A few days had passed since Olivia was joyfully reunited with her lost puppy. Mason and Mackenzie were getting ready for school and made their way downstairs for breakfast, where their parents were seated at the table engaged in conversation. “Good morning, Mom,” Mason greeted, followed by Mackenzie, “Good morning, Dad.” 

“Good morning, kids,” their father replied. “I’ve heard some impressive things about you two. Not only did you help a little girl find her dog, but you also thwarted a major smuggling operation. I understand the mayor wants to recognize your efforts with a reward.” The twins exchanged excited glances, curious about what the reward might be. 

“The mayor wants to give us a reward?!” Mason exclaimed. “That’s amazing!” Mackenzie added. “Meet us at the park after school; that’s where the ceremony will take place,” their mother informed them. 

“Alright, we’re off to school now,” Mackenzie said. “Have a great day,” their dad responded. 

As the twins headed out the door on their way to school, they encountered Olivia at the crosswalk. “Hey, Olivia,” Mason called out. “Are you on your way to school too?” 

“Hi, guys! Thank you so much for helping me find my dog,” Olivia replied. “I’m heading to school for my first day at Bradford Elementary.” 

“No way!” Mason exclaimed. “That’s our school! We’d love to show you around when we get there. And don’t worry about the dog—how many kids get to rescue a lost puppy and help shut down a smuggling operation?” 

Mackenzie chimed in, “The mayor wants to acknowledge us for our efforts. The ceremony is at the park after school. Would you like to join us?” 

“I’d love to!” Olivia smiled. 

Mackenzie then leaned closer to Mason and whispered, “You totally like her, don’t you? Don’t worry; I have a feeling she likes you too. You should ask her to be your date for the ceremony tonight.” 

“Do you really think so?” Mason asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. 

“Absolutely!” Mackenzie replied confidently. “And if you need backup, I’ll be there.” 

“Thanks, sis,” Mason said gratefully.

When they arrive at school, Mason decides to make a quick stop in the restroom before class and sees something horrific. Someone had written "Mason was here" all over the bathroom mirrors with spray paint. In a panic, Mason ran out of the bathroom to find his sister, who could immediately sense that something was wrong.

Mackenzie, there you are. We've got a problem, a big one, he said, panicked.

Mason, slow down. What's the matter? she said, trying to calm him.

There's something in the boys' room that you need to see, said Mason.

As Mackenzie entered the boys' bathroom, she was shocked to see what was written on the wall.

This is not happening. It can't, not today. What am I going to do? I can't get in trouble again. I just can't, Mason said, still panicking.

Mason, please, you need to calm down. Nobody can prove that you were the one who did this, not until they find evidence that links you to it.

My name is written on the mirrors, he said. There's no way anyone will believe I didn't do this. And if Mom and Dad find out, I'm screwed. There's no way they'll let me go to the ceremony today.

Mason, please focus. I believe that you're being framed, said Mackenzie, still trying to reassure her brother. We just need to figure out who is framing you and why.

As if things couldn't get any worse for Mason, the moment they left the bathroom, he got called down to the office.

Hey, said Mackenzie. We don't even know what it's about, ok? For all we know, it could be about the ceremony today. Do you want me to go with you?

Yes, please, Mason said, as he was on the verge of tears.

They both made their way to the office, where the principal was awaiting their arrival. "Good afternoon, Mr. Andrews," Mason said, his voice trembling with nervousness. "Hello, Mason. I trust you already understand the reason for your visit," replied Mr. Andrews. "I believe I have a good idea, but I want to clarify that I had nothing to do with the vandalism in the boys' bathroom," Mason asserted. 

"I see," Mr. Andrews responded. "If we were to check your locker, we wouldn’t find anything incriminating, would we?" 

"Feel free to look," Mason replied confidently. "I have nothing to hide." 

"Very well," Mr. Andrews said. "Let's proceed to your locker." They walked over to Mason's locker, and to his astonishment, he discovered a can of spray paint inside. "That's not mine!" he exclaimed, shocked. 

"The mirrors have your name written on them," Mr. Andrews stated calmly. "And there’s a can of spray paint in your locker. I have all the evidence I need to suspend you for a month. Consider yourself fortunate that you're not being expelled." 

"A WHOLE MONTH?!" Mason gasped incredulously. 

"Mr. Andrews, please," Mackenzie interjected, her voice tinged with urgency. "I genuinely believe my brother is being framed. There’s no way he would do something like this, especially not today. Please, just allow us until the end of the day to uncover the truth." 

