pal

But he and his pals thought it would be the domestic version of the Peace Corps.

It reportedly contained a joking reference that "enigmas never age" and allegedly ended with the words: "A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday - and may every day be another wonderful secret."

The book chronicling their investigation grew out of another pandemic dynamic: socially distanced get-togethers with pals.

Schmidt and Farrell, old pals from their days together with Ireland, have not said a word out of place.

For mild comic relief, they also pal around with a robot named H.E.R.B.I.E., voiced by Matthew Wood.