Who is James from The Contender and what is their importance?

James Mosley is Alfred’s best friend. The two were inseparable. As children, Alfred and James found a cave in the park that became their secret place. As the story opens, James has been spending time with Major and the neighborhood hoodlums. As a result, the two drift apart, and James turns to theft and heroin. He has drifted further away from Alfred. Alfred blames himself when James is arrested while trying to rob Epsteins’ store. James doesn’t blame him. He pulls further away from Alfred, eventually becoming addicted to heroin. After James is hurt robbing Epsteins’ for a second time, Alfred finds him in their secret cave and promises to help him get off drugs and get his life back.