After spending a few more days in California, it was time for the family to head home. They loaded their car and bid farewell to their grandparents. 

"Goodbye, Grandma! It was wonderful to see you," exclaimed Mackenzie.

"Goodbye, sweetheart. It was a delight to see you as well, and thank you once again for helping me solve the mystery of that photo and letter," Nancy replied.

"It was no trouble at all," Mackenzie responded modestly.

“Maybe for you, but I was the one who did all the work," Mason chimed in, playfully teasing his sister.

"Bye, Grandma," said Mason. "Please send our regards to Grandpa."

"I will," Nancy replied.

"Bye, Mom," David said. "I’ll call once I get home, okay? Love you."

"Love you too, dear," Nancy responded. "Have a safe trip home."

After bidding farewell to Nancy and Harold, the family climbed into the car and set off for the airport to catch their flight home. Upon finally returning to the house after a long journey, David eagerly reminded the twins about the special surprise waiting for them. "Remember, kids, there’s a surprise waiting for you in the backyard!" he called out. 

“Oh, that’s right! Come on, sis, let’s go check it out!” replied Mason. 

When they arrived in the backyard, their excitement soared as they discovered a magnificent treehouse built just for them, designed perfectly for their detective adventures. 

“Awesome! Our very own Detective Treehouse!” exclaimed Mason. 

“Thanks, Mom and Dad!” added Mason. 

“Yeah, thanks, guys! What an incredible gift!” cheered Mackenzie.

“And we made it handicapped accessible just for you, sweetheart,” David said, exchanging proud glances with Melissa as they admired their achievement and the joy of their children. 

“We’re so happy you both love it!” Said David “and we’re so proud of both of you for everything you’ve done for the community, you’ve earned this”

Inside the treehouse, there was a desk for managing calls and cases, accompanied by a bulletin board for tracking clues and information related to their investigations. Additionally, a cozy lounge area provided a space for watching TV and playing games. "This treehouse has it all—even a bathroom!" exclaimed Mason. 

"All right, kids, it's time to come down; we're heading out for dinner," Melissa announced. 

"Okay, Mom," Mason replied, and the twins hurried down to join their parents as they prepared to leave. They went to a charming Italian restaurant, where Mason ordered lasagna and Mackenzie chose spaghetti, while their parents opted for chicken pasta and fettuccine Alfredo. 

After dinner, the family returned home to a shocking sight. The house had been ransacked and was in complete disarray. Melissa screamed as she entered, prompting David and the twins to rush inside. 

"Oh my God," Mackenzie gasped. "What happened here?" 

"It looks like a tornado hit this place!" she exclaimed.

"I suggest we divide our efforts and conduct a thorough search of the house to look for any additional signs of vandalism," Mason proposed. 

"That sounds like a solid plan," Mackenzie replied. "However, I think I should sit this one out. I've been on my feet all day, and I really need to rest my leg." 

"That's completely understandable," Mason responded. "You take a seat and rest your leg, while I search the house for anything suspicious." 

He began with the bedrooms, which seemed to be intact. Next, he ventured into the attic and found it to be in good condition as well. However, upon descending into the basement, he discovered a chaotic scene. Amid the disarray, Mason noticed something glinting on the floor—a small ring. He picked it up and brought it upstairs to show his mother. 

"Mom, is this ring yours?" Mason asked. 

"No, sweetheart," she replied, examining the ring closely. "I’m usually very careful with my jewelry, and besides, it's too small to fit my finger." 

"Then I think we may have had an intruder," Mason said. "But what puzzles me is what they could have been searching for. The bedrooms are untouched, so it’s not like they were after any valuables, such as jewelry."

"I would like to visit the treehouse to conduct research on this ring, but I believe it would be wise to wait until tomorrow," Mason suggested. "It's getting late, and we shouldn't linger here any longer. It would be safer for us to find a hotel until we can tidy up the house." 

"That sounds like a sensible plan," David replied. "Let's head to a hotel and figure out our next steps in the morning. Excellent thinking, Mason."

"Thanks, Dad," Mason said as the family gathered their luggage and climbed back into the car to head to a hotel for the night. 

However, once they arrived, Mason couldn't help but overhear others discussing recent break-ins in their neighborhoods. 

"That's strange," Mason remarked. "Were there other houses that were vandalized?" 

At that moment, Mason saw an opportunity to investigate further and uncover the truth behind these unsettling events. 

