Beyond Doubt (A Reese Link Mystery—Book Four)

By Molly Black

When a second murder victim is found in an abandoned lighthouse off the coast of Maine, rookie small town police officer Reese Link is brought in by State Police to catch the killer. Reese knows these lighthouses like the back of her hand—yet even she cannot be prepared for the shocking twist that’s coming.

“Molly Black has written a taut thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat… I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series!”
—Reader review for Girl One: Murder

BEYOND DOUBT is book #4 in a long anticipated new series by critically-acclaimed and #1 bestselling mystery and suspense author Molly Black, whose books have received over 2,000 five-star reviews and ratings.

Reese Link is determined to do right by her deceased older brother, to fill his shoes in the local police department, and to avenge his murder. She also wants to make her father, a local lobsterman, proud. But the local force is male, and close-knight, and Reese soon learns that being accepted won’t be so easy.

Small town life on a harbor in Maine can be rough. Winters can be cruel and stretch forever, while the working class who inhabit the harbor suffer no fools. Reese knows this town like the back of her hand—but when she teams up with a State police officer, she quickly realizes she’ll have to branch out to other areas, way out of her comfort zone. She will have to learn quickly about all regions of Maine, as she hunts deadly killers wherever they may take her.

All along, she must fight her own demons, shake off the heaviness of her childhood, the depression of this town, and ask herself: is she good enough?

A harrowing crime thriller featuring a brilliant and tortured small-town police officer, the Reese Link series is a riveting mystery, packed with non-stop action, suspense, twists and turns, revelations, and driven by a breakneck pace that will keep you flipping pages late into the night. Fans of Rachel Caine, Teresa Driscoll and Robert Dugoni are sure to fall in love.

Future books in the series are also available!

“I binge read this book. It hooked me in and didn't stop till the last few pages… I look forward to reading more!”
—Reader review for Found You

“I loved this book! Fast-paced plot, great characters and interesting insights into investigating cold cases. I can't wait to read the next book!”
—Reader review for Girl One: Murder

“Very good book… You will feel like you are right there looking for the kidnapper! I know I will be reading more in this series!”
—Reader review for Girl One: Murder

“This is a very well written book and holds your interest from page 1… Definitely looking forward to reading the next one in the series, and hopefully others as well!”
—Reader review for Girl One: Murder

“Wow, I cannot wait for the next in this series. Starts with a bang and just keeps going.”
—Reader review for Girl One: Murder

“Well written book with a great plot, one that will keep you up at night. A page turner!”
—Reader review for Girl One: Murder

“A great suspense that keeps you reading… can't wait for the next in this series!”
—Reader review for Found You

“Sooo soo good! There are a few unforeseen twists… I binge read this like I binge watch Netflix. It just sucks you in.”
—Reader review for Found You

• Language: English
• Publisher: Molly Black
• Release date: May 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9781094330457

Book preview

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B E Y O N D   D O U B T

(A Reese Link Mystery—Book 4)

M o l l y   B l a c k

Molly Black

Bestselling author Molly Black is author of the MAYA GRAY FBI suspense thriller series, comprising nine books (and counting); of the RYLIE WOLF FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books; of the TAYLOR SAGE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising eight books; of the KATIE WINTER FBI suspense thriller series, comprising eleven books (and counting); of the RUBY HUNTER FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); of the CAITLIN DARE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); of the REESE LINK mystery series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the CLAIRE KING FBI suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Molly loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.mollyblackauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

Copyright © 2023 by Molly Black. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the author. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Jacket image Copyright Dmitry Pistrov used under license from Shutterstock.com.

BOOKS BY MOLLY BLACK

CAITLIN DARE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

COME GET ME (Book #1)

COME FIND ME (Book #2)

COME TAKE ME (Book #3)

COME CATCH ME (Book #4)

COME SAVE ME (Book #5)

MAYA GRAY MYSTERY SERIES

GIRL ONE: MURDER (Book #1)

GIRL TWO: TAKEN (Book #2)

GIRL THREE: TRAPPED (Book #3)

GIRL FOUR: LURED (Book #4)

GIRL FIVE: BOUND (Book #5)

GIRL SIX: FORSAKEN (Book #6)

GIRL SEVEN: CRAVED (Book #7)

GIRL EIGHT: HUNTED (Book #8)

GIRL NINE: GONE (Book #9)

RYLIE WOLF FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

FOUND YOU (Book #1)

CAUGHT YOU (Book #2)

SEE YOU (Book #3)

WANT YOU (Book #4)

TAKE YOU (Book #5)

DARE YOU (Book #6)

TAYLOR SAGE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

DON’T LOOK (Book #1)

DON’T BREATHE (Book #2)

DON’T RUN (Book #3)

DON’T FLINCH (Book #4)

DON’T REMEMBER (Book #5)

DON’T TELL (Book #6)

KATIE WINTER FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

SAVE ME (Book #1)

REACH ME (Book #2)

HIDE ME (Book #3)

BELIEVE ME (Book #4)

HELP ME (Book #5)

