Henchman
Else clues• Ally
• Amigo
• Associate
• Back-room fellow
• Bosom buddy
• Bud
• Chum
• Close companion
• Close friend
• Close pal
• Cohort
• Compadre
• Confidant
• Familiar friend
• Friend
• Friend that goes way back
• Good buddy
• Intimate
• Long-time pal
• Mate, and a hint to the starts of this puzzle's four longest answers
• Old buddy
• Old friend
• Old pal
• One of the gang
• Pal
• Patronage beneficiary
• Political ally
• Sidekick
• A close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities