Aww, poor clark!!
Yes, I'm a meber of the "Perry must Know or at least suspect"-fraction, because otherwise Clark would be fired long ago.
But it was a good idea to say him "You need better excusions!". i love this one!
I really do think Perry knowing/suspecting makes the most sense. He would have skinned Clark alive otherwise.
Glad you had fun with the story! It was a blast to write!