He started walking with no particular destination in mind. His feet carried him down the street while his mind raced with possibilities. What does one do with a sudden i