[Classic Heartbeat]

Wouldn't be a short anywhere. If it were a short it would arc out and either get the wires hot or burn them up.
Bad connections could be the problem, just take the wires all loose and clean up the connectors and reinstall. (I do mean all of them. Even the ones where it plugs into the fuse panel) It wouldn't hurt to do that anyway.
If the problem isn't solved then start looking into a new ignition switch or starter solenoid.
If when you turn the key, you get absolutely nothing, not even a click, then that would rule out the solenoid. If you get a loud click that means low battery, or poor starter alignment. A somewhat quieter click could mean stickey solenoid.
None of that however will not rule out the ignition switch or the nutral safety switch.
Try turning the key while wiggeling the shift lever a little back and fourth. If it starts it is a shift linkage adjustment problem. If the problem is on the electrical side of the nutral safety switch it either works or it doesn't.
You can check the ignition switch just by trying to turn the key repeatedly. If it sometimes works and not others then replace it.

None of these tests are set in stone nor do they garantee success. They are rule of thumb and a good starting point. Good luck, WES