We were waiting for Our Little Alice was late.

"Boss where is she?" I tapped my stop watch and scanned the water. Just off the towards our far left a group of 5 figures climbed, drenched, out of the water onto the filthy wooden docks. Strolling over casually it appeared Little Alice had picked up some ankle biters.

She spat up water and looked up at me, daring me to speak. Her hair was a rich shade of mahogany. It flowed in waves to adorn her glowing, porcelain-like skin. Her eyes, framed by long lashes, were a bright, emerald-green and seemed to brighten the world. A straight nose, full lips - she seemed the picture of perfection. Had she smiled, the world would sigh with contentment. Had she laughed, the world would laugh with her. And had she wept, the whole world would want to comfort her.

"Excuse me Sir may I have a hand?" delicate fingers brushed my gloved hands and I lifted her from the ground as if she weighed no more than a feather. The small children huddled around her legs, all dressed in thin white, see through linen. She covered herself.

I motioned for my men to come forward. They picked up the children who wailed but soon quietened when Alice sent them a terrifying look.

"Why Hello Alice, you're late." She turned and spat up some water her delicate eyebrows raised slightly.

Those beautiful eyes bore into mine "What am I late for?" Her voice was airy and melodic. I wrapped my arm around her shivering shoulder and we walked down the docks with the others in tow. "Oh my little Alice. You're late for the tea party"

Her eyes sparkled "Oh I love tea! Mother said never take anything from strangers" I stopped, mock gasping "BUT ALICE! I have known you all my life. I'm uncle Jervis and you're little Alice"

She nodded as if she truly believed it. Her mind was an unused playground ripe for the destruction.

We arrived at the car and we got in the back. It quickly took off. "Where are my little ones?" I pondered this for a moment.

"They should be arriving at our house this very moment. I've missed you dearly Alice... I'll forgive you for being late." she smiled broadly. The car stopped outside the small 2 story house which was our HQ.

I stepped out and assisted Alice out also. Arms linked we walked up the stone path to the front door, which someone opened for us. As we stepped inside four small children ran forward and hugged her.

I also smiled at them, ruffling their hair. "Who is this Ally?" A tiny miniature Alice tugged at her dress. I bent down close and smiled at her.

"I'm uncle Jervis my dear White Rabbit, oh and look Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, my have you grown! Oh and little Chesh your smile is as wide as the Cheshire Cat's... quite fitting I think" I broke out in a fit of laughter.

Little Alice smiled at big Alice. "Look Ally it's Uncle Jervis"

The small ones were easiest to control.