XXVI

• Author: Lindsay Cameron
• Profession: Corporate attorney
• Pages: 247-253

247

26

H    he opened the door, but his smile quickly

faded as he took in my sweaty, splotchy, disheveled appearance. Out

of breath from running the entire way from the train station, I could

barely manage to get the words out. “Uncle Nigel,” I pued. “I need

your help.”

His hand felt solid and comforting on my shoulder as he guided

me inside, reassuring me I’d come to the right place. He had the same

look on his face that Mom had when Margaret had called her to tell

her she had suered an injury that would jeopardize her scholarship

— unwaveringly calm and pragmatic. For the rst time since I le

the oce, I could feel my rapid heart rate start to decrease a little bit.

“Let’s talk in here, Mac.” He gestured towards the study.

I sat down heavily on the couch and rubbed my eyes with my

palms. I hadn’t formulated a script in my mind for how best to

explain what was happening to me. It was too dreadful and humili-

ating to comprehend, let alone explain it.

“Listen,” Uncle Nigel started gently. “e economy still isn’t great

and this happens to the best of lawyers. Law rms just over-hire and

then let good quality people go. It’s the only way they can maintain

their pyramid structure. It is nothing to be ashamed of.”

I shook my head. “I didn’t get red, Uncle Nigel.” I raised my eyes,

meeting his. “It’s worse.” And then the words came tumbling out of

me in a hurried, uncontrollable crush. I told him about when I rst

heard about the SEC investigation from Rita and when Alex saw

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