"Excuse me, ma'am, but am I correct in assuming that your house was broken into?" Mason asked. 

"Actually, yes. How did you know that?" the woman replied, her brow furrowing in concern. 

"Because our house was broken into as well. You wouldn’t happen to recognize this ring, would you?" Mason inquired.

“I’m afraid I don’t,” replied the woman.

“That’s understandable. Did you notice anything unusual upon returning to the house?” Mason inquired.

“Here’s the odd part—nothing was stolen. Someone broke in, ransacked the place, and then left empty-handed,” the woman explained.

“Did you happen to discover anything they may have left behind?” Mason asked.

“Not that I’m aware of,” the woman replied.

“Would you mind if I noted your name and the time of the break-in?” Mason asked.

“Of course,” she said. “My name is Helen, and I realized my house had been broken into around 8:00 PM this evening.”

Before Mason could ask any further questions, Mackenzie approached him with some news. "Hey, Mason, I wanted to let you know that we have our room key, so we're heading up to our hotel room," she said. 

"Okay, I'll be right there," Mason replied, joining his family as they made their way to their room. Once they arrived, the twins took a moment to reflect on what Helen had shared with Mason.

"So, did you find out anything from that woman?" Mackenzie inquired. 

"I need to do a bit more research, but from what I gathered, we’re not the only ones who have experienced break-ins," Mason responded. "Whoever is behind this disturbance is breaking into homes, creating chaos, and then leaving without taking anything. It’s really strange."

"Then there's this mysterious ring I found in our basement," Mason continued. “Let’s talk about it more tomorrow. Right now, we should really get some sleep; it’s been a long day," Mackenzie suggested.

“Yeah, you’re right. Goodnight, sis,” Mason said.

“Goodnight, Mason,” Mackenzie replied, and the family settled in for the night, hoping to uncover some answers the following day.

The following morning, Mason awoke before everyone else and decided to venture down to the lobby for breakfast, hoping to gather more information about the recent break-ins. He spoke with at least three other guests, all of whom reported similar experiences: their homes had been broken into and vandalized, yet nothing had been stolen. Interestingly, it appeared that Mason's home was the only one where something had been left behind. As he pondered the implications of this unsettling pattern, he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the story. Soon, Mackenzie joined him for breakfast. 

“Good morning, Mason,” she greeted him. 

“Morning, sis,” Mason replied. 

“Have you uncovered anything new about these break-ins?” Mackenzie inquired.

“Don’t you find it a bit too coincidental that everyone who reported a break-in has ended up here?” Mason asked.

“What are you implying?” Mackenzie replied, her brow furrowing.

"Do you think the hotel is linked to the recent break-ins?" Mackenzie asked. 

"I believe there is a strong possibility," Mason replied. 

"What about the ring you found? Were you able to track down its owner?" Mackenzie inquired. 

"Not yet," Mason said. "Why don't we head back to our room and conduct some more research?" 

They made their way upstairs, finding their parents already awake and dressed. 

"Good morning, kids," David greeted them. "Have you learned anything about the break-ins?" 

"Mason thinks the hotel might be connected," Mackenzie explained. 

"This is just a theory, but I suspect that someone affiliated with the hotel is entering people's homes while they are away, ransacking them without stealing anything, in order to lure them to the hotel," Mason proposed. 

"I have to admit, that’s not a bad theory," Mackenzie acknowledged. 

"Thanks, sis," Mason replied. "Now I just need to find a way to prove it. If I can figure out who owns this ring, I might be able to."

At that moment, Mason pulled out his laptop to research the hotel and its owners. "It appears the hotel is owned by a couple named Ben and Sandy Davis," he noted. As he zoomed in on a photograph of the couple, he noticed that Sandy was wearing a ring that strikingly resembled the one he had found in the basement of their home. "I can’t say for certain, but I believe we may have identified our prime suspect. Now we need to ascertain whether they are collaborating or if she has acted independently," Mason concluded. He then returned to the lobby, eager to speak with the hotel owners regarding the recent break-ins. 

“Excuse me, sir,” Mason addressed the clerk. “Are the owners available? I need to speak with them urgently. Mrs. Davis left her ring at my house, and I want to ensure she receives it.” 

“You can leave it here, and I'll make sure she gets it,” the clerk replied. 

“No, I prefer to return it to her personally,” Mason insisted. 

