Jack looked up at the sound of his daughter's laughter. He scowled to see her ensconced with the psychologist. He went back to his work and was startled a few moments later to see Sydney at his elbow.

"Dad, you wanted to speak with me?"

He looked around and replied, "Let's go to the conference room for privacy." Once there, Jack began his warning. "Sydney, you should know that working with the FBI is a dubious proposition, at best. Becoming friendly with those people is not a good idea. We don't know her true agenda."

"Siobhan doesn't have any agenda beyond capturing Yusef Hamass."

"You're on a first name basis with that woman?"

"Dad, I had lunch with her. She is a perfectly nice woman. You're making too much out of this."

"And you are far too trusting. What exactly did you talk about?"

Sydney blushed and had the good grace to look chagrinned, "You."

"Pardon me?"

"She wanted to know why you've been so rude to her. We're all going to be working together for a long while, and we can't be at each other's throats over petty differences."

"What did you tell her?" Jack gritted out.

"I wanted her to understand that it wasn't personal. That you hate all psychologists," Sydney smiled, teasing her father.

"Why is it so important that this woman likes me?"

"No reason. Just try to get to know her, Dad. She wasn't playing doctor at lunch. So she'll respect whatever boundaries you put up."

"Don't play matchmaker, Sydney. I will be civil and nothing more."

She sighed and nodded, then went back to work. Jack followed after her and was surprised to find Siobhan Porter waiting at his desk.

"What can I do for you?"

"Nothing in particular. I wanted to let you know that I'm willing to look past your hostility, and attempt a working relationship."

"Fine," he answered, curtly.

Siobhan frowned, knowing she'd been dismissed. "Well," she thought, "I guess I'll kill him with kindness."

Over the next few days, Siobhan made it a point to attempt a conversation with Jack every morning and afternoon. They were generally short, with Jack either giving her a long hard stare or walking away to signal the end of the discussion. She didn't know if she was making an impact or not.

Jack wasn't sure what to make of her. People did not seek him out for idle conversations. He didn't know if he was beginning to like her or if she was just completely annoying the hell out him. Yet there was a part of him, deep down, that couldn't help but enjoy the fact that a woman, other than his daughter, was willingly seeking him out to talk to him.

Late Friday afternoon, Jack looked up from more intel that had come in on Hamass to see Siobhan hovering.

"Can I help you?" he asked, coldly. He had a headache and was not in the mood for verbal hopscotch.

"Not really. But I'd like to help you."

"No, thanks," he replied and began shuffling around the papers. "What the hell had Sydney told this woman?" he thought, reflecting on his conversation with her earlier in the week.

"There's no reason to be so antagonistic," Siobhan had finally decided to come clean with Jack. "I told Sydney that I'd like to be your friend, as adolescent as that might sound."

"Why?"

"Because you need one."

Jack grabbed several files and walked briskly away from Siobhan, not sure why that comment affected him so much. Doggedly, she followed him out to his car.

"What is it about me that scares you so much, Agent Bristow?" Siobhan didn't know why she was pressing him; it wasn't like her.

"What is it that you want from me?" he countered.

"Whatever you can offer," she laid a hand on his forearm and felt him stiffen. "I won't push you, but please understand that I have no ulterior motive."

Jack didn't answer as she removed her hand and walked away. He was unsettled as he drove home. For some reason, Siobhan Porter haunted his thoughts. Even as he tried to steel himself against her, Jack could feel his resolve weakening.

Once home, he poured himself a glass of his favorite Irish whiskey. He couldn't trust the FBI, he just couldn't . . . and yet . . . There was something about her that made him want to . . . No. He wouldn't give in. Jack poured another drink and quickly tossed it back. He continued his pattern until he saw no more images of Siobhan. He managed to make it to his bed, where he fell asleep, fully clothed.

The next day was Saturday; Jack and Sydney usually had brunch together. Sydney let herself in at 11:15, surprised to find the door still locked and no sign of her father, let alone any food.

"Dad?" she called. "Did you forget it was your turn?" She made her way upstairs to his bedroom. She knocked on the door, wanting to alert him to her presence if he was 'indisposed.' There was still no answer, so she opened the door. She found Jack face down on the bed, suit rumpled and smelling like alcohol. "Dad," she shook him.

"Hmmpf . . . Wha . . .?"

"Dad, it's time to get up."

"Siny?" he slurred.

"Yeah. Let's get you something to change into. Come on, Dad, you gotta sit up."

"Oh, Sydney. It's Saturday, I'm gonna make you an extra speshul brunch!"

"God, you smell like a gin joint, Dad! Do you think you can manage a shower by yourself?"

"Of course!" Jack was indignant.

Sydney helped Jack to the bathroom and then made her way to the kitchen. Thirty minutes later, she had coffee brewing and bacon, eggs, and pancakes on the griddle. Jack entered, just as the last batch was finished.

"What can I get you?" she asked.

"Just coffee. Sydney, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have . . ."

"Here you go." Sydney had filled a plate for him in addition to the requested mug of coffee. She placed a hand on his shoulder before saying, "I don't know why you felt the need to drink last night. But you don't need to justify it to me."

"Sydney," Jack's voice was pained, "I'm not sure how to handle Dr. Porter."

She tried to keep her face neutral at his admission. She sat down across from him with her own plate. "Siobhan isn't trying to do anything other than her job, Dad. She wants to have a working relationship with everyone on the task force."

"I understand that, but . . ."

"Dad, haven't you ever been friends with a woman?"

"Besides your mother? No."

Sydney was shocked. Her father was a good-looking man. Even now, in his mid-fifties, he was a head turner; she saw the way female agents looked at him. She had to believe the same was true when he was in college.

"Don't look so surprised. I was very studious when I was younger, and very private," he quirked an eyebrow, daring her to laugh.

She raised her hands in defense, "I wasn't going to say anything."

"Your mother was the only woman I was ever friends with. I was never really comfortable with women unless it was in the context of work," Jack looked faintly embarrassed to be telling his daughter this. "I don't think I know how to have a social relationship with Dr. Porter.

"Why don't you let nature take its course. Let Siobhan guide your actions. And try not to yell at her anymore." Sydney thought a minute, "Maybe you two should have lunch together."

"Sydney . . ." he warned.

"Just kidding. Honestly, Dad, just take it slow."

Jack nodded thoughtfully.