Or maybe Claire's dad just brainwashed him? Though I like the blackmailing theory better.

I wish I hadn't loaned out my tapes of the first few episodes, because I'd have to go watch those scenes with Syler trying to kidnap the girl again and see if time-wise it was possible for Syler to be the pixie lady (who is *way* too innocent to really be innocent--even if she's not Syler I'm sure she has some sinister agenda).