Short in fuse #16 2002 mercury Sable no crank no start

What is your question?

I left my 2002 mercury Sable parked in the garage for the summer and didn't disconnect the battery. I had started and moved it a few times through out the summer and now in October it won't crank over. I've charged and tested the battery, it's testing good. I turn the key to accessory mode and the dash lights come on, headlights, everything works but won't crank. I can hear relays clicking and the starter click once. I checked fuses, the test light shut off on fuse #3 under the hood, and found #16 under the steering column. I replaced the 40amp and 15 amp fuses, even though they weren't broken. I am not sure where to go from here. The starter isn't a year old, I am not sure which source in fuse #16 is causing the vehicle to not start.

How long has your 2002 Mercury Sable had this problem?

I've been learning and testing for one week.