1) They cannot take the money out of your pay or salary, unless you agree to let them do this.2) If they believe that you either intentionally caused the short (i.e. stole) or negligently (carelessly) caused it (for example, by leaving the register drawer open while you walked away, so someone could reach in and take the money), they could sue you to get the money back--though forÂ  $16, it's impossible to see how that would be worthwhile.3) If you do not have an employment contract or agreement of some kind protecting or guarantying your employment, you could be fired by your employer for essentialloy any reason--which includes them thinking you cost them money.