"Very well," Mr. Andrews conceded reluctantly. "You have until the ceremony in the park today at 4:00 PM to prove your brother’s innocence. Otherwise, I will go through with the suspension." 

"Mason," Mackenzie urged, "think carefully. Did you share your locker combination with anyone?" 

"Aside from you, no—I’ve never given it to anyone," Mason replied. 

"Did anyone see you open your locker at any time?" Mackenzie asked. Mason considered her question for a moment. "The only people who might have seen me are you and Tommy Duncan. I think we should talk to Tommy, but first, let's review the security footage from the bathroom. It might provide us with clues about who was really responsible for this."

They headed back over to the principal's office in hopes of getting permission to enter the control room.

Have you guys found anything? Mr. Andrews asked.

Actually, Mackenzie responded, we were hoping you could let us into the control room to view the security footage in the bathroom. It might hold a clue to what's really going on.

If that's what it takes to get this whole thing figured out, so be it, said Mr. Andrews as they all headed into the control room.

Mr. Andrews, can you tell us exactly what day the bathroom was vandalized? It'll help us to determine which tape we should look at.

Mr. Andrews thought for a moment. It should be this one right here from yesterday.

After they entered the tape, Mackenzie began to analyze it and she spotted a figure in a black hoodie spray painting the mirrors.

Mason, look at the time on the tape: 11:30 am, right around the time that everyone would be going to lunch and recess, which would give the culprit enough time to vandalize the bathroom then put the can in your locker, Mackenzie turned to Mason and gave him a serious look.

Mason, I need you to be very honest with me right now. Where were you at 11:30 am yesterday morning? I need you to answer carefully.

Wait, said Mason, confused. I thought you said I was being framed?

And I still think that, Mackenzie responded. I just need to look at every possibility. Now, where were you at 11:30 am yesterday morning?

Mason thought for a moment. I would've been in the cafeteria eating lunch, he said.

Were you sitting alone, or were you with people? Mackenzie asked.

I was sitting with Tommy Duncan and his friends, Mason said.

Did you notice anything suspicious while you were in there, like a person wearing a black hoodie or maybe someone with paint on their hands? Mason, if you know anything, now's the time to share it.

I don't remember anything too out of the ordinary, Mason said.

Then I think it's time we go talk with Tommy. He's our only lead so far as to who might be behind this, Mackenzie said.

You don't think this has something to do with the ceremony, do you? Mason asked.

While I do think it's rather convenient that this would happen on the day we're supposed to get honored at the park, if that's really what this is about, then why go after just you instead of the both of us? Mackenzie asked.

"Mr. Andrews, do you know where Tommy Duncan is right now?" Mackenzie asked. "We need to ask him some questions." 

"He should be on the playground at the moment," Mr. Andrews replied.

The twins made their way toward the playground, eager to speak with Tommy about the incident. However, before they could reach him, they encountered Olivia in the hallway. 

"Hey, guys!" she exclaimed. "I thought you were going to show me around." 

"Olivia, I’m really sorry, but things have become a bit complicated," Mason said. "I promise I will show you around; I just can’t do it right now." 

"Mason, is everything okay?" Olivia inquired. 

"Honestly, no. Why don’t you come with us, and I’ll explain on the way," Mason suggested.

As they walked towards the playground, Mason filled Olivia in on the situation and their intention to talk to Tommy. When they reached the playground, Mason pointed out Tommy, who was in a leather jacket, absorbed in a comic book while leaning against the wall. 

"Hey, Tommy," Mason called out. "Is that a new issue of *Atomic Phantom*?" 

"Yeah, I picked it up this morning," Tommy replied. "In this issue, the Atomic Phantom gets a new love interest named Betty Sanders, but he doesn’t realize she’s actually his greatest enemy, SpectGirl." 

Before Mason could delve into the story, Mackenzie interrupted. "Guys, can we stay focused? We still have a mystery to solve, and we’re on a time crunch."

"Tommy, are you aware of what happened in the bathroom?" Mackenzie asked directly. 

"Oh, you mean the vandalism that occurred yesterday?" Tommy replied. 

"Yes, we were hoping you could confirm your whereabouts at 11:30 AM yesterday," Mackenzie continued. 

"I would have been in the lunchroom with everyone else," Tommy said. "I was sitting at the same table as Mason with a few friends, discussing the latest issue of *Atomic Phantom*." 

"Did you notice anything or anyone unusual? Perhaps someone in a black hoodie or someone with paint on their hands?" Mackenzie probed. 