FORGET ME (Book #6)

HOLD ME (Book #7)

PROTECT ME (Book #8)

REMEMBER ME (Book #9)

CATCH ME (Book #10)

WATCH ME (Book #11)

RUBY HUNTER FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

IF I RUN (Book #1)

IF I TELL (Book #2)

IF I LIVE (Book #3)

IF I FORGET (Book #4)

IF I RETURN (Book #5)

CAITLIN DARE FBI SUSPENSE THRILLER

COME GET ME (Book #1)

COME FIND ME (Book #2)

COME TAKE ME (Book #3)

COME CATCH ME (Book #4)

COME SAVE ME (Book #5)

REESE LINK MYSTERY

BEYOND REASON (Book #1)

BEYOND REACH (Book #2)

BEYOND REPAIR (Book #3)

BEYOND DOUBT (Book #4)

BEYOND NORMAL (Book #5)

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

EPILOGUE

PROLOGUE

Unease stirred in Jonas's gut as he watched the wave approach the small boat in which he and Theresa crouched, alone on the troubled water, the oncoming storm pasting over the romantic sunset with a steely gray that seemed to be darkening by the moment.

All Jonas had wanted was a few minutes in the middle of the harbor to watch the sunset with Theresa. That was the whole reason he had rented the canoe, paying what seemed an outrageous sum considering that his only income was a part-time job at McDonald's. And if Theresa decided to reward him with a kiss, what harm was there in that? Could anyone really fault him for trying?

Then the wave struck the boat, drenching the two passengers in cold saltwater—and throwing cold water on Jonas's plans as well.

Theresa let out a little shriek, shuddering as drips of water ran down her neck and beneath her shirt.

Maybe this isn't the right time for this, she said, her teeth beginning to chatter. It was clear from the sound of her voice that this wasn't what she'd signed up for, and that she was probably close to calling it quits and heading home.

And when will I get a chance like this again? Jonas thought dismally, scrubbing saltwater from his eyes. With a girl as pretty and as popular as Theresa Hampton? If I screw this up, she'll never go out with me a second time.

Just getting this far had been hard work. She had turned him down three times, but he had persisted, refusing to give up, unwilling to walk away without at least getting the chance to prove to her that he was more than just some quiet, socially awkward kid who sat behind her in math class.

Now here was his chance, and it was slipping right through his fingers. He would just have to improvise—preferably before Theresa got drenched and lost all interest in him.

The wind was picking up, and the sky had grown so dark that it seemed like midnight instead of early evening. Lightning flashed in the distance, followed by a rumble of thunder that made Jonas's heart leap into his throat. It was clear the storm was only getting worse, which meant that waiting for the storm to pass was out of the question.

We should head back! Theresa said, shouting to be heard above the rising wind. We're going to get soaked!

Jonas knew she was right ... and yet, he also knew that if they headed back to the dock, there was a high probability that Theresa would want nothing more than for Jonas to drop her off at home so she could get warm and dry. He had to find a way to prolong the adventure and use the storm to his advantage.

It's too far to go back, he said, though he was not sure this was true, and the realization that he had just lied to her sent a strange thrill through him. We'll have to go somewhere else.

He cast his eyes around the harbor, looking for somewhere to take shelter—a sandy beach, maybe, or a small island. Other than the crashing waves, however, the only thing he saw was a cruel row of towering cliffs that waited to crush them like hungry teeth.

Jonas? Theresa said, a wavering, worried note in her voice. She looked at him, and Jonas felt a sharp pang in his chest at the realization that she needed him. It might be the only time she would ever need him, but for now, the knowledge was intoxicating.

There has to be somewhere we can go, he thought, desperate not to let her down. Then, as he turned his head side to side, he spotted a lighthouse in the distance, its bright beam shining through the darkness like a beacon of hope.

There! he cried, pointing. That's got to be a lot closer than the dock!

You think we can really paddle that far? Theresa asked, sounding doubtful.

Have no fear, my dear, he said, doing his best to sound more confident than he felt. We'll find a way.

She cast him a hopeful glance, and he sensed that there was still time for the evening to be salvaged. All he had to do was get them both out of this mess—and the sooner, the better.

She might even give you a kiss of gratitude for all this. Or two, or three.

Thrusting his paddle into the water, Jonas began to move the boat with firm, strong strokes, guiding it toward the distant lighthouse. As they got nearer, he could see that the lighthouse was surrounded by high cliffs and jagged rocks. He hoped that he had judged correctly, and that they would be able to make it to shore without being dashed against the rocks or swept away by an especially large wave.

He maneuvered the boat carefully into a small cove at the base of the cliff, then jumped out and tied the boat securely to one of several sturdy posts embedded in the sand. He helped Theresa out of the boat, and together they scrambled up a steep path leading to higher ground.

We're almost there, he assured her. We'll just get out of the rain and wait for the storm to pass.

The rain was coming down harder now, stinging their faces with cold droplets as they struggled up slippery rocks along the mud-slick path, heading toward what Jonas hoped would provide a temporary refuge from the storm. The wind gusted more fiercely with each passing minute, threatening to blow them off their feet if they weren't careful.

