Alison's associate? (4)
I believe the answer is:
ally
I believe this is a double definition.
'alison's' is the first definition.
(Ally can be short for Alison)
'associate?' is the second definition.
(ally is a kind of associate)
(Other definitions for ally that I've seen before include "Supporter in a conflict" , "Crony" , "One in cooperation with another" , "Fighting partner" , "Co-operative friend" .)