When James got back to the river, Feeney was at the end of the bridge.
"Can you hold?"
"For now." Feeney's voice was steady. His hands were not. "Hughes and Mooney are gone back, and now the sarge. Two more hit. We're down to the last mag for half of us." He looked at James. "They'll come again."
"I know."
The radio went.
"*All units, Brigade. The northern line can't be held. Repeat, the line north of Sligo can't be held. All formations will disengage and withdraw south through Sligo on the N4 and the N17. Routes are being held for you. Civilian evacuation is under way. Disengage by sections, wounded first. Out.*"
Kavanagh's voice came straight after it.
"*All sections. You heard. We're going. Wounded and vehicles first. Then the church. Then the river. Ganner, Feeney, you're last off the bridge. Hold it till everyone's past.*"
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