I got saddled with a horrible manager after my manager died, and now that he has successfully convinced the leadership team to root me out, i eventually got fired after 1.5 years under his wing. Mind you I had been in the same role for 5 years with a previous manager. I knew they were trying to steer me out the door so i preemptively starting applying. When I applied I had a job, when I went for a couple of the follow up interviews I didn’t. Fearful that they would verify employment I told two potential employers my position had been eliminated. One has dropped me and another is slow to call me back, so I’m assuming that they’re out also. I was at this job for 9’years and otherwise have a good work history for 20 years. Anyone ever have a similar situation, if so what’s the best answer here?