Chapter 185: Strike First
[Chapter 186: Strike First]
Covina, Center Street.
In front of a two-story building that faced the street, a colorful arch was set up, while staff members handed out balloons to passersby.
At the main entrance of the building, a shiny brass plaque had been personally hung up by Brian. The plaque read: "Brian Ferguson Campaign Office."
After hanging the plaque, Brian took some balloons and headed out to the sidewalk, distributing them to pedestrians. He handed a balloon printed with "Support Brian" to a woman passing by. The woman initially reached for it, but when she looked up and saw it was Brian, she quickly withdrew her hand. "Do you have AIDS?" she asked.
"No, I don't!" Brian quickly explained, feeling more hatred for those four scoundrels who spread the rumors. Thankfully, Hawke had reminded him earlier. He pulled out two test results from his pocket and waved them in front of the woman. "This is from the Irvine Group medical test, and this is from the University of California Medical School. I do not have AIDS!"
The woman glanced at them and accepted the balloon. "You really don't have AIDS," she said, seeming convinced.
It was a silly tactic, but given Covina's small population and close-knit community, if one person believed him, it could encourage a dozen more to follow.
After over an hour, Brian had handed out more than thirty balloons. His mouth was nearly dried out from speaking.