"Now that you mention it, I did see someone sneaking around your locker, Mason," Tommy recalled. "I didn’t catch a good look at them, but I saw them put something into your locker." 

"That has to be the vandal," Mason exclaimed angrily. "But what I don’t understand is their motive. When did this happen?" 

"I’d say it was around noon, right before recess," Tommy answered. 

"That coincides with when the bathroom was vandalized," Mackenzie noted, piecing the situation together.

“Thank you, Tommy; you’ve been a tremendous help,” Mason said. As the three of them were about to head inside, they noticed something scrawled on the walls. This time, it was targeted at Mackenzie. “Mackenzie wrote this,” it said. Before she could respond, Mason spotted a figure in a black hood darting down the hall. “After him!” shouted Mason. Without hesitation, they all took off in pursuit of the hooded figure. 

Then Mackenzie had an idea. She knocked over a bucket of water onto the floor, causing the figure to slip and fall. “Now,” Mason declared, “let's uncover the culprit behind this vandalism.” They hurriedly removed the hood and mask, revealing someone unexpected. “Your name is Jimmy, isn’t it?” Mason said. “You’re Alicia’s little brother. So, you’re the one who vandalized the bathroom and framed me? But why would you do that?” 

“Let’s take him to the principal, and I’ll explain everything,” Mackenzie suggested.

They made their way to the principal’s office, and Mackenzie began to recount the events. “Mr. Andrews, we’ve caught the vandal,” she stated. “Can you fill us in on what’s happening, Mackenzie?” Mason inquired. “Of course,” she replied, “I can explain everything. In fact, I’m sure his mother would want to hear this too. Let’s get her down here,” Mackenzie said. The principal called for Jimmy’s mother, and once she arrived, Mackenzie began her explanation.

“I’ve realized that this entire situation stems from one thing: revenge. After we put Alicia and her father behind bars, Jimmy sought retaliation for his family being torn apart. What better way to achieve that than by framing those responsible?” 

“But how did he manage to execute such an elaborate scheme?” Mr. Andrews pressed. “That’s simple,” Mackenzie replied. “First, he got spray paint from the art club. Then, at precisely 11:30 a.m., he entered the boys’ restroom and vandalized the mirrors to make it look like Mason was behind it. After observing you enter your locker combination, he placed the spray can in your locker to further misdirect blame. Once he realized we were onto him, he grew desperate and attempted to frame me as well.”

“And I would have gotten away with it too if it weren’t for you meddling twins!” Jimmy grumbled. 

“Meddling?” Mason asked incredulously. “You tried to frame me!”

“In light of your actions, I’m giving you a one-month suspension from school, and you will be responsible for cleaning all the spray paint off the walls,” Mr. Andrews announced. “Mrs. Monroe, is there anything you’d like to add?” 

“Don’t worry,” Mrs. Monroe assured him. “He will adhere to his punishment, and let me make it clear: you’re not just suspended, young man; you’re grounded for two months.” 

“Aww, come on, Mom!” Jimmy complained.

“Make that three months,” Mrs. Monroe replied coolly. “Do you want to try for four?”

"I cannot adequately express my gratitude for your assistance," Mr. Andrews said sincerely. "Mason, I truly apologize for doubting you when you insisted you hadn’t vandalized the bathroom. It was unprofessional of me, as principal, to jump to conclusions." 

"Hey, it's really not a big deal. You were just doing your job," Mason assured him. He then glanced at the time and said, "Mackenzie, we need to hurry! Mom and Dad are going to be furious if we're late for the ceremony." 

"After everything you've done for me, I would be more than happy to give you a ride. Come on, I'll even drop you off far enough away so no one sees you with the principal." 

Once they arrived at the park, the twins joined their parents. 

"Hey kids, cutting it a bit close, aren’t we?" David remarked. 

"Sorry, Dad, we ran into a bit of a complication," Mackenzie replied. 

"Well, you two better hurry and get on stage; I’m sure your mother is around here somewhere," David said. "I think Mason sent her to pick something up, but he won't tell me what it is. Either way, I’m sure she’ll be back soon," Mackenzie added, and before long the ceremony began.

Mason and Mackenzie headed up on stage as the mayor was preparing to make his speech and a big announcement. “Before I begin,” said the mayor, “I would just like to thank everyone who came out here today to honor two young heroes who not only helped to reunite a girl with her lost dog but also managed to shut down a major smuggling operation and a get-rich-quick scheme from the owner of a local movie theater. Everyone, please give a round of applause and a warm welcome to the Mystery Twins, Mason and Mackenzie Barnes. Come on up here, kids.” 

