Loretta,

By no means were YOU frustrating me, just the scenario.  You have, however, provided a little more detail pertaining to your concerns.  I will say again, however, determine your target market area(s).  Determine your pricing, determine your "compromise percentage for pricing", determine your needed "return on investment" and finally, determine your acceptable fall-out. 

Once done, add to the mix a percentage of "walk-on" or "backup abstracting work" you are willing to undertake, what days you will entertain it (so it does not take away from your steady work flow) and communicate to this particular client the ramifications of using you as a "back-up".  You never know, they may become loyal clients who use you on a more consistent basis in the future. 

Well, I have babbled enough, nice communicating with you.  If there is anything else I can do to help you, please feel free to email me....JT