Stumped by ‘Seconds’? Here’s the answer!

As a detective delving deep into the mystery of the crossword clue “Seconds,” I put on my thinking cap and meticulously explored various possibilities. Initially, I pondered the idea of seconds in terms of time, but that direction didn’t seem to align with the crossword’s theme. My next line of investigation led me to consider seconds in the context of food – the additional servings one might desire after the first. This lead appeared more promising, but it still felt somewhat incomplete. Then, an epiphany struck me like a bolt of lightning. While contemplating the word “seconds,” I realized that it could be interpreted as an abbreviation of “aides” – meaning assistants or helpers. This rich wordplay aligned perfectly with the crossword’s cunning theme. With my sharp wit and clever insights, I solved the mystery and unmasked the answer as “aides.”