SOLUTION TO PUZZLE NO. 12,196

Across: 1 Duct; 3 Staff car; 8 Shun; 9 Catriona; 11 Bespectacled; 13 Salary; 14 Aspire; 17 Keeps one’s own; 20 Asteroid; 21 Tire; 22 Standing; 23 Less.

Down: 1 Disabuse; 2 Counsel; 4 Traits; 5 Forecaster; 6 Close; 7 Road; 10 Be prepared; 12 Reinters; 15 Idolise; 16 Notion; 18 Extra; 19 Ways.