Who is Chris Flynn from The Dead and the Gone and what is their importance?

Chris Flynn is an intelligent, wealthy young man, who attends St. Vincent de Paul school with Alex. He is from a well to do family, whereas Alex's family is not well off. Chris sees Alex as a challenge to him intellectually and respects him for being able to push him and drive him in a way others cannot. When he leaves town, Chris gives Alex his father's number as a point of contact in emergencies, and he helps to protect him by pointing him in the direction of his own friend, Kevin Daley. Kevin becomes a true blessing to Alex and his family.