Chad Ayers on the stand for the defense now. Testifying to “going out with” Nabors following her separation. He is formally with Greenville sheriffs office. 
Ayers now reading messages between himself and Nabors. She accuses him of taking money from Lewis to spy on her. Refers to herself as "his dream woman."
Another text: "You piece of ---- I have every text you've ever sent. I have it all over of you calling Will a stalker and everything." Says this was a reaction of Nabors after Ayers told Lewis he had dated her.
Says their relationship had ended several weeks if not months prior to that. Defense done, prosecution on cross now.
Brackett pointing out that there are many emojis around these texts. Says the first text from Nabors was "I'm scared." Brackett asks if this was a joke. Ayers says yes.
Ayers says Nabors gradually became scared. Says he was aware of some of the details between Lewis and Nabors but not all of them. Says he was only aware of the kiss, not anything sexual in nature. Says Nabors felt intimidated and manipulated by Lewis.
Ayers says he could not have openly dated Nabors. Says this is because deputies were instructed to leave Nabors alone. Says he did not go out in public with Nabors, parked his car in her garage when he went over. Said he did this so it did not get back to Lewis.
Says if this got back to Lewis "it would not be good." Says toward the end Nabors was "distressed." Confirms she went to Florida to "hide out" essentially.
Ayers reads text messages. "He has made his bed. Let him sleep in it." Reads one of his messages. "I'm not going to be a whore secretary." reads one of Nabors' messages.
Cross is over. Onto redirect.
Wise asking Ayers to look at another set of texts between himself and Nabors. Prosecution is questioning relevance. Hands messages to judge to read. Judge will allow.
Ayers reading the messages now. Says Nabors' is asking if he wanted to be with her and questioning their relationship. Ayers says Nabors was trying to manipulate him.
Says he and Lewis had several conversations about him dating Nabors. Says Lewis was never angry with him and never disciplined him.
Wise showing another set of text to Ayers. He confirms he recognizes them. Ayers reading them.
Ayers is excused.
