Remaining employed is a key to Martha’s stay-out-of-jail strategy. At her June 17 sentencing hearing, Martha will argue that 550 jobs depend on her freedom, say sources close to her case. But legal experts doubt the gambit will work. “the idea that no one other than Martha Stewart can pick out matching place mats seems a stretch,” says New York University law professor Harry First. Stewart is facing 15 to 21 months, says First. And the best way to reduce that is to admit guilt - which she hasn’t done yet. Martha seems to hear only the voices of her admirers as she works to remain free. “I just want to thank everyone for their support,” she proclaimed as she emerged from her probation meeting Monday. Back at her company, though, the hallways are buzzing with dark whispers about the fall of the house of Martha. Says one employee, “No one knows if their job is still going to be there in a couple of months.” That goes for the boss more than anyone.
