Perhaps the OP is really, really young, naïve and has little experience in the hobby.
Perhaps Lance and his brother have LOTS of experience scamming, lying, stealing from unsuspecting customers and even offering phony "dead" snake photos, complete with fake "blood".
I briefly bought into that crap back then even!
Perhaps Lance and his family members are adapt at creating fake names, phone #'s, accounts and ID's, and as soon as a connection was made here relative to the Bristol location, the OP got the first threatening texts/emails to delete the thread or offer "proof" it was NOT Lance Owens involved, lest his snakes be slaughtered or not returned. Makes perfect sense.
Perhaps the OP, in his youth and naiveté and as a newb really didn't think clearly about his credibility or posts here, knowing he'd really screwed up and gotten screwed in the process. Perhaps he bowed to pressure and threats by those who are accustomed to regularly using those tactics to intimidate victims they've scammed. Perhaps in his youth he knew his parents would be really p'd off!
I'll betcha I got shoes older than the OP. Age may not be an excuse, but naiveté and trust up against practiced lies, deceit and theft? Sometimes it makes kids desperate to make it right without thinking about the long-term consequences.
My bet is now with the OP and I would rather teach than skewer a young hobbyist/enthusiast.
