Thus far, the current idea is that Chris' car has broken down on him during his travels, getting him to interact and hold some conversation prior with Piper. Is that correct? He could be coming to collect his car, inviting another interaction - about the aforementioned injuries - or some other mechanism such as having his card declined or the like? Something to credibly bind the two together before I put my pieces into motion; they're not going anywhere and can be easily reforged, whereas your characters I would rather not alter or bend.