Somewhat surprising, the woman didn’t appear fazed in the least.  “As I stated,” she repeated calmly, “we do not have any control over Beih Saad’s organizations or decisions.”

Mona retrieved her phone and began playing the video, pushing it forward across the table.  “We took this of the rooms at one of Mr. Saad’s Rainbow houses.”

Darwish peered at the video as it played until it ended with shakiness of the picture and someone yelling in the background. She looked back at them.  “I cannot speak for anything the other homes are doing.”

“At least at your locations, the children are playing,” said Mona.  “At Rainbow, they look… I don’t know, militant.”

“The Rainbow of Hope houses have very high standards,” offered Darwish.  “And more resources to apply them.”

“But why?” asked Mona.  “If someone were really trying to help as many children as they could and had access to more resources, why wouldn’t they be trying to help UNICEF or partner with them?  Why only help a few children here and there in very remote places?”

“There are children everywhere that need help, Ms. Baraka.”

“Yes, but UNICEF has camps literally everywhere, while Mr. Saad has houses almost nowhere.  Does that seem odd to you?”

Again, Shani Darwish smiled politely.  “I am truly sorry, Ms. Baraka.  And Mr. Maher,” she added, turning to Omar.  “We just do not have any insight into Mr. Saad’s affairs.  Their houses are independently owned and managed.  I’m afraid we simply have more than enough of our own issues to worry about.  I wish I could give you more of what you seek.”

With that, Darwish gently rose from the chair.  “I would recommend you reach out directly to the Rainbow Foundation.  I’m sure they can answer your questions.”

Back through the reception area, Mona stared at Omar, stunned, as they exited through the office’s large double doors.

“Are you kidding?!”

“That was not helpful.”

“Not helpful?!  That was more than not helpful.  That was weird!”  She turned around, looking along the open street.

“She was hiding something.”

“Something?  How about everything?  There is no way an organization as large and powerful as UNICEF would not know everything about Saad’s supposed charity.”

“Well, he is awfully good at keeping out of public view.  Maybe he’s just–”

“No,” retorted Mona.  “If we can walk into one of Saad’s places that easily, then so can they—unless they don’t want to.”

“Why would they not want to know what he’s doing with those children?”

“That’s my point!  They would.  UNICEF, probably more than any other organization, isn’t merely about housing kids.  They’re trying to save lives in any way they can!”