“If that's your wish,” the clerk conceded. He then summoned the owners so Mason could discuss the matter with them. 

“How can I assist you, young man?” Ben inquired. 

“Your wife left this in my house, and I wanted to ensure she got it back,” Mason explained. 

“Your house? I don’t understand. Why would my wife be in your home?” Ben asked, confusion etched on his face.

It wasn't long before Sandy approached, searching for her husband. "Ben, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you," she exclaimed. "Oh, my ring! Where on earth did you find it?"

Mason interjected, "Ben, are you aware that your wife has been breaking into people's homes and vandalizing them just to lure them to the hotel?"

"Is this true, Sandy?" Ben asked, his voice filled with shock. 

"No, I never entered anyone's house," Sandy replied. 

"But this is your ring; you said so yourself," Mason pointed out. 

"Yes, and I’ve been searching for it all day!" Sandy retorted. 

"Is there anyone else you can think of who might have taken your ring, Mrs. Davis?" Mason asked.

"Charlie," Ben said to the clerk. "Please get my daughter to come down here; she has some explaining to do." 

"Right away, sir," the clerk responded.

At last, Ben's daughter arrived in the lobby. "Did you call for me, Dad?" she inquired. Ben replied, "Samantha, have you been playing with your stepmother's jewelry again?" 

"I'm not sure what you're talking about," Samantha answered, feigning ignorance. 

"Don't lie to me, young lady. Have you been playing with your stepmother's jewelry?" Ben asked more sternly. 

"So what if I have?" Samantha shot back defiantly.

"You know that her jewelry is off-limits," Ben retorted. "Now, can you explain why you were in this young man’s house?" 

"What makes you think I was in his house?" Samantha countered, maintaining her innocence. 

"Because he discovered it on his basement floor," Ben responded.

"I never said I found it in the basement," Mason chimed in. “You’re the one who's been breaking into people's houses, not your wife or your daughter, right, Ben?” 

"I suppose you caught me," Ben admitted reluctantly. 

"Dad? What’s going on?" Samantha asked, confused.

"Recently, I've noticed that hotel occupancy has been declining. While I was taking your ring out to have it polished, I came up with the idea to break into people’s homes while they were away and disrupt their lives in order to lure them to the hotel." Said Ben

"The last house I visited before returning here belonged to that young man," Ben explained. "However, it was only after I left that I realized I had misplaced your ring. I tried to go back and retrieve it, but by the time I arrived, it was too late—they had already returned." His gaze was earnest as he spoke to both of them. "I sincerely apologize; I never intended for either of you to be caught up in this situation." Turning to Mason, he added, "You have my assurance that everyone at this hotel will receive full refunds, and I will personally cover the costs to repair your house." 

"That's reassuring to hear," Mason replied. "However, I can't promise that no one here will choose to press charges for what you've done." 

Ben assured him, "I'll take care of that if it comes to it. For now, please enjoy the remainder of your stay at the hotel." 

Mason then returned to the room to update everyone on what had transpired. 

"Did you discover who was behind the break-ins?" Mackenzie inquired. 

"I certainly did, and it wasn't the wife, as I initially suspected. It turned out to be the husband responsible for everything," Mason responded. "Although he initially tried to deflect blame, he eventually slipped up and revealed where he lost the ring, despite my not mentioning where I had found it. Moreover, my reasoning for why all of this was happening was spot on." Said Mason 

“He mentioned that not only is our hotel stay complimentary, but he is also willing to cover any necessary expenses to repair our house,” Mason remarked. “Great job, Mason,” Mackenzie replied.

“However, I have no idea how long it will be before we can return to our home,” Mason continued.

“That’s fine; I think I need to make another appointment with the doctor to check on my leg,” Mackenzie said.

“You’re right, honey. Thank you for reminding me,” Melissa added.

“Since we’re living here for free until we can move back into our house, would anyone like to join me for a swim in the pool?” Mason proposed.

“Broken leg, remember?” Mackenzie pointed out.

“Oh, right. My apologies,” Mason responded.

“That’s alright, dear. You go ahead,” Melissa encouraged. Mason then changed into his swimsuit and headed down to the pool for a brief swim before lunch. Just then, Mackenzie remembered that she had a waterproof cast she could wear. “Mason, wait up! I’m coming with you,” announced Mackenzie. “I forgot I have my waterproof cast!” With that, the two of them proceeded to the pool together, ready to celebrate another mystery solved.