Just as Jonas was beginning to think that they might make it to the lighthouse unscathed, Theresa slipped on a wet rock and almost fell. He reached out and caught her just in time, his free hand gripping the cliff wall for balance.

Thanks, she said breathlessly, looking up at him with gratitude. You really know how to treat a lady, don't you?

He smiled down at her, relieved that he had been able to save her from a nasty tumble. The touch of her skin against his was electric, but he pretended not to notice as he continued upward, still holding her hand.

In less than a minute, the lighthouse door came within sight, standing firm and unmoving in the shifting wind and rain.

I sure hope it's not locked, Jonas thought, worried they might have come all this way for nothing. He reached out and grasped the handle, sending up a silent prayer that it would turn. To his relief, it opened with ease.

The musty smell of old wood and rusting metal greeted them as they stepped into the dimly lit interior.

Home, sweet home, Jonas said as he closed the door behind them, shutting out the storm. He hoped Theresa could not hear the nervousness in his voice. This was his first time being with a girl he liked since—well, since he'd gotten old enough to really care about such things. There were no parents around to tell them what they could or could not do, no teacher to chaperone them.

Nobody even knew where they were.

Suddenly the evening, which had come close to turning into a colossal failure, now seemed full of wonderful, scintillating possibilities.

Theresa cleared her throat daintily and slipped her hand from his. Jonas had forgotten they were even holding hands, but now the absence of her touch was like the removal of a fire on a cold winter's night. He watched her as she surveyed the room in a long slow turn, his heart beating fiercely in his chest.

I've never been in a lighthouse before, she said and then clutched her shoulders as a shiver racked her body.

Let's get you warm, Jonas said, springing into action.

He rubbed her arms vigorously to get the circulation going, then pulled her into a hug and wrapped his own arms around her tight. She felt small and fragile in his embrace, and he held her for a few moments longer than necessary before releasing her. Their eyes met, and Jonas could see the same warmth that he was feeling inside reflected in hers.

You're a good guy, you know that? she said.

Suddenly, he felt embarrassed, and he scratched the back of his neck.

What? Theresa asked, smiling.

I guess I just didn't think this would ever really happen. Other than in my imagination, I mean.

He regretted the words as soon as he'd said them. Shut up, you idiot! he thought. You sound like a stalker.

Theresa, however, did not seem upset by the implication in his words. Instead, she cocked her head to the side, gazing curiously at him.

Why did you bring me out here, Jonas? she asked in a soft voice.

Jonas's cheeks grew hot. He had been harboring a not-so-secret crush on Theresa for years now, and the thought of speaking to her directly about it was both thrilling and terrifying.

I've ... liked you for a long time, he said, watching her face intently for any sign of shock or surprise. But all he saw was understanding, as if she'd known all along what he was feeling. I thought it would be nice to spend some time together without any distractions. Just you and me.

And how is it going so far?

His face broke into a nervous grin. Pretty amazing, actually, storm or no storm.

He stepped closer and took her hands in his again. They were like ice, but his own seemed to burn with an intensity that made him blush even more deeply than before. This time, she did not pull away but instead stepped closer until their faces were only inches apart. Jonas could feel her breath on his skin, and his body trembled more from anticipation than from the cold as he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers in a soft kiss that seemed to last forever.

When they finally broke apart, Theresa looked up at him with a shy half-smile that had Jonas's heart pounding faster than if he'd just finished a hundred-yard dash.

That was nice, she said quietly, still looking up into his eyes.

Jonas smiled back at her. I'd say 'nice' is an understatement.

Just then, the wind gusted against the building, and there was a loud creak overhead.

Theresa clutched Jonas more tightly than before. What was that? she whispered, her eyes wide in the dimness.

Probably nothing, he said, sounding braver than he felt. It's an old lighthouse—maybe no one's been here in a while.

He moved his face toward hers for another kiss, but she pulled away, shaking her head.

What's wrong? he asked.

She sighed and tucked a lock of wet hair behind her ear. Look, Jonas, I really like you, but to be honest, this place is giving me the creeps. I can't help feeling like ... like ... She shook her head again.

What?

You'll laugh.

I won't. Swear to God.

It feels like we're not alone, she said.

Even as she said the words, that creak came again, and Jonas felt a sprinkling of dust hit his face. What was up there? Was it possible there was someone else in the lighthouse with them?

It's probably just the lighthouse keeper, he said, but even as he spoke the words, he found himself wondering if there was such a thing as lighthouse keepers anymore. He knew that there had been a time when lighthouses used oil lamps that needed tending, but he was pretty sure modern lighthouses were much more ... well … modern.

Theresa gave him a long, troubled look. Then why is it so dark in here? she asked.

She had a point. If anyone else was there with them, why wouldn't that person have the lights on? Unless—

Unless they're hiding, he thought with a chill. Unless they don't want us to know they're here.

Let's just head back, she said, leaning toward the door. It has to be getting late.

Jonas's heart sank