“Thank you so much for this great honor, Mr. Mayor, but we wouldn’t be up here right now if it weren’t for Olivia. Come on up here, Olivia,” said Mackenzie. 

“Guys, I don’t know what to say. Thank you,” said Olivia. 

“You deserve to be up here just as much as we do,” said Mason. 

“And for all of your heroic work, we’re very pleased to unveil The Barnes Playground in your honor,” said the mayor. 

“No way,” said Mason. “Our very own playground?” Mackenzie said excitedly. 

“But that’s not all. We’re also excited to announce that both of you will be getting your very own ice cream flavor named after you: Mason Berry Swirl and Mackenzie Clueberry Blast, that you can get right now,” said the mayor. 

“This is amazing. Thank you,” said Mackenzie. 

As Olivia was about to step off the stage, disappointed but happy for her friends, Mason stopped her right as Mrs. Barnes arrived with a very special gift. 

“Olivia, wait. We have a very special gift for you,” said Mason. 

“A gift for me?” Olivia asked as she started to perk up. 

“Of course. You didn’t think we were going to let you leave empty-handed, did you?” Inside was a medal with an inscription on the back that said, "To the real hero, Olivia Sampson." 

“We had this made specifically for you, Olivia.” 

“Guys, I'm honored,” Olivia said, trying not to cry. “Thank you.” 

“Before we end today’s ceremony, there’s one more thing we would like to reveal,” said the mayor. 

“We’re proud to unveil this plaque that will be placed near the front of the playground, dedicated to you and your friend. Congratulations, guys. You’ve earned it,” said the mayor. 

They all went up to read the plaque near the playground parking lot, which said, “This plaque is dedicated to Mason and Mackenzie Barnes and their friend Olivia Sampson, who went above and beyond the call of duty to save a lost puppy and stop a smuggling ring.” 

“Mr. Mayor, we can’t tell you enough how honored we are to be getting all of this attention. Thank you so much for everything,” said Mackenzie. 

“Actually, it’s me who wants to thank you for everything you’ve done for this town, and who knows? One of these days, you might just end up getting your own office around here,” said the mayor. 

“Wait, for real?!” Mason said in excitement. 

“I said one of these days. That doesn’t mean right this moment. Keep up the great work, you two.” 

“Thanks, Mr. Mayor,” said Mackenzie.

The twins later reunited with their parents, who were nearly ready to head home. 

"Hey, you three! Congratulations on everything; you've truly earned it," David said.

"Thanks, Dad," Mason replied.

"We're so proud of all of you," Melissa added.

"Thanks, Mom," Mackenzie chimed in.

"And thank you both for my medal; I will cherish it forever," Olivia said gratefully.

"It was all Mason's idea," Mackenzie revealed. "He wanted to do something special for you so you wouldn't feel left out. He knew how important you were to the case."

"Thank you so much," Olivia said, her voice wavering as she fought back tears. "Do you want us to give you a ride home, Olivia?"

"Sure," she replied, and they all got into the car. 

After dropping Olivia off, the Barnes family headed home, while Mason and Mackenzie went upstairs to prepare for bed.

"By the way, you never told us why you were almost late to the ceremony," Melissa prompted.

"Let’s just say there was a situation at school we had to deal with. Anyway, it’s been a long day, and we really should get to bed," Mason said. 

"Good night, Mom. Good night, Dad," they both called.

"Good night, kids," their parents replied.

As usual, Mason and Mackenzie settled into their rooms, but before turning in, Mason paused to ask Mackenzie a question. 

"When did you figure out that Alicia's brother was the vandal?"

"Considering that the targets were us, I suspected it was a revenge plot," Mackenzie explained. "I just didn’t think much about who it was until after the second attack. After that, I pieced it all together."

"Thanks for having my back through all of this," Mason said gratefully.

"Hey, I’m your sister; I’ll always have your back," she reassured him. "Also, that was really thoughtful of you to include Olivia. She genuinely appreciated that you were looking out for her."

"I just didn’t want her to feel excluded, especially since she contributed just as much as we did. I wanted her to have something, in case she didn’t receive anything at the ceremony," Mason explained.

"Well, it has been a long day, and I think it's time we get some rest," he concluded. 

"Good night, sis," he said.

"Good night," Mackenzie replied, and with another mystery solved and the ceremony behind them, Mason and Mackenzie both drifted off to sleep.